April 29, 2025 |
“Just a little tune about being a hoe,” writes Sabrina Teitelbaum, aka Blondshell, in an Instagram caption announcing the release of what has now become one of her most popular songs, Docket. It’s this unfussy approach that makes Blondshell’s work so enticing, and it’s a style that seeps into every corner of her songwriting. Her lyrics are raw and her melodies are stripped back; there’s no unnecessary fluff in sight. Drawing on indie influences like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, listening to a Blondshell track means hearing about honest experiences and listening to music that makes you feel something. It’s what made her eponymous debut album, Blondshell (2023), such a success, with tracks like Kiss City and Salad amassing over seven million and five million Spotify streams, respectively. Joiner, another one off her debut, made it onto Barack Obama’s famed list of his favourite music in 2023.
Now, Blondshell is gearing up for the release of her sophomore album, another honest exploration of her experiences with love, body image, familial relationships and beyond. Entitled If You Asked For A Picture, the release spans 12 tracks and borrows its name from American poet Mary Oliver’s work Dogfish, which positions the tension between vulnerability and privacy in storytelling at its centre. Released via independent imprint Partisan Records, this new offering was produced in collaboration with Yves Rothman, who also produced her debut. Blondshell is an indie darling in the making, and we sat down with her before her second album’s release, on May 2, to talk about how she first got into music, how she wants people to feel after listening and what she would be doing if she wasn’t making music.
1. How did music first grab you? Was there a moment when you knew this was your path?
I was always listening to music in the car as a kid and that’s how I became obsessed with it. It was always super clear to me that I wanted to spend my life around music.
2. The album is all about control and imperfections. How does that play out in your sound?
It’s funny. The lyrics are about control and imperfection because I am a bit of a control freak and always trying for perfection, so it definitely comes up in the studio. I’m focused on every little detail and have to work to let go of that.
3. What’s the one picture-perfect moment from making If You Asked For A Picture that you’ll always remember?
When we were recording Toy we stayed super late in the studio one night and tracked the guitars. We were laughing the entire time because it felt so old school rock guitar in the funniest way and we said that Joe and Sam who were playing guitar sounded like their names were Rick and Vick and they were working the night crew.
4. Is there a specific lyric from the new album that means the most to you?
I really like “skillet, egg break, let me put my hand on your headache” because it’s one of the lighter and sweeter moments on the record. It’s one of the only truly uncomplicated moments.
5. How has your style evolved over the years, and what’s one look you feel best in?
It has been through many twists and turns, some more tragic than others. I always knew what I wanted my style to be like, but it took me many years to figure out how to execute it. For a while I thought I was giving Zoe Kravitz but I look back at pictures and I’m just like girl you’re giving Cadet Kelly. One look I’ve been feeling comfortable in is dark wash jeans, a tee and loafers. Or all black. I’m always comfortable in all black.
6. What’s one thing you always have in your rider?
Protein cereal. Very luxurious.
7. What animal do you most relate to?
Red panda. I like the way they walk and hold things in their paws.
8. You’re deserted on a desert island and can only get to keep three things. What are they?
A knife, fishing net and flint. I’ve seen survivor.
9. If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Crashing out as a doctor.
10. After the album drops, what’s next?
Tour!!!
Photography courtesy of Blondshell.
