University student Mikaela Claypool enjoys the new album and knows that it has the power to fuel the soul, no matter where you are.
With all the chaos in the world, it is hard to find a moment of calm. Canadian singer and songwriter Begonia found the calm within the chaos, giving her the inspiration for a new album.
Powder Blue is a combination of Begonia’s anxieties and the loudness of life. Powder Blue is an emotion. This album is combined with a warm feeling and vintage charm and touches on her mental health and her struggles with religion and sexuality.
In an interview with Fifteen Questions in 2023, Begonia said she takes inspiration from the quiet times. When she’s doing the dishes or taking a shower or doing something mundane. It’s currently she’ll suddenly have an idea and scribble it in a book. Other times the inspiration comes out of pure emotion.
Begonia wrote every song on the album, from the emotional chorus-filled Crying to the undulating romantic Married by Elvis. Powder Blue is a powerful album. Every song is a retelling of her life and many stories. Songs on this album tell stories featured in her older songs.
Sixteen-year-old super fan Anna Tsougrianis found the album to be soothing during this stressful point in her life. For her, the album reminds her of friends and family and brings her closer to them even when they’re far apart.
“Overall, I love the album. It’s relaxing but also has a fun beat in a lot of the songs. The album makes me feel joyful and reminds me of summer. Certain songs remind me of specific memories or times in my life. Begonia’s music makes me feel happy and sad at the same time. I believe she’s a very open person. I feel like her music reflects who she is and her experiences. “
Begonia grew up in Manitoba and popped out with a critically acclaimed 2017 EP Lady In Mind and her 2019 debut full-length album, Fear. Fear was nominated for a JUNO Award for Adult Alternative Album of The Year. Songs from said album have been on used by Netflix and promotions as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Whether it’s creating your favourite song or album, there is so much that goes into creating the art that is music.
Mathew Robinson released his Something We Did album in 2012. The process of creating an album is not all the fun it’s cracked up to be. He thinks it’s important that people know that money is a key factor in creating an album.
“I received funding to do my record because they’re very expensive. I think all told my record costs $17,000. I think for me it was a lot easier because the producer of my record was a friend, so it was comfortable. I knew the space and band very well because it was my friend’s band that played on the record.”
No matter where you are music will always follow you. You can listen to Powder Blue on Spotify, Apple Music, and anywhere else you listen to music.