Q&A: Ali Coyle Crafts Sonic Magic in the Dream-Folk and Indie Rock Realms
IN THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF CONTEMPORARY INDIE MUSIC - Ali Coyle stands out as a luminary, intertwining dream-folk and indie rock. Her 2021 debut EP, Songs For My Therapist, showcased her prowess in crafting emotive melodies that garnered acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Based in Orange County, California, Ali Coyle's musical odyssey, marked by her classical violin roots and later mastery of the electric guitar, is a testament to her distinctive songwriting.
Ali's latest single, "Dreamkiller," takes listeners on a playful yet empowering sonic journey. This tongue-in-cheek ode to fears marries dream-folk and indie rock seamlessly, featuring sticky guitar hooks and harmonies echoing different musical eras. Accompanied by a cinematic music video, "Dreamkiller" encapsulates a narrative of realization, empowerment, and friendship with a dark and comedic undertone.
In our exclusive interview, Ali Coyle delves into the inspiration behind "Dreamkiller," her approach to merging diverse musical elements, and the collaborative process behind the music video.
LUNA: “Dreamkiller" is described as a tongue-in-cheek love letter to fears. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and how the concept evolved into this playfully dark yet empowering sonic journey?
COYLE: The title, “Dreamkiller,” had been floating around in my head for years but it never quite found its way to official song-hood. I loved the idea of pairing the sinister title up with the song’s opening guitar riff, written by my bandmate and co-writer, Brandon Ramirez. The guitar part gave us warm and cheeky Cardigans-like energy, and it gave direction for the lyrics to go down this sweet and sour path. I wanted to validate the feeling of being in love, and the imperfections that come along with it. Sometimes, it’s easier to ignore the warning signs and enjoy things the way they are, but ultimately in order to grow, you must face your fears.
LUNA: The song blends dream-folk with indie rock, featuring sticky guitar hooks and harmonies reminiscent of different eras. How did you approach merging these diverse musical elements, and what did you want to convey through this fusion?
COYLE: My band and I recorded the music on a retreat, up in Idyllwild, at this incredible studio called The Music Box. It was fitted with some really special vintage instruments. A lot of what we created was sparked up in the moment, and there is nothing more special than that. What started as a guitar part that gave us that late 90’s early 00’s Alt Rock energy shifted towards this dreamy nostalgic and more vintage vibe. We incorporated layers of sparkly Nashville tuned acoustic guitars, Wurlitzer piano, vibraphone, and tons of percussion that rooted itself in the punchy drums and baseline. I think the vocal harmonies and horn solo at the end really drove home this inspiration of mid century lovey soul songs. The synth hooks in the chorus were always a core part of the vision as well, and I think they lend a more modern color to the production. (My bandmates are Brandon Ramirez, Ben Kashek, Timmy Andrews, and Shaun Carmer.)
LUNA: The music video for the track has a great story to follow along. Can you share a bit about the making of the video?
COYLE: The music video was so fulfilling to create because it was a collaboration with people I love. My partner, Sarah Vargas, and long time friend, Michael Klein, directed the video, and I co-produced it along with them, my bandmate, Brandon, and his wife Laura, who also did hair and makeup on set. The editing was artfully executed by Justin Green.
The story was inspired by the lyrics in the song and its motifs surrounding life and death. I was thinking about the song and the idea of “dead weight,” and thought it would be funny to actually be walking around with a plastic skeleton as my partner. It reminded me of the scenario where your friend is dating someone you know is wrong for them, but they’ll never listen to you until they finally see it for themself. Ultimately, good friends are always there for you, and my bandmates played the perfect role in the video in helping me overcome my Dreamkiller.
The shoot took place over 3 nights, the third being on location out in Morongo Valley. We shot through the night into the sunrise, so that last scene really captures this weathered and triumphant energy.
LUNA: As a multi-instrumentalist, how do you decide on the instrumentation for a song like "Dreamkiller," and what role does each instrument play in conveying the emotions you want to express?
COYLE: Recording at The Music Box in Idyllwild allowed us to be inspired by what was there in the moment. There are no digital instruments or samples on this track, even down to the intro beat, which was recorded from an old Acetone drum machine. Everything happened by instinct and we just did our best to serve the sentiment behind the song.
The verses were left more open to allow the somber questions of the lyrics to walk alongside the guitar’s friendly responses, and be grounded in the simple beat. When the chorus comes in, it is very full and declarative of both love and desperation. The synth sounds were established early on, and I think they convey emotions of romance that slowly shift towards this world of fantasy and delusion. In the end, there is a feeling of release and a growing acceptance that is brought to light in the chord changes and choir-like vocals. The death of the Dreamkiller is ultimately honored by a flugelhorn solo, performed by Shaun Carmer. That is one of my favorite parts of the song, and something that was completely inspired by the momentum of the recording experience.
LUNA: Your voice has been described as haunting and angelic. How do you think your vocal style contributes to the overall atmosphere of your music, especially in a song like "Dreamkiller"?
COYLE: What is always most important to me is conveying sincerity and a level of intimacy in my vocal tone. I naturally have a more ethereal and floaty quality to my voice, and I think that allows me to use harmonies in ways that weave around instrumentation and add dimension in a really delicate way.
LUNA: How have you seen your approach to songwriting and music production evolved over the years?
COYLE: I’m always looking to grow as a musician in any way I can. I’m often the first person to say yes to something, especially if it is just out of my comfort zone. I think that helps push me forward and absorb new knowledge along the way.
Over the years, I have been really lucky to work with incredible producers such as Dave Tweedie and Tom Rasulo, who produced my first EP, Songs For My Therapist. Dave has been one of my biggest mentors throughout my career and being able to take a seat in his world and experience his process has taught me so much. Tom and I grew up together and fell in love with music jamming in my parents garage as kids. He has now gone on to become an incredible drummer and producer, and it has been amazing crossing paths as we continue our musical pursuits.
Dreamkiller was my first official venture into the production world. I co-produced the song with Brandon Ramirez and Timmy Andrews played an integral role in bringing the song to life with his mixing. This song is so special because the production of both the song and music video was all done in house through collaboration with my bandmates, partner, and friends.
LUNA: Being a first-generation American and an openly queer artist, how has your identity influenced your music, and what message do you aim to convey to your audience through your songs?
COYLE: I feel like there is a gentle strength behind my music that comes from connecting with my Irish heritage and openly queer being. By understanding and relating my personal struggles to that of Irish and queer history, I feel proud to be part of the movement forward. As a queer artist, music began as a way for me to safely express myself through poetry. Today, I hope to convey a message of empowerment and solidarity in fighting for yourself and others and to celebrate all that comes with being unique.
LUNA: What does the rest of 2023 have in store for ya?
COYLE: I’m riding the Dreamkiller wave and hard at work on a new record to be released in 2024.
