Reggie Pearl is transforming crystal-shop mysticism into witchy bedroom pop

In a world where musical trajectories often follow prescribed formulas, Reggie Pearl stands as a refreshing anomaly. The Missouri-to-Los Angeles transplant approaches music not as a pathway to fame but as a sacred vessel for emotional expression. Pearl responds to my questions while lounging in the California sunshine, her cat, Baby, curled up nearby. Though our interview unfolds through the clinical exchange of email rather than face to face, there’s something almost supernatural about how her personality leaps from the screen. Her words crackle with the same warmth and unpredictability you’d expect if she were gesticulating wildly across a coffee shop table from you, laughing between thoughtful reflections.

So, what’s Pearl, 25, all about? Pay a visit to her website (which reads more like a Y2K MySpace page than a bonafide platform to promote herself), and you’ll find declarations that her music “PAIRS WELL WITH SMOKING BLUNTS, 1992 BATMAN RETURNS, FALLOUT VIDEO GAME LORE […] LOVE SPELLS AND CANDLE MAGIC”. I’m left with the impression she might just be the Honor Levy of the music world. That said, there’s something distinctly spiritual about Pearl’s approach. During our chat she refers to her body as “an altar” and her performances as “sacred acts”. It’s a mystical quality that extends beyond mere aesthetics. It could even be said that it manages to find its way into the very fabric of how she navigates the industry. But no matter how her star rises, it feels like Pearl will always be that girl who’s stoked to be at Chateau Marmont, having her “main character moment”.

Amber Rawlings: How’s life treating you at the moment?

Reggie Pearl: I’m doing pretty good, other than the fact that every time I open any social media I learn something truly terrifying about the state of the world. I’ve recently settled into Los Angeles, which is a new city for me. I’m enjoying things like being a good neighbour and having a bit more structure in my day. I’m currently sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine on my porch with my cat. His name is Baby.

AR: Can you tell us about any projects you’re working on?

RP: I’m excited about an upcoming single I’ve just recorded with one of my best friends, Aiden Marceron. I’m not sure if it’s part of a bigger project yet, but I love how writing one song can make you envision so many universes and possibilities. Recently I’ve been feeling so inspired — maybe it’s because I have a crush, and maybe that’s because I’m a Libra. I was lucky to record a music video with an amazing animator and friend, Hamish McCallion, who was just visiting from NYC. I am hoping to release the song — and video — in May!

AR: How would you describe your sound?

RP: It’s an amalgamation of all the great music I’ve found throughout my life. I think my sound is very honest and passionate — heavy percussion, vocals or lyrics that contrast with light strings and melodies. I take a lot of inspiration from indie rock, jazz, folk and outsider music.

AR: Who are your greatest inspirations as a musician?

RP: I’ve had so many different icons throughout my life. But the timeline went something like this — Judy Garland when I was eight, then Taylor Swift and Corinne Bailey Rae when I was ten. When I turned 12, I got really into Motown and soul music, which led me to Amy Winehouse, who inspired me to sing in a jazz band at high school. I always fixate on an artist’s discography and life for a few months, then I sort of carry a part of what I learnt and put it into my own music. My latest favourite is Blossom Dearie, a remarkable jazz pianist, vocalist and composer from the bebop era. Oh, and Betty Carter — she’s more avant-garde.

This excerpt was taken from HUNGER Issue 34: Fight Back. Stay tuned for the full story.