The Batchelor Life.
VIDEO PREMIERE: Nashville's Heather Batchelor Chats Music, Nashville and New Video for Single 'Roll With Me'.
With a new single and now video for 'Roll With Me', Nashville's Heather Batchelor is making her mark in music. We're excited to be able to premiere the video for her. And along with the exclusive premiere of her new video, we also got a chance to ask her about herself, her music and more!
Hi Heather! We've become big fans here at Q Review. But, for those who aren't familiar with you and your music, how long have you been making music and how did you get started?
I’ve always sang in choirs and such from a young age. I didn’t start playing guitar and writing my own songs until my first year of college, though. My dad taught me all the basics on his acoustic (which he then gave to me), and I just fell in love with it.
As a singer/songwriter, what's your approach and process to writing? Is there a standard starting point? Is it melody first or lyrics?
For me, it’s both. I’ll get these one liners in my head along with the melody. Something small that sparks an idea, usually a chorus hook. I always start with chorus. I’ve gotta have a clear vision of what the song is about before I dive in deeper. Then I’ll typically write the rest of the melody before finding words for the verses/bridge/etc.
Your music crosses multiple genres with elements of many finding their way into your songs. While it's easy to circle in on country and rock sounds, there's also moments that lend to a jazz and blues feel. But how would you describe your sound and what elements or styles do you feel most comfortable in?
The genre I’m most cozy in, first and foremost, is pop. That’s where my melodies always start. Then I sing, and I just wanna bring on all the soul, haha. To me, that’s the emotion behind the chords.
Are there genres you haven't had the opportunity to create in yet that you would like to tackle?
Maybe, yeah. I never rule anything out. Possibly R&B. PJ Morton has inspired a tune or two. But for now, I love where I’m at.
Your sound and vocals are also reminiscent of some of rock/pop's strongest women. Names like Liz Phair, Shawn Colvin, Heather Nova, and Canada's Amanda Marshall spring to mind. When creating your own music, where do you draw inspiration from?
John Mayer has always been an inspiration, as well as Sara Bareilles. And in recent years, Maggie Rogers and Leon Bridges have been on repeat. The production behind, “Roll With Me,” drew from their albums.
Hi Heather! We've become big fans here at Q Review. But, for those who aren't familiar with you and your music, how long have you been making music and how did you get started?
I’ve always sang in choirs and such from a young age. I didn’t start playing guitar and writing my own songs until my first year of college, though. My dad taught me all the basics on his acoustic (which he then gave to me), and I just fell in love with it.
As a singer/songwriter, what's your approach and process to writing? Is there a standard starting point? Is it melody first or lyrics?
For me, it’s both. I’ll get these one liners in my head along with the melody. Something small that sparks an idea, usually a chorus hook. I always start with chorus. I’ve gotta have a clear vision of what the song is about before I dive in deeper. Then I’ll typically write the rest of the melody before finding words for the verses/bridge/etc.
Your music crosses multiple genres with elements of many finding their way into your songs. While it's easy to circle in on country and rock sounds, there's also moments that lend to a jazz and blues feel. But how would you describe your sound and what elements or styles do you feel most comfortable in?
The genre I’m most cozy in, first and foremost, is pop. That’s where my melodies always start. Then I sing, and I just wanna bring on all the soul, haha. To me, that’s the emotion behind the chords.
Are there genres you haven't had the opportunity to create in yet that you would like to tackle?
Maybe, yeah. I never rule anything out. Possibly R&B. PJ Morton has inspired a tune or two. But for now, I love where I’m at.
Your sound and vocals are also reminiscent of some of rock/pop's strongest women. Names like Liz Phair, Shawn Colvin, Heather Nova, and Canada's Amanda Marshall spring to mind. When creating your own music, where do you draw inspiration from?
John Mayer has always been an inspiration, as well as Sara Bareilles. And in recent years, Maggie Rogers and Leon Bridges have been on repeat. The production behind, “Roll With Me,” drew from their albums.
Your new video is for your single 'Roll With Me'. What was the process like creating that music video?
An absolute dream. With the aesthetic I was going for, Cody Duncum was the perfect fit to direct. His work is just so gorgeous and above all, real. He kept a lot of candid moments and I love that. And I knew immediately I wanted my friend Emily Jones by my side on screen. So fantastic. Our scenes were effortless cause the trust was already there. (Side-note: Cody and Emily are also friends, so the whole shoot felt like one giant hang!)
The song has a bit of an older world throwback. There's a nostalgic feel to it. What's the background story to 'Roll With Me'?
Thank you. Love that’s what it made you feel.
The song is about taking on life with another person through thick and thin. It was inspired by a fight with this girl I was dating, as well as a best friend who was suddenly not in my life anymore. That’s where the line, “when people leave, that’s the least that stays,” comes from. I picked myself up from that heartbreak and wrote “Roll With Me,” all in one night. It was my healing process.
Video is so different now for music in general. But LGBT artists now find themselves in a world where they can more freely present their true selves on film. Do you find that freeing? Frightening? or a bit of both?
Definitely freeing. At this point in my life, my sexuality is no big deal so there was never any hesitation about showing that in the video. It’s a love song, and all the loves I’ve had in my life just happen to be women.
An absolute dream. With the aesthetic I was going for, Cody Duncum was the perfect fit to direct. His work is just so gorgeous and above all, real. He kept a lot of candid moments and I love that. And I knew immediately I wanted my friend Emily Jones by my side on screen. So fantastic. Our scenes were effortless cause the trust was already there. (Side-note: Cody and Emily are also friends, so the whole shoot felt like one giant hang!)
