INTERVIEW with pop singer-songwriter Hello Lightfoot

INTERVIEW with pop singer-songwriter Hello Lightfoot

Pop singer-songwriter Hello Lightfoot, aka Jessica Louise Dye, released her solo debut single/music video, “Twenty-Seven,” not long ago. As the frontwoman for surf-pop band High Waisted, she’s known for not only her vocal talent but her dazzling licks on guitar.

She’s also celebrated as a party arranger and has toured most of North America, playing Riot Fest and SXSW, along with writing for NPR and appearing on a compilation with Atmosphere, Lenny Kaye, and Bikini Kill. Hello Lightfoot’s debut EP will release in 2022.

Rippling with vibrant electro-pop savours topped by Dye’s delicate and posh yet potent voice, “Twenty-Seven” shimmers with plush sonic textures.

XS Noize spoke with Hello Lightfoot to learn more about her favourite guitar, the origin of her unique name, and what inspires her songwriting.

What inspired your new single, “Twenty-seven?”

Fairy tales. Kids stories. Submission. The lengths we’ll go when we’re desperate for someone’s love.

Talking gear for a moment, what kind of guitar do you play and why?

I have many, but my prized possession is a mint green 1963 Fender Jazzmaster with P90 pickups. You can feel the years this guitar has lived through every note.

What got you into music?

What got you into breathing? I joke. I couldn’t imagine a more efficient way to express myself or connect to people.

What’s the story behind the name Hello Lightfoot? 

It’s a moniker I picked up over ten years ago. It came from an old highway exit sign I saw while driving through Virginia on a romantic getaway once.

Which artists/musicians had the most impact on your sound?

I have been more impacted by the people I have worked with or supported in my local music scene than anyone else. I do have a deep respect and appreciation for Diana Ross, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Feist, and St. Vincent.

Did your sound develop naturally over time, or did you push it deliberately in a specific direction?

It’s been a natural growing process. My likes and dislikes in music have changed so much throughout this process, and it’s been beneficial to make my music more diverse.

Which artists, in your opinion, are killing it right now?

Chai just did a song with Duran Duran. Blu DeTigre and her bass skills are, wow. And Caroline Polachek is about to tour with Dua Lipa. It’s an excellent time for women in music.

What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?

NYC is my biggest inspiration. I sometimes think of the city as a secret bandmate.

What can your fans expect over the next six months? New material? Live gigs? 

I’ll be releasing my debut EP in 2022, with some fun singles coming out from now til’ then. Be on the lookout for new music videos and definitely some live dates!

Follow Hello Lightfoot Instagram | Twitter

Xsnoize Author
Randall Radic 216 Articles
Randy Radic lives in Northern California where he smokes cigars, keeps snakes as pets, and writes about music and pop culture. Fav artists/bands: SpaceAcre, Buddy Miller, Post Malone, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, and he’s a sucker for female-fronted dream-pop bands.

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