After two years with indie rock group 90-Proof, Madison-area musician Becca Murray has turned her efforts to a solo career, with her debut EP “Skating By” set to release Friday.
90-Proof released their final album “Fool Me Once” Dec. 31. Now, Murray wants to get out of her comfort zone and pursue music under her own name.
According to Murray, “Skating By” refers to the uncertainty she feels as a musician in her mid to late twenties.
“I feel like I definitely took ownership in previous projects I’ve been in, but releasing as a solo artist… that's my baby. I feel more empowered to promote it and put my personality more into how I promote it,” Murray said.
Murray said her solo music career is risky because it’s “statistically not very likely to happen,” but that doesn’t stop Murray, who recently assembled her five piece band Becca Murray and the Wildflowers.
“I’m really grateful that everything seems to be falling into place,” Murray said. “I think you have to be a little bit delusional to reach these types of dreams and hit goals that are out of reach like that.”
Murray defines her current sound as “soulful indiepop” with “elements of rock and jazz,” a diagnosis I agree with. “I compare it to artists like Sammy Rae and The Friends, the Dip, Sir Woman,” Murray said.
In the lead up to her EP, Murray released two singles.
To me, Murray’s first single “Fly Trap” is a touching bit about taking a much-needed break and being reasonable about what you take on. The song speaks to the kind of risks involved with new experiences and how to keep steady in rougher tides.
“Lost” is a bit more sad and reflective in its lyrics. It dives into the feeling of uncertainty and hoping that things work out for the best after the end of a relationship. The song has a more jazzy sound than “Fly Trap,” which complements the ambiguity around what comes next.
Both songs are helped by the wonderful production of former 90-Proof member Justin Graham, Murray’s producer who she says is on the same wavelength as her.
In conjunction with the release of her debut album, Murray and her band will perform at The Roxxy Dec. 12.
You can find Murray’s full interview on The Daily Cardinal’s Arts Podcast:
Madison Arts Radar: An interview with Local Musician Becca Murray - The Daily Cardinal
Oliver Gerharz is the arts editor and former podcast director for the Daily Cardinal. He is a journalism major and former host of the Cardinal Call. Follow him on Twitter @OliverGerharz.
