Less than two weeks before her EP release, Best Ex Mariel Loveland stops by Inside Music to discuss lockdown and the creative process.
The world needs Mariel Loveland. A pop-punk road warrior turned introspective alt-pop creative, Loveland’s work captures moments in time and preserves them for posterity. Her songs touch on the familiar tropes of great music, such as love and growing up, but her exploration of those themes breathes new life into each idea. Listening to her music transports you to a late-night subway ride seated by her side and into her bedroom with your feet on the wall as you overthink everything that happened earlier that evening. Loveland is a storyteller who shares her tales through song, and anyone foolish enough to ignore her inevitably comes to regret that decision. That is what makes her stage name, Best Ex, so fitting. She’s someone you can’t forget.
On May 22, Best Ex will release Good At Feeling Bad, a collection of songs capturing all the pain and joy that comes with finding yourself. Loveland’s signature croon reigns over a series of synth-heavy production that finds a balance between being comforting sad souls and demanding listeners move their butts. The space that Good at Feeling Bad creates makes it possible for listeners to love themselves, and in doing so, gain a new appreciation for everything they experience. Loveland understands that life isn’t about hiding from pain or avoiding tough decisions; it’s about facing the world head-on and searching for happiness. You may not always find what you’re looking for, but the journey is worth whatever comes with it.
On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell calls Mariel Loveland, otherwise known as Best Ex, to discuss her upcoming EP, Good At Feeling Bad. Mariel tells James about her life in lockdown, finding inspiration, and how she learned to stop overthinking her creative process. It’s an illuminating conversation with one of alternative music’s best songwriters, and we think you’ll appreciate the results.
Prefer VIDEO? Watch the interview happen below.
