Blondshell
Blondshell, the project of Sabrina Teitelbaum, has been one of the most buzzed-about rock acts to emerge in recent years, and for a good reason. With biting lyrics and an energizing indie-rock sound born from grunge, the Los Angeles artist’s catalog fills a space that’s been left vacant for far too long and consistently dominated by men. Following up a smashing self-titled debut in 2023 and a critically acclaimed collaboration with Nashville’s own Bully on the 2024 single “Docket,” Teitelbaum has returned with a slew of new songs and a national headlining tour. Blondshell’s second album If You Asked for a Picture, released May 2 on Partisan Records, hits the listener in the face with the sweet-and-sourness of one’s early 20s — a time when many find themselves caught between newfound freedom, responsibility and a longing for things to be simple again. Teitelbaum sings of relationships with men who are mediocre at best, self-sabotage and self-parenting, objectification and reconnecting with her inner child.
The record asks, thoughtfully: “Does anyone really know who they are or what they’re doing?” There’s no conclusion in sight, but the exploration might be the whole point. The Scene caught up with Teitelbaum on the road via email ahead of Saturday’s sold-out show at The Basement East.
Your 2023 debut as Blondshell was a huge breakout hit. Was its rapid takeoff a surprise? How did it impact your outlook on making the follow-up?
It definitely surprised me. I’ve made music for so many years and this was the first time I felt like I just wanted to make it for myself — of course that’s when people actually started to connect with it. When I made my second album I did feel myself start to anticipate what other people might think, but had to be really careful and check that. Trying to guess what other people like can be such a quick way to ruin an album or a meaningful experience.
It often seems to me that life happens faster and faster the older I get, and I see this revelation in your lyrics too. The new record is much more contemplative than the first. How did a few extra years of perspective shape the lyrical topics explored on If You Asked for a Picture?
Honestly, I feel like growth happens in big spurts for me. I’ve grown up a lot in the last couple years — maybe because I’ve spent a lot of time alone when touring, but I’ve also met a lot of different people touring. As I’ve gotten a couple years older I’ve just realized there is so much beauty in writing about the nuance in people and relationships. It doesn’t always have to be the biggest black-and-white statements. (Sometimes it can be though.)
There’s a lot of thought about mothering on this record. Do you have a message for others who often find themselves in relationships where the balance is off between care and dependence?
I’m always trying to figure out how to mother myself, and that’s part of why it comes up so much on this record. I don’t know any women around my age who aren’t trying to do that. There’s this song by Katie Gavin called “The Baton.” I would tell people to listen to that song. When you’re busy trying to figure out how to mother yourself, there isn’t much time for mothering someone you’re dating.
Obligatory Nashville question: What was collaborating with Alicia Bognanno on “Docket” like?
Amazing! I have loved her music for so long. When she came into the studio I got to sit in the control room and hear her raw vocal coming through and I was so blown away. Alicia is such a special artist, and music just lives in her.
Your lyrics are often noted for their candidness and potency, but they often carry a dark humor as well. Is this intentional? How does your sense of humor play into your writing process?
For me it feels impossible to talk about the pain in relationships or experiences without also talking about the lightness. I use humor to balance things out, and also it just cuts the edge a bit. It’s a habit, but I think it’s important and it’s just how I speak to people in my daily life.
