Yesterday, British singer/songwriter Billie Marten kicked off her current Stateside run with a late-afternoon set at this year’s edition of Treefort Music Fest in Boise. And tonight she officially commences a three-week solo headlining run of the US, which will conclude with an April 18th stop at The Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, her first show in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection since she opened Tennis’ last-ever local stop at Franklin Music Hall last May. It will also be her first official visit to the 215 since dropping Dog Eared, her fifth full-length, which hit shelves last July via Fiction Records and which she’s been touring basically ever since. Earlier this month, I got a chance to chat with Billie Marten about Dog Eared, a decade of doing music professionally, and her current North American tour, which will have her joined by our phriend Squirrel Flower, whose recently released single “Wheels” features both Marten and Babehoven…
Izzy Cihak: Your fifth full-length, Dog Eared, dropped the better part of a year ago. What have been some of the highlights or standout moments of touring the album, or just getting the songs out there in general? I haven’t seen you live since the album dropped, but I did see you a little prior when you were supporting Tennis last May, which made for a totally amazing evening.
Billie Marten: Since the record came out, the general rhythm of life has escalated somewhat. I’ve really been surprised by how people have connected with the tunes, and it’s been a pleasure to travel the world these past 18 months. Highlights include shows little and large, but mostly I’m just feeling that the album has life. Its own life. I can be there to nurture it or not, and it’ll stand on its own feet. That’s somewhat of a relief I think.
Izzy: Have you had any favorite fan reactions to the new material?
Billie: My fans are truly remarkable. They all seem to have a strong creative curve running through their bodies, so because of that I often receive incredible pieces of art; sculpture, paintings, drawings, songs, letters, jewelry, trinkets, many, many pieces of crochet and knitting. I’m feeling a strong sense of warmth and acceptance throughout the shows, so there seems to be a widespread unity there of brilliant people coming together. I love them and they keep me going.
Izzy: Do you currently have a favorite album track? I have a monthly radio show – Philthy Radio on Y-Not Radio – and I was going to play an album track to promote the show, and I’d be more than happy to play your own personal favorite.
Billie: Let’s go for “Goodnight Moon” since we don’t play that one live as much, I feel that radio is a good format for that song.
Izzy: You’re gearing up for a big US tour in the very near future. Are there any shows you’re especially excited about on these dates or cities you’re just especially excited to revisit?
Billie: Back again! Can’t believe it. There are a few cities I haven’t yet been to – Fort Collins, Cleveland, Charlottesville. I’m excited to sink my teeth into the south and really get to know it. Usually, we’re just passing through Texas or Tennessee, so this is quite a nice treat for me. Philadelphia always has a strong crowd identity which I’m looking forward to seeing again.
Izzy: The tour actually wraps right here in Philadelphia in The Sanctuary of the First Unitarian Church, which is more than 200 years old (which is a lot in America, haha). What can be expected of the live show this time around? It’s actually the same night that Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman are here, but I’m hyping this as the show to see that night.
Billie: That’s semi-old! Are the other two playing in churches? Perhaps that’s my USP. Religious ambience with a hint of British cynicism. We’ll go with that. It’s a solo tour, so I’ll be playing essentially whichever songs people want to hear that night. I am at their mercy. I’m wondering if this gig is also seated, which means the weary people can rest their bones for a couple of hours. Another plus. Was that convincing enough of a pitch?
[Update: In fact checking after the interview (not the best journalism practice, on my end…), I realized that while The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia is more than 200 years old, the building itself didn’t actually open until 1886… although I think that’s still pretty old by American standards…]
Izzy: I was so excited to see that you’ll be joined on this run by Squirrel Flower, who I’m a huge fan of and have seen and chatted with numerous times. What are your thoughts on Ella and her music? Are you excited to be on the road with her?
Billie: Ella is brilliant, and a new friend of mine. I’m going to be soothed and fascinated by her every night so it’s a real treat for me. She tells me she’s doing some sort of camping/hiking tour combination – brave soldier – so I’m looking forward to hearing her midnight tales of the road.
Izzy: Not to detract from your recent music, but your debut album, Writing of Blues and Yellows, actually turns 10 this September. I know you haven’t really been playing any of that music recently, but what are your thoughts on that record ten years later?
Billie: Thanks for reminding me. That’s a long time. I’ll have to listen to it on the anniversary, which I think is the 23rd? That was a very important day for me when that came out. I look back on that time with distance but love and I’m treating my past self in the same manner. It was a lot of experimentation, testing, reaching, a lot of feelings to distill into one first record. I’m glad I always have it to remind me of evolution.
Izzy: Finally, what are you hoping for after this North American run? I know that you have a handful of big summer shows, but are they going to essentially wrap the album cycle, or do you have more plans for Dog Eared?
Billie: Dog Eared is well and truly off the lead now, so who knows where it’ll end up. The year is slightly kinder in terms of the amount of shows so I’m planning on tinkering away on something in between dates. Shape unknown as of yet. I’m looking forward to a London summer though; I haven’t had one of those in a while. Madness lies there but also deep inspiration and freedom.
*Get your tickets here.
