Phoebe Bridgers
Biography
Phoebe Lucille Bridgers (born August 17, 1994) is an American singer-songwriter from Pasadena, California. Her music is often categorized as indie rock, indie folk, and emo-folk, characterized by acoustic guitar, atmospheric strings, and melancholic lyrical themes. She has received four Grammy Awards from eleven nominations.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Raised in Pasadena, California, Bridgers began playing guitar and writing songs around the age of 13. She attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, studying vocal jazz. During her teenage years, she busked at local farmers markets and was a member of the bands Einstein's Dirty Secret and Sloppy Jane. Opting out of college to focus on her music career, she became active in the Los Angeles music scene.
Solo Career
Bridgers released her debut studio album, "Stranger in the Alps," on September 22, 2017, to critical acclaim. The album includes the singles "Smoke Signals," "Funeral," and "Motion Sickness." Her second album, "Punisher," was released on June 18, 2020, and earned her four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. The album features the popular track "Kyoto."
Collaborations and Side Projects
Phoebe Bridgers is known for her numerous collaborations and side projects with other artists.
boygenius
In 2018, Bridgers formed the supergroup boygenius with fellow singer-songwriters Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus. They released a self-titled EP in 2018, followed by their debut studio album, "The Record," in 2023. "The Record" was a critical and commercial success, winning three Grammy Awards.
Better Oblivion Community Center
In 2019, Bridgers teamed up with Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes to form Better Oblivion Community Center. They released a self-titled album in January of that year.
Musical Style and Themes
Bridgers' musical style is often described as indie rock and indie folk with emo influences. Her songs are known for their personal and emotional depth, often touching on themes of death, depression, and relationships with a dry wit. Elliott Smith is cited as one of her biggest influences.