Jessica Pratt Talks About Her Breakthrough Album Here in the Pitch, Collaborations with A$AP Rocky, and Reflections on Time.
Jessica Pratt is captivated by the hidden stories of Los Angeles, particularly how they intertwine with time and human experience. On a scorching September day, the folk singer-songwriter, whose popularity has surged recently, finds herself at a café near the iconic La Brea tar pits.
Pratt, 37, reflects on the significance of the prehistoric elements beneath the city. “This kind of prehistoric life emanating from the earth is very moving to me,” she shares, her signature black eyeliner accentuating her expressive eyes. She emphasizes that creating art often involves exploring complex themes, requiring an artist to unravel intricate threads.
This exploration is evident in her latest album, Here in the Pitch, released in May. The nine-track collection feels timeless, echoing the essence of Laurel Canyon while remaining intimate and engaging.
Clocking in at just under thirty minutes, Pitch showcases Pratt’s signature warm acoustic guitar and lullaby-like vocals, enhanced by influences from bossa nova and the Shangri-Las.
Throughout Pitch, Pratt contemplates time’s dualities—light and darkness, beginnings and endings. In “The Last Year,” she sings, “I think it’s gonna be fine / I think we’re gonna be together / And the storyline goes forever.” The album opener, “Life Is,” succinctly states: “Time is time and time and time again,” accompanied by gentle bongos.
Pratt notes that she is at a stage in life where many reflect on their past and future. “If you feel like you’ve wasted some time, that can be frightening to confront,” she admits.
She began crafting Pitch shortly after her previous album, 2019’s Quiet Signs, which was marked by its introspective nature. While she doesn’t label Pitch as a pandemic album, she acknowledges that existential themes inevitably seeped into her work.
For this album, Pratt embraced collaboration more than ever before.
Her earlier albums were primarily solo recordings featuring just her voice and guitar. However, with Pitch, she invited contributions from other musicians, including her husband Matt McDermott. The result is a richer sound that still retains its understated charm, reminiscent of California’s musical landscape.
Pratt’s journey began in Redding, California, where she started recording at 16. After moving to San Francisco, her demos caught the attention of Tim Presley from White Fence, who founded Birth Records to sign her. Over the years, Pratt has gained recognition within critical circles but has recently begun to reach a broader audience.
Last year marked a turning point when pop artist Troye Sivan sampled her work in his song “Can’t Go Back, Baby.” More recently, rapper A$AP Rocky featured her on his August single “Highjack,” showcasing an unexpected blend of their musical worlds.
As Pratt continues to evolve as an artist, Here in the Pitch stands as a testament to her growth and exploration of deeper themes within her music.
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