Artist’s Profile: Blondshell – DIY Magazine
In her debut in 2023, Blondshell quickly rose to fame as a key new voice in guitar music. Sabrina Teitelbaum, the artist behind Blondshell, has not shied away from honesty in her music, showcasing raw emotions and personal struggles in her songs. Her first self-titled album explored themes of grief, addiction, social anxiety, and failed relationships, capturing listeners’ attention and earning critical acclaim. However, Teitelbaum is not just an open book; she values songwriting as a way to express unfiltered emotions and maintains boundaries when discussing personal details.
With her new album, ‘If You Asked For A Picture,’ Teitelbaum delves even deeper into her past to address underlying traumas and personal challenges. The 12 tracks in this album serve as a prequel to her debut, focusing on themes like familial tensions, body dysmorphia, and repetitive destructive behaviors. Unlike her previous album, where she provided a broad narrative overview, Teitelbaum now opts for specific images to convey emotional truths to her listeners.
The title of the album is inspired by a line from a Mary Oliver poem, ‘Dogfish,’ wherein the poet grapples with the idea of autobiography and self-disclosure. Teitelbaum felt a personal connection to Oliver’s words, leading her to shift her approach to songwriting. Instead of over-explaining her experiences, Teitelbaum now offers snapshots and allows listeners to connect the dots, creating a more immersive experience.
Each track in ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ presents a vivid picture of Teitelbaum’s inner world. For instance, ‘Event Of A Fire’ delves into repressed reflections during a 4 am fire drill on tour, symbolizing emotional burnout. The song captures the internal struggles individuals face daily, emphasizing the pressure to conform to societal expectations like body image standards. ‘Model Rockets’ further explores the toxic associations between depression, weight gain, and feelings of personal failure.
Teitelbaum collaborated with Yves Rothman to record ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ at Sunset Sound in LA, expanding the album’s musical palette. Moving away from the grungy guitars of her debut, Teitelbaum incorporates elements of Beatles-esque balladry, jangling indie sounds, and anthemic alt-rock. Seeking inspiration from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens of the Stone Age, Teitelbaum aimed to create a diverse and dynamic record.
With this album, Sabrina Teitelbaum continues to captivate and connect with her audience through introspective lyricism and multi-faceted soundscapes. ‘If You Asked For A Picture’ solidifies Blondshell’s position as a defining voice in contemporary guitar music, showcasing an artist who is unafraid to push boundaries and share her deepest vulnerabilities through her music.