is ready to evolve. The project is steered by Chicago-based artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist , and it slim but entrancing catalogue is replete with gems.
New album ‘Say A Prayer To The Gods Of Getting Going’ – out now , as it happens – is her most impactful and in-depth release to date, veering from crunchy indie rock to moments of space rock grandeur.
Aligning with co-producers and to build out her vision, Squirrel Flower later set up shop alongside (MJ Lenderman, Wednesday, Waxahatchee) at his Drop of Sun studios in Asheville, NC.
Broadening her vision, the record is held together by the assurance of her performances, and – in particular – the narrative approach of her lyricism.
Duly inspired, CLASH caught up with Squirrel Flower to explore her literary influences for Their Library.
What is your favourite book and why?
I know this is a cop out but I really can’t answer this question. I don’t have a one favourite anything!! How could one ever know…or decide????
What other authors do you like?
I really enjoy biographies. I like reading about how other people live… a view into the struggles and paths of other artists and musicians. Especially , a collection of essays by Lydia Lunch, , Kim Gordon’s autobiography, and Hold On To Your Dreams, Arthur Russell’s biography.
I also recently read the Notebooks of Sonny Rollins, can’t recommend it more.
What draws you to certain books?
Descriptions. Imagery. weaving webs about the great mysteries of time, life, love, art, revolution.
Do your literary influences have a direct impact on your songwriting?
With this new record definitely. I was reading a lot of while writing the record, and for a good chunk of that time I was in the desert of New Mexico, reading these books with the most breathtaking descriptions of desert landscape, of journeys and age and death while being overcome by all of that in my own life. It all made its way into the songs I was writing.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading the Joni Mitchell biography Reckless Daughter and I’m also reading David Wojnerowicz’ book Close To The Knives.
What is the first book you remember reading as a child?
My great grandfather wrote a series of feminist children’s books that had the most wonderful illustrations by the artist Friso Henstra. Those books are my first literary memories.
The Practical Princess is one of my favourites of that collection. She saves herself, and she saves a despondent prince who can’t save himself. Ah, the poetry.
Have you ever found a book that you simply couldn’t finish?
2666 by Roberto Bolaño. That book is terrifying. It gradually descends into this dark hypnotic tone that you don’t even realize until you’re already too deep in it. Got too scared and had to stop.
Would you ever re-read the same book?
Yes! When I was in high school I had a copy of Persepolis that I read every single night for months. over and over again. I’d stay up til 3am reading it every night.
‘Say A Prayer To The Gods Of Getting Going’ is out now.