Every musician has to pull from circumstance; whether it be wishfulness, necessity, or a place they long to be in again, or to escape. Sydney artist EBS takes the time to craft her art as a way to reflect on herself and her experiences. In a way, unlocking her personal diary to be read by all.
Her newest EP Don’t Unpick Me Please is a testament to this. The alt-folk sonics on this project whisk you on a journey, as layered sounds, emotional instrumentation and simple yet intricate textures are the tools to peek into her existence.
“I write a lot as a processing too… and, I just feel like this EP… a lot of it is a bit of a hug to my younger self, being, like, it's okay, you're actually fine. I always used to knit and embroider things, but I would always finish it and decide that it wasn't good enough and undo it… So that's what it is about, Don't Unpick Me, Please.”
EBS’ favourite track from the project, ‘Whenever You’re Around Me’ was initially formulated in 2021 as a way to digest a breakup. Now reworked, she no longer relates to those past words; a profound means of metamorphosing old into new. It’s an insight into how much can change over the construction of a project.
“I reworked it using the lyrics of a jazz standard, which is that little interlude in the middle, which is another thing that I kind of very last minute decided that I wanted on the EP… I think if you showed me what the EP ended up being to my six months ago self, I might be surprised at what ended up on there.”
EBS transforms personal experiences, insightful reflections and even the everyday, mundane aspects of life into a piece of work that truly invokes empathy. Especially the way that her individual's development is present in their art. What’s special about EBS is that she can masterfully convey all of that and more.
“The possibilities are so endless of what sounds to explore. There's no time limit…”
Words by Ify Obiegbu