"Like Rainbows" is an emotional, melancholy song about hope. When creating this song, Courtney Nord imagined a moody spring day in the rain while drinking lavender tea while physically being in the studio and staring at the ceiling. She allowed her senses to lead her into what the melody evoked within her. There is a touch of nostalgia inside the hopefulness and mourning in the song. This song felt like a turning point in Courtney Nord's discography and opened her up to creating what will be her EP Wasteland, coming out in March. She is also in the process of creating the acoustic version of this song for utility in sync; she thinks it translates nicely to the acoustic setting because the song is already so relaxed and ambient.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Courtney Nord, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I first got into music as a kid, I always loved pop music back in the early 2000's and alternative rock styles. I would sing as a toddler and remember writing my own songs. Later, I would learn piano take on the guitar as well. I would always sing and write things as a kid and hid it like a secret.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
I love making music. I can't remember a time where I wasn't at least writing. There was a period in my life where I wasn't writing for about 5 years and once i got back into it in my early 20's I went full throttle. I love the catharsis and perhaps that's why I find myself gravitating towards more moody or grunge themes in my lyrics. My least favorite part about being a commercial musician is the doubt. I love the hustle and the challenge and all the rerouting, but I guess my biggest battle is with my own psyche and doubting my ability to produce on my own and doubting my schedule to be able to do so. Somehow, the music always calls me back and it can be a subtle ebb and flux away then deeper into the music.
Your latest song is 'Like Rainbows'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
This was the first song I made with my new producer. It came so freely and organically once I heard the melody of the song that he wrote for me to topline over. I had a lot of imagery and emotions evoke from me once I heard the instrumental that the lyric and story fell into place almost immediately. It has a deeply youthful feeling behind it. "Like rainbows" reminds me of the bubblegum pop alternative I grew up with such as Hillary duff or Aly & AJ. Although, with a bit of an emotional touch.
How do you differ from most other artists?
I have a very gothic ethereal sound naturally. I feel like my spiritual practice intertwines with my music practice and it shows in the audio. I write my music with conviction and vulnerability. over the last few years I have grown more critical of myself too, fine tuning where I like to be as a songwriter and a vocalist. My vocal inspirations come from all over: alternative pop rock, trip hop, early 00's goth rock, modern dark pop. It all has shaped my sound deeply.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I am from Los Angeles California, I was born here by the beach but also spent part of my childhood near Salt Lake City Utah, Houston Texas, and parts of the central coast of California. I like being in Los Angeles I can't imagine that I will leave here anytime soon. As for travelling, I enjoy making music on vacations and tend to get more energized while travelling. I wrote a song last year while in Mexico, it was such a unique and fun experience. There is a lot of creativity to be had in travelling and creating.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The music I gravitate towards has an alternative moody feel and can, at times, be reminiscent of older music. I really enjoy writing over dark cinematic instrumentals. Recently, behind the scenes I have been more inspired by electronic and hip-hop genres.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I have creative rituals and try to schedule my day around nurturing my creativity. Yoga, and meditative tasks like cleaning and burning oils or incense help me get into the mood. Cool lighting always helps too as well as consistent breaks on long sessions that can last up to 12 hours in a day.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
There are so many artists I have been inspired by recently and in the past. I really enjoy and respect these female artists: Mothica, Death by Romy, Royal and the Serpent, Dounia, Amindi, and Felukah. A few of them are more indie or underground but I love their music. I'd love to open a show for any one of them.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
I have collaborated with some amazing talented artists recently. The best collaborations come easy and run really well. Artists like SirRil, Mystik, and a few others that havn't released our tracks yet. Its exciting to have a successful collaboration and hear an impeccable master of the song.
What are your plans for the future?
I have so much music wrapping up this year, I would love to work more on my second book as well. In the coming weeks i will be recording a music video for my upcoming single "Wasteland". i anticipate a ep later this year with this type of music on it.