Lindsey Jordan of Snail Mail believes she is at an ideal age to be a rock star
Snail Mail, led by Lindsey Jordan, along with artists like Mitski and Phoebe Bridgers, is challenging the idea of the media-created genre of “sad girl rock” from the late 2010s indie-rock scene. Jordan, in an interview, reveals her struggles with OCD triggered by the film “Synecdoche, New York,” which led her to grapple with mortal thoughts that haunted her experiences.
The impact of this tumultuous period is evident in the introspective and thought-provoking themes explored in Snail Mail’s latest album, “Ricochet.” Jordan describes this 11-song record as a reflection of her current identity, subtly touching on existential dread and mortality without conforming to a specific concept album label. Through her music, she aims to transcend the stereotype of being labeled as a girl with a mere “diary record,” wanting to showcase the depth and complexity of her artistry beyond gendered expectations.
Despite being associated with a wave of angsty indie musicians dominating the music scene, Jordan never felt fully connected to this collective movement. Reflecting on the media buzz around women-led indie rock bands at the time, she believes that the grouping created a false sense of progress within the industry, potentially overshadowing the looming male-dominated music landscape.
From her North Carolina home, wearing a “Bandwagonesque” T-shirt, Jordan discusses her skepticism about the lasting impact of this female-driven music era and anticipates a resurgence of male-dominated music trends in the future. However, she remains dedicated to her unique sound, evolving beyond conventional love and heartbreak narratives of her earlier work to embrace broader themes of mortality, self-reflection, and the complexities of success in “Ricochet.”
Songs like “My Maker” and “Light on Our Feet” showcase Jordan’s evolution as an artist, delving into introspective musings about life, death, and the transitions in between. With dreamy melodies and poignant lyrics, Snail Mail’s music carries a depth and maturity that distinguishes it from the conventional expectations of indie-rock stereotypes.
As Jordan navigates her own artistic journey, she remains steadfast in her commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of music industry clichés. Through “Ricochet” and her continued musical endeavors, she seeks to carve a unique space in the ever-changing landscape of indie music, defying genre labels and creating a legacy that transcends fleeting trends.