Fielded is obsessed with scammers and unhinged Japanese cyberpunk

Fielded, the artist known as Lindsay Powell, has once again pushed the boundaries of genre with her latest album, Some Kind of Animal. In a recent interview with The Verge, Powell revealed the unconventional influences shaping her unique sound, from a deep fascination with scammer narratives to a pirated Japanese cyberpunk film, alongside a strong stance against artificial intelligence. The interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who continually redefines musical expectations.

Powell’s musical journey has been marked by a relentless exploration of sound. Beginning as an experimental noise project, Fielded evolved into a distinctive take on R&B, constantly challenging its traditional definitions. Her debut album, Ninety-Thirty-Thirty, featured ’80s synth-pop alongside saxophone solos, while Boy Angel delved into quirky electronic soundscapes with robust synths and intricate percussion.

Her 2020 release, Demisexual Lovelace, presented a smoother, slinkier style, emerging from the underground hip-hop label Backwoodz Studioz and featuring collaborations with artists like Billy Woods and Elucid of Armand Hammer. Some Kind of Animal continues this eclectic tradition, seamlessly transitioning from soulful organ-driven tracks like “That Bitch” to a 2000s neo-soul interpretation of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.” The album also incorporates industrial funk elements, notably in “Heaven,” which includes a guest verse from Pink Siifu, showcasing her diverse sonic palette.

When questioned about her creative arsenal, Powell highlighted the Universal Audio Apollo Twin audio interface and its associated digital studio plugins as her most essential recording tools. She praised their user-friendliness and ability to deliver professional-grade sound for her guitars and synthesizers. This emphasis on precise audio quality underscores her meticulous approach to music production.

Beyond her technical setup, Powell's inspirations are markedly unconventional. She confessed to having a pirated full-length version of the obscure Japanese cyberpunk film 964 Pinocchio perpetually pinned to her tab bar, drawing continuous visual and sonic ideas from its "unhinged" aesthetic. This deep dive into niche, avant-garde cinema provides a striking contrast to the more accessible genres she often deconstructs in her music.

Her current obsession, she revealed, is stories of scammers across all scales, from minor schemes to impactful swindles. Powell expressed a profound fascination with the psychology behind such individuals, a theme echoed by her recent purchase of Alissa Bennett’s essay collection, Taxidermist’s Handbook, which compiles stories about various criminals including scammers. This unusual interest suggests a deeper exploration of human nature and deception that could subtly inform her lyrical themes.

In a more critical vein concerning technology, Powell stated a strong desire for artificial intelligence to "disappear off of the face of the earth," categorizing it as a "plague" rather than a mere trend. This outspoken dismissal of AI contrasts sharply with its growing presence in the music industry and creative fields, further emphasizing Fielded's independent and distinct artistic philosophy.

Despite her varied and sometimes dark inspirations, Powell expressed immense pride in her latest album, Some Kind of Animal, particularly the title track. She finds satisfaction in her current creative output, stating it would be a "bummer" if her favorite work was already in the past. This forward-looking perspective aligns with her personal mantra of patience and growth, encapsulated by the best advice she's ever received: to trust that "everything happens in perfect time." Her chosen tagline for a biopic, "Freak Today, Freak Tomorrow," further solidifies her identity as an artist unafraid to embrace her unconventional spirit, both personally and artistically.

Fielded’s interview paints a vivid picture of an artist driven by curiosity, unafraid to blend disparate influences into a cohesive yet ever-evolving sound. Her unique approach, from her choice of inspiration to her strong opinions on emerging tech, ensures her continued relevance and distinct voice in the contemporary music landscape. It suggests that her future work will likely continue to surprise and challenge listeners with its depth and originality.

FAQ

Q: What is Fielded's latest album called?

A: Fielded's latest album is titled Some Kind of Animal, released by Lindsay Powell.

Q: What unconventional inspirations does Fielded draw from for her music?

A: Fielded is currently obsessed with stories about scammers and finds continuous inspiration from a pirated version of the Japanese cyberpunk film 964 Pinocchio.

Q: What is Fielded's stance on artificial intelligence (AI)?

A: Fielded has expressed a strong desire for AI to "disappear off of the face of the earth," viewing it as a "plague" rather than a beneficial tech trend.