After a seven year hiatus, alt-pop singer and songwriter Bethany Weimers makes a triumphant return with her glorious, haunting and uplifting new track Circles. Self-Produced at her home studio in Oxford, Bethany combines rich layers of piano with captivating lead vocals and sumptuous pitch-shifted backing vocals. The track was written late last year and explores ideas sparked by motherhood, the pandemic and larger social and political changes. Bethany’s music has been heard on radio stations such 6 Music, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing Oxford; and she has toured in both the UK and Europe.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What first got you into music?
When I was 8 I started piano lessons and at 13 I started teaching myself guitar - that’s when my songwriting journey began. However I think I must have loved music from a very early age, from long before I can actually remember. It’s always been a huge part of my life to the point of obsession and I can’t pinpoint one particular thing that got me into music.
Having said that, my dad has worked in the music industry in one form or another since he was a teenager, so I was always hearing new artists, new songs, and hanging out in studios. He’s not a musician but his love of music has had a huge impact on me. The other day I was watching some home movies from when I was a child and it struck me that no matter what we were doing there always seemed to be music - of all genres - on in the background!
What do you think your role is in this world?
Wow - that’s quite a question! Kind of ‘what’s your purpose in life’. I’ll go with my instinctive answer. Firstly, I have a small child, so to love her and to help raise her as a kind, curious and creative human. Secondly, to create interesting, thought-provoking music that people feel a strong connection with. Currently trying to master doing both simultaneously.
Your latest track is 'Circles'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
About seven years ago I started to work on a second album. I had the songs written but no matter how hard I tried I never felt happy with my productions. Eventually I found the sound I wanted and picked four songs to make an EP - but I was still stuck for some reason - probably something to do with the songs being about a relationship breakdown. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I ended up signing up to a wonderful course called the Home Recording Academy by Female DIY Musician (Isobel Anderson). It was amazing. Within a few weeks I’d not only made huge progress with the EP, but in a burst of inspiration one afternoon I'd written Circles. The ideas were ones that had been brewing for a long time, but the song almost came fully formed. I recorded the piano straight away and then a month or two later, I recorded the vocals really quickly before having to dismantle my DIY vocal booth. My studio was set-up in our spare room, stopping our 3 year old from having her own bedroom. The moment I’d finished recording the vocals for the EP and Circles, my studio underwent a transformation. Our child now has her own room and my studio is currently in pieces in the corner of my bedroom!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
To everyone who has ever supported me in my musical endeavours - I'm truly grateful, thank you.
How do you spend your time?
Currently doing one of three things - directing speech audio recording sessions, working on my music, or looking after my daughter. If I ever get a spare hour to myself and I have the energy to do something other than collapse exhausted on the couch, my favourite thing is to walk in nature - it’s the one thing that calms me.
What are you most proud of?
Creatively - my new track Circles and the new EP I’ve been working on. I’m proud of the fact I kept going and now have songs that I love ready to share with the world.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Agnes Obel. She’s amazing.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I think the key is to push yourself out of your comfort zone, listen to artists you might not immediately listen to, experiment and play around with sound in unexpected ways. I guess those are things that help me grow creatively.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Huge question! I think I’d need all day to answer that question fully. Which technology? Smartphones? The internet? Contactless payments? Spotify? Washing machines?! I’d answer both yes and no to all of those except the latter. I hate anything housework related, especially doing laundry, and having a child has made me eternally grateful that I live in a time when washing machines exist.
What are your plans for the future?
The EP I mentioned is very nearly ready, I’m in the middle of mixing the last two tracks before sending it off for mastering. So there will be more new music out in a few months. Plus I’ve just announced my first gig since the pandemic - a hometown show in Oxford on June 12th supporting Sara Wolff and Lucy Feliz and put on by the brilliant Divine Schism. I’ve really missed performing live and connecting with a real live audience so I can’t wait!