“I’VE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE BEST ART IS PERSONAL AND ABOVE ALL, HONEST.”
What’s refreshing about Green is her ability to strip down and be vulnerable, yet somehow she manages to be impressive both through her music and in her life. Green’s the type of musician who’s uniqueness is charming, prompting you to be an immediate fan. And even though she hasn’t uncovered the big mystery to success (has anyone?), we think it’s safe to say that this lanky girl with groovy bangs from New England has enough gumption, charisma and party-all-night-long drumbeats to get her feet marching in the right direction. Or at least a really, really fun one.
When exactly did you know that you wanted to be a musician?
I have known all my life! From the moment I could talk, I was singing and pretending that I was a “rock star” whose guitar was constantly on fire. I don’t know where it came from. I’m sure lots of little kids pretend to be rock stars but I never grew out of it. As soon as I could write, I was writing “songs” and I even crocheted a little purse to keep all my songs in. I rapped for my classmates during 2nd grade show and tell. 18 APRIL 2013 PERFORMER MAGAZINE
My mother loves to sing and was always singing to me when I was little. My dad had been a drummer in a band and had all the greatest records. Growing up in rural New England, there wasn’t much to do so we were always going for long drives, during which my parents would play all their favorite tapes. It just was in me. I think I inherited the dreams of my parents. It was in them, but because of societal and monetary constraints, maybe they didn’t feel like they had the freedom to live out big dreams. But I do.
Was there a specific moment that made it all sort of “click” for you as a musician, telling you that this is the path to be on?
I can’t think of a single moment where it all became clear. I just can’t stop. I have to do it.
When you’re introducing your music to new listeners, what do you tell them?
I usually just tell them it’s pop punk with a drum machine, like The Ramones, because everyone knows The Ramones. “Oh, like The Ramones?” “Yeah, sure” - that type of thing. If
they’re truly interested, I figure they’ll just listen to it. That works just as well, if not better, than asking me what it sounds like. Because one song can sound completely different to two people.
What about with this album, how would you describe it?
Like my previous efforts, this new album is my brain on wax. It’s moody, melodic, poppy, and rife with hooks.
Do you have personal references in your music, or do your lyrics represent abstract or outside feelings?
All of my music is very personal. In the book Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary, the title character tells his young fan to “write what you know.” That’s a good rule, and one I tend to follow. Songs of mine have referenced old apartments, Boston landmarks, friends, love interests, and even lyrics by favorite bands of mine, if you can believe it. I’ve come to understand that the best art is personal and above all, honest. So that’s what I strive to be, and it takes a lot of work, and