Lottie McLeod Gets Comfortable Being Herself

Magandjin/Brisbane singer-songwriter Lottie McLeod is preparing the release of her new EP, The Boathouse. A seven-track coming-of-age release, The Boathouse is McLeod at her playful yet intimate best, with the singer-songwriter drawing on indie-pop, folk, indie-rock and alt-country to craft a compelling and insightful listen.

Ahead of the release of The Boathouse, McLeod opened up about her growth as a songwriter, working with Caleb Wright in North Carolina and what to expect from her live show.

Your forthcoming EP, The Boathouse, arrives just a year after your debut EP, Bug. How have you grown as a songwriter and a person over the past 16-odd months, and how has that impacted the making of The Boathouse?

I feel like the most significant growth has been in being okay with what I have to offer and not apologising for what I don't know yet. I've spent some time since I started making music feeling like I should know more or be able to meet other musicians where they're at skill-wise.

Throughout the making of The Boathouse, I've let that go and subconsciously just been more comfortable with knowing what I have to offer and inviting collaborators who I trust and respect to help me produce an end product I’m proud of. 

You've mentioned the title of the EP is a reference to the Manly Boathouse where you've had some important conversations with people in your life. What made that place such a meaningful setting, and why did it feel like the right title for the EP?

It was all just a happy accident, really. It's a really pretty part of the world, on my doorstep and just a place I like to sit and contemplate things. The rest just happened organically. I'd just find these conversations happening, and when I was thinking of a name for this project, it felt right. The title track is called 'Boathouse' and is my favourite song on the EP, so that contributed to it feeling like the right fit.

The songs on The Boathouse are inspired by relationships you've had over the past couple of years. Was it challenging trying to get your feelings down on paper, or did the lyrics flow easily while making the EP?

It's how I process almost everything, so the lyrics came fairly easily. I don't find it too tricky in [the] context of past relationships.

As the songs are all inspired by real people and situations, where do you draw the line when it comes to how much you reveal and what you keep hidden?

I would never want to embarrass someone, so while I base my music on lived experiences of myself or people I know, I would always draw the line at making a statement that would make a person feel that [way]. I think the people the songs are about would know, and maybe it would give them closure or guidance on what they could consider doing differently in future relationships. I think some of the songs would give the subject a laugh. I have a song on the EP called 'Thomas'; the name is changed, but it's probably clear to him who he is. There's also a combination of reality and dramatic influence in my lyrics. Some songs are a combination of a few experiences, so it's not always literal. But, yeah, in answer to the question, the line for me is remembering this is my experience, not theirs, and it's not my goal to air my dirty laundry, just tell a story from my perspective. 

How did the writing and recording process for The Boathouse differ from your debut EP? Do you feel you approached the studio with more confidence this time around?

Yes absolutely. The process had similarities to Bug, but essentially I knew how to ask for what I wanted a lot more confidently. One song, 'In Theory' had three versions because we just kept revisiting what we were wanting to achieve. It's had a soft acoustic life, an angry "don’t fuck with me life", and its current life, which, to be honest, I'm not even sure how to describe, but I'm so glad I let it breathe over time because its current life is exactly where it should be. I don't think I could have asked for this rework with 'Bug'.  

You worked with Josh Beattie in Brisbane and Caleb Wright in North Carolina on the EP. What did each producer bring to the project, and how did working with different producers influence the sound of the record?

The experience with Josh was amazing because he's worked with me on so many things now, and it was actually his guidance that allowed me to give myself permission to change my mind and ask for something different if I needed that. So it was his mentorship, I suppose, that made me feel like if something wasn't feeling right, I could change it. I've learned a lot about communication in the production space from Josh. 

Caleb has been monumental, being able to completely "get" what I’m about from [the] first meeting. We accomplished so much in two days in the studio. The way I explained my vision for the two songs he worked on, 'Important to You' and 'Boathouse', just resonated with him immediately, and it meant that the music remained cohesive because underneath the different styles, there was still me and my direction. 

READ MORE: Romanie: Learning to Feel While Finding Hope

Just on Caleb, who has worked with artists including Samia and Charly Bliss, what was that experience like working with someone in another country, and how did that impact the EP?

It was incredible. I mean, Caleb is just such a lovely person, but what could have been overwhelming and terrifying for a 19-year-old who hadn't travelled a lot felt easy. And now, due to his support, I feel like I am desperate to go back. The impact was, I guess, just an EP that felt authentically me.

While there are some strong themes on the EP, The Boathouse also showcases a playful side to your music, particularly on ‘Wednesdays at the Waterloo’. Why was it important to balance the heavier subject matter with humour, joy and moments that don’t take themselves too seriously?

I think this career forces you to look a lot introspectively, and in the process of having to step out of my comfort zone in marketing, particularly in social media, I've had to really think about who I am as an artist and a person. It wasn't a purposeful decision to be playful, but despite my music often being quite serious thematically, I do love to have a laugh, and I don't actually take myself too seriously if I can help it. So I think it was always going to be the case, when the right song came to be, that I would be able to include a song that shows that side of me. 

What does this collection of songs represent for you at this point in your life? Is there a message you hope people take away from listening to The Boathouse, or are you happy for fans to make their own conclusions?

Definitely happy for anyone who listens to draw their own conclusions, but I hope people hear growth as an artist, as a songwriter and strength of character as a person aside from music.

You’re playing several shows in support of the album before hitting the road with The Tullamarines and effie Isobel in November. How excited are you to perform the new songs for audiences and play alongside two of Adelaide’s best emerging artists?

I honestly am beside myself.  I don't even know what else to say. This was a very, very cool call to get. I can't wait. I'm a massive fan…Who gets to say that? That they can tour with their favourite artists. So excited. 

What can fans expect from your live show? Any surprises?
I just really hope everyone can engross themselves in the meaning behind the songs. Really feel the intensity of the themes but also have a dance and a laugh. I have a band of ridiculously talented and experienced musicians, so I hope there's a healthy balance of just next-level singing along and being in the moment mixed with being able to love the band and what they do.

Lastly, what does the next six months to a year look like for Lottie McLeod?
I am currently planning to go to the UK to play a couple of shows and do some writing, and then next year I'm hoping to get back to do some more work with Caleb. I am also very keen to do some more co-writes. There's a lot planned; very exciting times.

The Boathouse EP is out Friday 25 September. Pre-save here.