Girl Talk isn’t just a locally produced Americana album, it basically doubles as a coffee-table book. And it isn’t just a coffee-table book either, it’s also a nightlight, explained Lompoc-based singer-songwriter Angelina LaPointe.
Angie and the Nightmares—made up of LaPointe, guitarist and backing vocalist Aaron France, and banjoist and drummer Sean “Doc” Campbell—plans to celebrate the album’s release with a performance at High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang, to be streamed live through Facebook (Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m.).
But back to the nightlight/book hybrid.
“Books and text-based artwork are ways to marry my skills as a visual artist with my passion for songwriting,” said LaPointe, who studied printmaking and book arts at UCSB’s College of Creative Studies.
Patrons of LaPointe’s band can purchase Girl Talk as a digital download ($7), with the option to add on a uniquely designed artist’s book (for only $3 more). The book unfolds like a miniature tent and comes with a small LED light to hang from the center. LaPoint chose the tent shape partly to invoke memories of camping at outdoor music festivals such as Live Oak.
“I wanted the album to come with an object. Vinyl production is out of our price range, and CDs can feel like an afterthought; so we landed on this. It literally and figuratively adds a little light to your personal space,” she said. “It’s like a tiny little concert venue for solo music listeners—which, let’s face it, is nearly all of us these days.”
LaPoint also chose the tent/nightlight motif as a callback to her youth, whether it was camping abroad with her family or within the walls of her own bedroom, she explained. It’s also a reference to the album’s fourth track, titled “Night Lite.”
“The nightlight form is inspired by the flashlight-lit pillow forts of my childhood and my memories of hiding under the covers with headphones on after bedtime,” LaPointe said.
The nostalgic visual element provides a thoughtful counterbalance to themes of adulthood laced throughout the album, which the group recorded with producer Jon Bartel at Northwall Studio in Atascadero. The title song, “Girl Talk,” explores the complexities of growing up and “processing the harsh, beautiful realities of life and love,” LaPointe said.
But out of the album’s 10 songs, the third track, “Turnaround,” is LaPointe’s personal favorite—at least at the moment, she added.
“This song came together just right. It’s atmospheric and has lots of layers,” she said of the song, which features a guest saxophone solo from San Luis Obispo-based musician Laura Foxx, who LaPointe described as a “woodwind powerhouse.”
“Turnaround” also features guest vocals from Lompoc artist Anna Cole, LaPointe’s longtime collaborator and former bandmate, who is slated to make a special appearance with Angie and the Nightmares during the upcoming livestream concert. Cole won’t be the only local act joining the show, as Santa Barbara-based Americana duo The Brambles, featuring Carly Rae and Bethany Rose, is scheduled to open for the band.
While LaPointe is excited for the opportunity to perform at the High Roller Tiki Lounge for livestream viewers to enjoy virtually, she deeply misses the aspect of face-to-face interaction with audience members during traditional gatherings. She also misses getting to meet and collaborate with other musicians in person.
“It is very difficult to imagine you have people who support you when you can’t see their faces or hug them after a gig. Creative work can feel lonely or silly, and having support from fans and peers is important in continuing to grow as an artist,” LaPointe said. “I also miss hosting other artists from out of town; getting to connect with people who have a similar vision and getting to share their music with the community.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood can’t sleep without his Batman nightlight. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2020.
