Theres something soft but also hard about itprotecting a spark, but also the potential of burning yourself.
Plus, the word tender has so many meanings.
It can be to formalize something, like to tender your resignation.
Photo: Julian Buchan
Its a pop in of boat that goes between land and a larger ship.
And then theres the word tenderizeto beat something to a pulp, the way you do meat.
At this, Believes eyes light up beneath her bangs, and she breaks into a mischievous smile.
Photo: Julian Buchan
I really liked that.
I think that theres something about hardship that gives you endurance.
As long as you could survive it, which not everybody does.
Photo: Julian Buchan
Its spine-tingling, seductive, and the right amount of silly.
I think those are my favorite flavor combinations, she says.
When music is too serious, I find it really flat.
If there isnt a certain cartoonish element to it, Im a little bit confused, to be honest.
On the other hand, the latest single, Ponytail, is forthright in a very different way.
Where does Believes interest in those dramatic pendulum swingsoften within the space of a single trackcome from?
It was dirt cheap back then, which is important, she says.
There were good studios, and we made our own spaces to put on shows.
I was in paradise.
Then came the pandemic, which prompted Believe to move back to Montreal.
Soon after, in January 2021, SOPHIEdiedfollowing a sudden accident in Athens.
Yeah, its about SOPHIE, Believe says.
It was something I wrote in the weeks after she passed.
Id never recorded anything like that before, in just one take.
It had a natural quality to it that I really loved.
Its also proof that, even without Believes extraordinary production work surging around it, her voice still shines.
Your soul has to kind of burn for it.
After a few years out of the spotlight, Believe is backand her spark has never been brighter.
