Quickfire: Gretchen Pleuss’s “Daughter of the Broader Skies”

 

Gretchen Pleuss is self described as having “soft vocals” and “evocative songwriting” chops. We think she is a whole lot more than a couple of pull quotes on her website and listening just for an instant to her latest single will embed that deeply in your chest.

But there is of course, a certain sense of gentleness to the way she approaches her singing. On her latest she approaches difficult topics with a certain grace, beauty and poise. Soaring vocals and acoustic guitar driven songs with delicate but intriguing finger picking patterns. A drive, a beat, the power of words and notes.

We shot Gretchen a few quick questions about the title track from her new record in rapid fire format. Check it out below and pick up this new album today.

Daughter of the Broader Skies is out April 12th (thats today, friends). The album explores the inner-conflict she goes through to find her place in this world. Focusing on identity, feminism, injustice and heartbreak, the album strives to answer tough questions about society through Gretchen’s soft, elegant timbre of her voice that perfectly compliments her melodious soul-stirring songwriting.

 

RLR:  In a quick phrasing, what is the tune about?

GP: “Daughter of the Broader Skies” embodies the conflict between the mind and the spirit. Written in a remote cabin in the West Virginia hills, “Daughter of the Broader Skies” poses questions about human nature with imagery relating to the natural landscape.

RLR: What does the song mean to you on a personal level?

GP: At a time when I was struggling to understand myself and my purpose, I decided I was overdue for a solo trip. I booked a primitive cabin in West Virginia without electricity, running water, internet, or cell service. I hiked all day and read by oil lamp at night. I wrote poetry and played guitar. It should have been a serene experience, but I was struggling internally. “Daughter of the Broader Skies” helped me express my fears, anxieties, and existential questions.

RLR: How about in terms of from when it was first an idea in your head to the final product? Did it change or evolve much?

GP: The song itself didn’t change much from conception to delivery, but the cinematic production on it brought it to life in a way I never imagined.

RLR: Anything else you want to share?

GP: I named the album after this track because much of the album poses the same questions of “where does a woman fit in the world at large?” and “why do humans behave the way they do?”