Q&A: Bathe Alone Takes SXSW and Gets Deep About New Album, Raw Emotion, and Life on the Road
BATHE ALONE IS MORE THAN JUST A STAGE NAME – it's the captivating sonic world crafted by multi-instrumentalist Bailey Crone. Fresh off a critically acclaimed double EP, Fall With The Lights Down, Crone is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated debut album, I Don't Do Humidity, on June 7th.
Crone, who previously honed her skills as the touring drummer for Girlpuppy, has blossomed into a captivating artist in her own right. Working alongside producer Damon Moon at Atlanta's Standard Electric studio, she's crafted a sound that's been praised by outlets like Under The Radar and Flood Magazine.
But Bathe Alone isn't just a studio project. Crone leads a dynamic six-piece band that has already captivated audiences on tours with Vacations, Last Dinosaurs, Beabadoobee, and more. We got a chance to chat with Crone and Moon to get insight into the creative process, the emotional core of the new album, and the electrifying energy of a Bathe Alone live performance.
LUNA: Welcome to SXSW! How are you feeling after getting settled in?
BATHE ALONE: Feeling good! Actually, I just learned how to ride a lime scooter for the first time, and it was an experience (laughs).
LUNA: Sounds like you're getting the full Austin experience! What can we expect from your live shows this week?
BATHE ALONE: We're playing some new songs from our upcoming record, I Don't Do Humidity. The crowd seems to be really digging it, even though it's not even on Spotify yet. It's exciting to see people connect with the new material, reacting to the raw energy and lyrics we're pouring into these live performances.
LUNA: Speaking of new material, how does your set-up differ for a festival like SXSW compared to a full tour?
BATHE ALONE: It's a good question. While we are a six-piece band with a lot of gear – drums, bass, two guitars, keyboards – the key is translating the intricate soundscapes we create in the studio to a live setting. Our producer Damon is a magician at squeezing everything onto the stage and then some. He utilizes MIDI controllers and other tools to create a truly immersive experience, even in a festival environment with space limitations.
LUNA: It sounds like a complex operation. Does playing live influence your songwriting process?
BATHE ALONE: Absolutely. Our first two albums weren't written with live performance in mind. But now, I find myself leaving space in the songs for Damon and the band to add their magic. I don't want the live show to feel like a pale imitation of the studio recording. It needs to be its own immersive experience.
LUNA: So it's a balancing act?
BATHE ALONE: Definitely. In the studio, we might try to forget about the live aspect and just focus on making the best record possible, creating layers of sound and intricate sonic tapestries. Then we figure out how to translate that emotional core and sonic punch to the stage later.
LUNA: I Don't Do Humidity comes out in June. How does it compare sonically to your previous work?
BATHE ALONE: I think the biggest difference is that I've gotten more expressive with my vocals. This album is also heavily influenced by a recent divorce. It's a cathartic experience to finally be writing about specific things instead of vague, existential topics. There's a rawness and vulnerability in the lyrics that I haven't explored before.
BATHE ALONE: The pointedness of the lyrics has definitely influenced the music as well. We're trying to make every moment count, to create a more immersive experience. We're experimenting with pushing the boundaries and adding new sonic elements that complement the emotional intensity of the songs.
LUNA: It sounds like a very personal album, and that often translates into a stronger emotional connection with the audience.
BATHE ALONE: Absolutely. This whole experience – the divorce, the new music – has made me want to be more intentional, to really put myself out there and connect with listeners on a deeper level.
LUNA: It sounds like being vulnerable has been a positive thing for you creatively.
BATHE ALONE: Incredibly positive. It's cathartic, and the band has been incredibly supportive throughout the whole process. They're my friends, and they've helped me process these emotions and translate them into something beautiful and powerful.
LUNA: Looking ahead, what are your plans for the next few months?
BATHE ALONE: We're constantly writing new music. We're always trying to stay ahead of the game. The creative energy is flowing, and we're excited to see where it takes us. In the meantime, we'll be hitting the road in support of I Don't Do Humidity, sharing these new songs with audiences around the world.
