In a world where musical trajectories often follow prescribed formulas, Reggie Pearl stands as a refreshing anomaly. The Missouri-to-Los Angeles transplant approaches music not as a pathway to fame but as a sacred vessel for emotional expression. Pearl responds to my questions while lounging in the California sunshine, her cat, Baby, curled up nearby. Though our interview unfolds through the clinical exchange of email rather than face to face, there’s something almost supernatural about how her personality leaps from the screen. Her words crackle with the same warmth and unpredictability you’d expect if she were gesticulating wildly across a coffee shop table from you, laughing between thoughtful reflections.

So, what’s Pearl, 25, all about? Pay a visit to her website (which reads more like a Y2K MySpace page than a bonafide platform to promote herself), and you’ll find declarations that her music “PAIRS WELL WITH SMOKING BLUNTS, 1992 BATMAN RETURNS, FALLOUT VIDEO GAME LORE […] LOVE SPELLS AND CANDLE MAGIC”. I’m left with the impression she might just be the Honor Levy of the music world. That said, there’s something distinctly spiritual about Pearl’s approach. During our chat she refers to her body as “an altar” and her performances as “sacred acts”. It’s a mystical quality that extends beyond mere aesthetics. It could even be said that it manages to find its way into the very fabric of how she navigates the industry. But no matter how her star rises, it feels like Pearl will always be that girl who’s stoked to be at Chateau Marmont, having her “main character moment”.

Amber Rawlings: How’s life treating you at the moment?

Reggie Pearl: I’m doing pretty good, other than the fact that every time I open any social media I learn something truly terrifying about the state of the world. I’ve recently settled into Los Angeles, which is a new city for me. I’m enjoying things like being a good neighbour and having a bit more structure in my day. I’m currently sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine on my porch with my cat. His name is Baby.

AR: Can you tell us about any projects you’re working on?

RP: I’m excited about an upcoming single I’ve just recorded with one of my best friends, Aiden Marceron. I’m not sure if it’s part of a bigger project yet, but I love how writing one song can make you envision so many universes and possibilities. Recently I’ve been feeling so inspired — maybe it’s because I have a crush, and maybe that’s because I’m a Libra. I was lucky to record a music video with an amazing animator and friend, Hamish McCallion, who was just visiting from NYC. I am hoping to release the song — and video — in May!

AR: How would you describe your sound?

RP: It’s an amalgamation of all the great music I’ve found throughout my life. I think my sound is very honest and passionate — heavy percussion, vocals or lyrics that contrast with light strings and melodies. I take a lot of inspiration from indie rock, jazz, folk and outsider music.

AR: Who are your greatest inspirations as a musician?

RP: I’ve had so many different icons throughout my life. But the timeline went something like this — Judy Garland when I was eight, then Taylor Swift and Corinne Bailey Rae when I was ten. When I turned 12, I got really into Motown and soul music, which led me to Amy Winehouse, who inspired me to sing in a jazz band at high school. I always fixate on an artist’s discography and life for a few months, then I sort of carry a part of what I learnt and put it into my own music. My latest favourite is Blossom Dearie, a remarkable jazz pianist, vocalist and composer from the bebop era. Oh, and Betty Carter — she’s more avant-garde.

AR: You have such a cool aesthetic. What does your style say about you?

RP: Thank you so much! I really like the thought of decorating my body like an altar. I've always loved to dress up, and I grew up in a pretty Catholic environment, so it's fun to be able to wear the clothes I've always wanted to. My closet is a collection of stories, and it's made from my travels — lots of accessories from my old job at a crystal shop.

AR: Is there a particular message or philosophy that you aim to put out as an artist?

RP: Music has just opened up the world for me! Singing, writing and performing are my biggest expressions of gratitude — they are so sacred. That feeling when a song holds you… I just hope to spread joy and be a vessel for love. Music is a tool for liberation and knowledge. Music is the universal language — that is so inspiring to me.

AR: What's the message of your latest EP, MEGAPEARL?

RP: MEGAPEARL was an explosion of my influences. Writing those songs was a way for me to transmute some heavy losses. I wanted to speak to that feeling when everything hits at once. I take the listener with me through my stages of grief. I was excited to collaborate with a few animators who could bring the songs' stories to life, as well as the musicians I recorded with. I think Student Hates the Teacher is a great intro to the project. It's a very danceable, Latin-inspired groove and feels gently introspective. I wrote it with one of my best friends, Gabriel Lazaro. It's about learning the hard way and believing in yourself.

AR: I love the video for 2020's Pussy Weed.

RP: I made Pussy Weed on my phone using GarageBand back in college. About a month ago I was reminded that it's an underrated gem in my discography. Then the stars just aligned for the video to come about! Hamish, the director, was in town and had some free time. I got my friends together, papier-mâchéd a giant blunt and we got to work! The song pays homage to my youth — smoking too much weed while somehow also being broke. It's about girlhood and the poetry of it all. The video really helped me celebrate that part of my life.

AR: You've been releasing music since 2018. What's the biggest lesson you've learnt about the industry?

RP: I'm just now entering more industry spaces. I've been blessed to be a part of amazing DIY communities along my path, and I've been able to find my own pockets of success to exist independently from the industry. And being here in Los Angeles, I am excited to learn more and network. Growing up in Missouri, my aspirations never seemed possible. But out here? It feels like the world is my oyster. The most important lesson for me has always been to keep the music alive!

AR: What has been the most memorable moment?

RP: My bestie Isaac [Dunbar] and I went to the Grammys afterparty last year. We went to Chateau Marmont and we looked so fancy. This very bougie, older woman told me I looked stunning. I was having a main character moment. Whenever Isaac and I go out, it's always memorable.

AR: What's next? Any projects, or hopes and dreams?

RP: To hopefully speak it into existence — I want to keep building an international audience and have my music be a gateway to new places, people, and experiences. I'm getting my jazz band together because I really want us to play at my friend's club in Shanghai. In the meantime I'll be here writing lots of original music and doing some performances. All the while conceptualising my next project.

Photographer Rankin
Writer Amber Rawlings
Photographer's Assistants Olly Dundas
Retouching FTP Digital