Entertainment
THE INSIDER: HOLLY MIRANDA
the former jealous girlfriend breaks out.
Holly Miranda is a musical force to be reckoned with. Although we loved her as one-fourth of the rock band The Jealous Girlfriends, we're even more hooked on her solo sound. Her latest album, The Magician's Private Library, is a collection of dreamy, soulful tracks that pack a powerful punch- and trust us, it's even better live.
We talked with the singer about moving to NYC at age 16, performing with friends, and being compared to Cat Power.
Let's start from the beginning. How did you know you wanted to do music? When I was young there was always music around. I grew up playing in church with a full band and a choir. I started playing piano when I was 6 or 7, and then I taught myself to play guitar at 13 or 14.
You moved to NYC as a teenager. How was it, moving there so young? It was totally terrifying. I would carry my little guitar to places in the East Village and get up in front of people. It's always scary playing your words in front of other people.
How did The Magician's Private Library come about? While I was performing with The Jealous Girlfriends, I was also doing solo stuff and recording demos. Dave Sitek [TV On The Radio] was one of my friends, and it seemed really natural that he would produce my solo record, so I went in and made it with him.
How is your solo sound different than The Jealous Girlfriends? I think that my sound is more of a mashup of what I do solo and what Dave does. The Jealous Girlfriends was more of a writing collective. It wasn't just one voice, it was four.
Who are your favorite musicians to perform with? I loved playing with the Antlers and the XX; whenever we get to go on tour with our friends it's more fun. I also played at The Sydney Opera House with Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, and all these incredibles. That was amazing.
People have compared you to everyone from Feist to Cat Power. How do you feel about being compared with other bands? I try not to think too much about that. I feel like comparisons, reviews, and genres are irrelevant.
