Suki Waterhouse's new album, Loveland, is a testament to her artistic growth and personal evolution. The album's creation process was a challenging yet rewarding journey, marked by collaborations with renowned artists and producers. Here's a deep dive into the making of Loveland and the personal experiences that shaped it.
Motherhood and Identity
One of the most significant influences on Loveland is motherhood. Waterhouse's daughter, born in 2024, brought about an identity crisis. She explains, 'It felt like the first time I realized: I’m back in love. I can be all these things at once, and I am. And actually, the things that I was afraid of, I don’t think I have to be afraid of anymore. Being a parent has given me more love. It’s actually helped me refine my own happiness.' This transformation is reflected in the album's themes, particularly in the song 'Back in Love'.
Collaborators and Creative Choices
Waterhouse's collaborators include Aaron Dessner of The National, Amy Allen (co-writer of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso'), Dan Wilson from Semisonic, and Mick Fleetwood on drums. The collaboration with Fleetwood was a unique experience. She shares, 'I had this crazy idea to get Mick Fleetwood to drum on one of my songs. I reached out to him, and he agreed to play on 'Morals'. It was a dream come true, even though we've never met in person.'
The use of demo vocals, recorded while Waterhouse was sick, is another interesting choice. Dessner's openness to this idea, despite the potential for a less-than-perfect take, showcases his artistic vision. He explains, 'Some other producers would be like, 'No, you're using my amazing microphone, not the SM7.' But he was so cool about it. And he said, 'Yeah, [the National] have a song where our singer was really, really sick as well, and we loved it, and it was great.''
Personal Connections and Influences
Waterhouse's personal connections and experiences have left a significant mark on the album. Her interview with BTS, for instance, was a delightful surprise. She enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the group's sense of humor. Additionally, her childbirth experience, complete with a carefully curated rap playlist, adds a layer of personal storytelling to the album.
The album's closing track, 'My Favorite Weirdo', is a poignant reflection on the challenges of being apart from her partner due to work commitments. It's a testament to the strength of their relationship and the reassurance they provide each other.
Musical Tastes and Inspiration
When it comes to music, Waterhouse has a diverse taste. She cites T. Rex's 'Cosmic Dancer' as one of the greatest songs ever made, inspired by her daily walk past Marc Bolan's grave during her school years. Judee Sill's 'Jesus Was a Cross Maker' is another favorite, leading her to consider making a movie about the singer. Her playlist for childbirth included Ludacris, Biggie Smalls, Ja Rule, and Busta Rhymes, adding a unique layer of humor to the album's production.
Loveland is a deeply personal and creatively fulfilling album, showcasing Waterhouse's growth as an artist and a person. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the influence of personal experiences on the creative process.
