Interview: Lostboycrow on 'Santa Fe'— Black Mirror, Used Guitars, & More

Photo: Samantha Sheldon

What would you say was the biggest inspiration behind your newest album, Santa Fe?

The process. I think I was most inspired by some very fundamental parts of my life I had been neglecting that could no longer stay dormant. I couldn't help but go back to writing heavily on the guitar, which in turn made the songs take on a very completely different tone, lyrically as well as sonically. I was remembering, I was relearning, with the perspective of now.

The last two lines of "Violet Sky": “I was in the backseat / Devil's in the backseat” — is that a reference to your earlier song “Devil’s in the Backseat?” If so, what drew you to tie those two songs together?

It is indeed. I love cross-referencing between songs, entire albums, projects. I think as artists we create our own worlds and invite others to live with us in those worlds even for a short time. The references to me are always a sort of reassurance and a beautiful reminder of the journey we've been on together.

Which lyric off the album is your favorite?

"Belief is a telescope that nobody taught you how to hold." [from the song “Orange Juice”]

The song "San Junipero"— is that a reference to the Black Mirror episode titled "San Junipero?" If so, how did the episode influence the song?

It absolutely is in reference to the episode. The group of us who were in Santa Fe had formed a habit pretty early on of watching a Black Mirror episode before bed every night. Somewhere in there, we landed on "San Junipero" and I remember being so deeply affected by the story and tone of the whole thing that I believe I seriously posed the idea of making the entire album around it. Ultimately, it led to my favorite song on the album which fit perfectly in the middle of this time looping journey towards gratitude and self-discovery.

Santa Fe album art

How would you say this album differs from previous EPs/singles?

The process really was a lot more unique in comparison. It was much more intentional. Really setting out with my close friends (literally going to a different location) to make an album from the very beginning instead of realizing that there were enough songs or certain themes to start shifting into a project. It was the goal from the very start and I think it shows in the music and songwriting a bit more.

The west coast seems to be a recurring theme throughout the album. How has the west coast influenced your music, specifically the title track "Santa Fe?"

Growing up in Oregon and now residing in Southern California I feel like I've just been exposed to maybe a certain mentality and certain styles that have definitely resonated with me—I've always been pretty obsessed with living in California and the Beach Boys/surfy guitars and background vocals as well.

Which song was the most fun to write?

Oof. I could no sooner choose amongst the stars in the heavens but if I had to emphasize one, in particular, I think the title track "Santa Fe". It began with just me and an acoustic I’d picked up at an old used shop in Santa Fe. I went up to the roof to try and find my voice a bit (I had been extremely ill with the flu) and came down with the song. I’d say it was the most collaborative musically which is why it stands out in my mind as such a fun process. The gang vocals at the end, with all of us walking in circles around a mic shouting "we could be strong" while looking at each other and trying not to laugh while the cold crisp high desert air wrapped around us with the sun will stay with me till the day I die.