Quick Takes with Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless

Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless graced the pages of our April Wedding Issue, giving us behind the scenes details of her band The Pretty Reckless. With an interview chock-full of interesting tidbits, it was impossible to fit everything in––so we've rounded up a few of Taylor Momsen's quick-takes––find out what she has to say about music, performing, and Who You Selling For. Then, be sure to read our complete interview with Taylor Momsen.

On separating the emotions of writing with performance

It varies on different nights, which is what makes live playing so fun. It’s certainly not as connected as [I am] when I’m inside writing it because there’s a performance element to it. The excitement of the audience and the power of the amps gets added, so it’s not the same as sitting inside your own head torturing yourself. But at the same time of course I’m singing the words I wrote, so there’s obviously a connection to them.

On preparing for The Pretty Reckless shows

I do absolutely nothing [to prepare for the shows]. I sing like I talk, and I think that’s the key. I’m not trying to do something that is above my capability or is unnatural to me. I sing naturally, so there’s not really much preparation. The biggest thing is, I hope I got enough sleep that night so my voice isn’t too scratchy. I pretty much snap my fingers and walk on stage, that’s my pre-show ritual. I do eat a banana about an hour before the show because it doesn’t make you too full, but it has sustaining energy.

On future projects

We just released the "Oh My God" music video. We’re working on other visual content, but the main focus right now is touring and continuing to write and getting back into the studio sooner than later… We have [a live album] in the works. I don’t know when it will happen, but we want a live album for sure—though I don’t know which songs will be on it. We’re putting visual content for the whole record together now so that you can not just hear [the music] but also see it and understand it on a deeper level. It’s a complicated record and it takes some time for the listener to completely connect to it and understand it because there are a lot of levels.

On her pop culture obsessions

I love the show Supernatural, and I’m catching up on that. My new obsession right now is the show The Mick with Kaitlin Olson. I think it’s the funniest new show I’ve seen in a long, long time.

On the similarities between Supernatural and "Take Me Down"

Obviously the song is not based on that episode [Supernatural season 2’s "Crossroad Blues"], because that episode is based on the long, old folktale of Robert Johnson, but the song is based on [the legend], so it’s kind of funny that I’m a fan and they coincide. 

Final thoughts

Everyone listen to the record. If you haven’t heard it, check it out and see if it’s for you. We’re really proud of it.

For Related Articles Try:

It's Training Day with Actress Katrina Law

Interview with Actor Jonathan Bennett

Interview with "Scorpions" Bassist Ralph Rieckermann