Lucy Fitzgerald 
Q: Congrats on Borderline Colors! What kicked off the idea for this album — was there a specific moment or feeling that made you want to turn it into a full record?
A: I just want to make records all the time. Borderline was specifically a collection of songs that just felt right together. They told a story I wanted to tell at the time. A story of mental illness and how it imposes itself on relationships, both platonic and romantic. It’s about love at the root of it though. What it feels like to love, which is beautiful, and what wanting to be loved feels like, and how that can be really damaging.
Q: The first track, “Wild Horse (Don’t Want to Feel Anymore),” hits pretty hard right out of the gate. How did that song set the tone for everything that follows?
A: I just wanted a song that would come at you like a wall. I think I achieved that. There aren’t really any other songs like it on the record. The record kind of softens up later on which is part of the story.
Q: There’s this thread running through the record about escape, drifting, or trying to find your footing. Were you consciously chasing that mood while writing, or did it just sort of show up on its own?
A: I was tired of escapism and these songs helped me to find a more grounded place in my life. I got really tired of feeling on the outside of everything. This was an attempt at letting it all out in an effort to pull myself in.
Q: The title track feels really personal. How much of this record feels like you’re working through your own story?
A: I think every song I write has a bit of that. It’s just the way I write. That song specifically was a conversation I was having with my younger self. Letting myself know it was ok that I didn’t know anything because I still don’t.
Q: You’ve moved from San Diego to Chicago and changed up the band lineup a bit. Did that new environment and chemistry shape how Borderline Colors came together?
A: No, the album was already recorded and almost completed by the time I moved.
Q: Your sound blends dream-pop, indie rock, and a bit of shoegaze. When you’re building a song, do you start with the mood, the lyrics, or just a sound that you want to chase?
A: I have sounds I’m chasing, sure, but that isn’t really discovered until after the song has been written. I kind of let the muse take the reins at the beginning. It kind of dictates the initial direction, and then I come into the fold with where I want to go with it.
Q: Tracks like “Sunshine Head” and “Honey Leaves” feel almost cinematic. Was there one song that surprised you once you started recording — like it turned into something completely different than you expected?
A: I think Lovers would be the song that surprised me the most. It’s really dark, lyrically, but has such levity to it on the outro. It gave me some hope. I had done some work on myself. I could heal. That I could get better.
Q: How have people been connecting with this album compared to your earlier work? Were there any songs that got reactions you didn’t see coming?
A: I don’t know. I guess I haven’t had these conversations. If you hear something, let me know.
Q: From a live-show point of view — which song are you most excited to play on stage from Borderline Colors?
A: I really want to find a way to do Solitary King justice. It is pretty difficult to have it come together live. There are so many layers to it, and it’s difficult to tame the pedals used on it live.
Q: And looking ahead — what’s next for Night Swims the rest of this year? Any new music, tour dates, or creative plans you’re excited about?
A: I released a new song, I Will Make Sense Of It All. I’m recording a bunch, and playing some solo shows. I have some new musicians that have joined me and I’m excited for the direction I’m leading my music in with them. I’d love to start touring extensively. We will see. I really love making records and will continue doing that. I’ll take it as it comes.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
