Gal Musette’s Wistful New Album Pendulum
“Gal Musette is the artist name used by Grace Freeman, who began writing piano and guitar based lyrical compositions and performing at open mics in her home city of San Clemente, CA at the age of 10,” a press release shared. “Her graceful approach to melody-driven indie-folk has captured audiences all over Southern California.” Musette’s melodic voice effortlessly swings in a song entitled “Plateau,” a song that takes its listener for a drive in the middle of the night. Beginning with chords reminiscent of a song from long ago, Musette immediately transports us to a different time with her music. With a theme of wistfulness, her sweet tone complements the synth perfectly in all of her music on her latest album Pendulum.
Musette’s Beginning
“At age 14, inspired by The Magnetic Fields’ triple album 69 Love Songs, Gal recorded her own collection titled 70 Love Songs, which caught the attention of the band, and won her an opening slot on a few of their Midwestern U.S. tour dates,” the press release explained. “In more recent years, Gal has opened for several renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter. While her artist name is taken from bal-musette, the accordion-based, waltz-style French instrumental music, Gal’s primary inspiration is drawn from songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Björk, Cocteau Twins, Burt Bacharach, Big Thief and The Cure.”
Pendulum
This is her sophomore album, and it explores the ever changing nature of mental stability. Reflected in the music, there are precious moments of peace yet also turbulence. Musette discovers bravery and weakness in this eleven track album that reflect the ebbs and flows of the mind. Gal confides, “The order of the record puts these songs in opposition, like the swinging of a pendulum (hence the album title) taking you on a song to song journey with sharp detours between these two mental states.” Reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s, Pendulum is full of synths and melodic harmonies that create an atmosphere like no other. “Gal Musette has toured with The Magnetic Fields, Donavon Frankenreiter, and has collaborated with Rufus Wainwright. She has been profiled by the likes of NPR, Consequence and LADYGUNN, among others.”
Featured Photo courtesy of Ashley Kurland.