The song has a bit of an older world throwback. There's a nostalgic feel to it. What's the background story to 'Roll With Me'?
Thank you. Love that’s what it made you feel.
The song is about taking on life with another person through thick and thin. It was inspired by a fight with this girl I was dating, as well as a best friend who was suddenly not in my life anymore. That’s where the line, “when people leave, that’s the least that stays,” comes from. I picked myself up from that heartbreak and wrote “Roll With Me,” all in one night. It was my healing process.
Video is so different now for music in general. But LGBT artists now find themselves in a world where they can more freely present their true selves on film. Do you find that freeing? Frightening? or a bit of both?
Definitely freeing. At this point in my life, my sexuality is no big deal so there was never any hesitation about showing that in the video. It’s a love song, and all the loves I’ve had in my life just happen to be women.
Playing live is always where artists really shine and being from Nashville I suspect there are no shortage of opportunities, but also an incredible amount of competition. Being a music city, does Nashville experience a certain level of saturation/exhaustion and how do you as an artist work with that?
On the contrary, I feel we thrive as a community. Most artists I know and love have become friends and we all support by going to each other’s shows. Sure, there’s bound to be two or more artists playing on the same night as me. So if someone’s not at my show, hopefully they’re supporting one of my friends.
When doing some research, it didn't take long to find you listed on some live shows with other artists. And queer Country Music is rapidly growing in visibility. Do you find members within the LGBT music community coming together more these days?
Yes. My whole life, I’ve found the LGBTQ community to come together for one another in any aspect. So I definitely see that reflected in the music industry right now, especially within the younger generation. They have such beautifully open minds. Let’s keep it that way.
Again with live shows, there's a natural expectation of openly LGBT artists playing shows and festivals during Pride month. But the other 11 months are even more important and challenging for independent artists. When booking shows, have you experienced challenges as an LGBT artist?
Luckily I haven’t personally dealt with that, being in a diverse and accepting city like Nashville. But I understand that’s not the case for everyone. I’m honestly so thankful for the artists who’ve come before me to pave that path. And if I can be a small part in continuing that acceptance, that’s awesome.
What's been your most memorable live gig to date?
Hotel Cafe, LA. It was my first time in California and there are just so many memories attached. I was opening for Honey County, and the crowd was so responsive. They sang everything right back and that’s the kind of connection I always strive for at shows.
On the contrary, I feel we thrive as a community. Most artists I know and love have become friends and we all support by going to each other’s shows. Sure, there’s bound to be two or more artists playing on the same night as me. So if someone’s not at my show, hopefully they’re supporting one of my friends.
When doing some research, it didn't take long to find you listed on some live shows with other artists. And queer Country Music is rapidly growing in visibility. Do you find members within the LGBT music community coming together more these days?
Yes. My whole life, I’ve found the LGBTQ community to come together for one another in any aspect. So I definitely see that reflected in the music industry right now, especially within the younger generation. They have such beautifully open minds. Let’s keep it that way.
Again with live shows, there's a natural expectation of openly LGBT artists playing shows and festivals during Pride month. But the other 11 months are even more important and challenging for independent artists. When booking shows, have you experienced challenges as an LGBT artist?
Luckily I haven’t personally dealt with that, being in a diverse and accepting city like Nashville. But I understand that’s not the case for everyone. I’m honestly so thankful for the artists who’ve come before me to pave that path. And if I can be a small part in continuing that acceptance, that’s awesome.
What's been your most memorable live gig to date?
Hotel Cafe, LA. It was my first time in California and there are just so many memories attached. I was opening for Honey County, and the crowd was so responsive. They sang everything right back and that’s the kind of connection I always strive for at shows.
Who are the indie artists out there that have caught your ear?
Oh goodness, that list is long!. To name a few - Bre Kennedy, Josie Dunne, and Kristopher James.
Who are you currently listening to?
Currently, PJ Morton’s Piano Album is on repeat.
Have you been collaborating with any other artists?
Yes many. Half of my 2017 EP, “Walk This Off,” was written with Katie Stump (one third of the band, Honey County). And, “Ready,” is a song near and dear to my heart, written with guitarist Nate Sauber.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I love to cook. I’ll explore a new restaurant and try to recreate the same dishes at home.
What’s next? What does the next 2 years look like to you?
There’s definitely new music on the horizon for 2020. I’m in the studio right now. As far as the next two years, I plan to have the time of my life playing shows in and outside of Nashville, collaborating with artists I admire, and continuing to create music that gives so much joy to my life.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
Stay true to yourself and ya can’t go wrong.
Oh goodness, that list is long!. To name a few - Bre Kennedy, Josie Dunne, and Kristopher James.
Who are you currently listening to?
Currently, PJ Morton’s Piano Album is on repeat.
Have you been collaborating with any other artists?
Yes many. Half of my 2017 EP, “Walk This Off,” was written with Katie Stump (one third of the band, Honey County). And, “Ready,” is a song near and dear to my heart, written with guitarist Nate Sauber.
What do you get up to when you're not making music?
I love to cook. I’ll explore a new restaurant and try to recreate the same dishes at home.
What’s next? What does the next 2 years look like to you?
There’s definitely new music on the horizon for 2020. I’m in the studio right now. As far as the next two years, I plan to have the time of my life playing shows in and outside of Nashville, collaborating with artists I admire, and continuing to create music that gives so much joy to my life.
What’s one last thing you want listeners to know?
Stay true to yourself and ya can’t go wrong.
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As a completely free service to artists and supporters, we have launched a Patreon account to help us keep producing new and promotional content. If you're a fan of Q Review and want to support, skip on over and have a look. We appreciate the support.