Music Spotlight: Illicit Ghost

indie-pop producer + songwriter Illicit Ghost shares her latest track parties by myself, released January 28. the extremely catchy tune is sure to be your new soundtrack to staying in + indulging in some self-care. Plus, it’s an empowering anthem for saying no + doing your own thing with lyrics like, ‘I’d tell them all to go and fuck themselves’, and We feel that. We chatted with Illicit Ghost on her self-care routine, her sound + what’s next. We’re so stoked to hear what’s to come.

// photo by Kevin W. Condon

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your recent release! Tell us about Parties By Myself.
Illicit Ghost: Thank you! It’s essentially about self-care and not trying to fit in. It’s about not feeling pressure to be at every social event and being strong enough to do your own thing and not worrying about what other people think. I have parties by myself all the time.

// photo by Kevin W. Condon

AM: We love self-care (and staying in). What’s that look like for you?
IG: That usually consists of me staying in and writing and producing music, taking a bath, meditating and drinking green tea—just doing things that make me feel good. Completely disconnecting from social media is important, too. That’s basically how I spend most of my evenings. Once in a while I’ll go see live music because I want to, but I’ve realized that going out is not really for me. I can’t keep up with that kind of partying, and when you’re trying to reach your goals, you just have no time for that.

when you’re trying to reach your goals, you just have no time for that. 

AM: So, how were you feeling when you wrote the lyrics?
IG: I was feeling fed up and happy. On one hand, I was sick of all the drama that goes along with ‘going out’, and I was feeling frustrated about that. At the same time, I was realizing that I have more fun spending the night in by myself. I realized I wasn’t missing anything by staying in. I found that by doing what I wanted to do and taking care of myself, I was being more productive.

AM: For first time listeners, how would you describe your sound?
IG: On this track, it’s a little bit of Tove Lo mixed with Vivaldi and Lou Reed.

AM: What are some themes you typically pursue through your music?
IG: Parties by Myself is about doing your own thing. My cover of Money by Pink Floyd is a reminder that money is not everything. I wrote Drunk and Alone about finding happiness in just being yourself. My next singles confront a variety of topics: how sometimes we can feel smothered, finding the strength to make a change when we are unhappy in life, and there’s a lot more.

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
IG: I’ll always love Fiona Apple. I think Suzi Wu, Allie X and St. Vincent are great. I like listening to artists that have something to say.

// photo by Kevin W. Condon

AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and music?
IG: In my bedroom in my bed. I am most comfortable there. I track under my covers, so no one can hear me.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
IG: My next single is written, and it will reveal a side of me that is very playful but serious at the same time. I’m excited to release it. I’m hoping that a lot of people will connect to it, because it’s about something I think we have all experienced…

// listen to parties by myself:

// Listen to more Illicit Ghost on Spotify + SoundCloud.