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Step into the shimmering time machine of Pool Girl’s upcoming EP, Trophy Wife. Fitted in lo-fi retro synths and dreamy pop vocals, the project flaunts a singular sound. Pool Girl has a singular vision, both musically and visually, so we went straight to the source. Read on for all the breezy intel into Trophy Wife:

OnesToWatch: Who is Pool Girl?  

I would say Pool Girl is a new indie artist from Los Angeles, CA, making music that borders the line of melancholy and nostalgic. I’m originally from Carpinteria, a small beach town outside of Santa Barbara, so there’s definitely some beachy influence in my music. 

What’s your SPF recommendation? 

Tanning oil mostly because I’m half Mexican and my skin thrives in the sun.... and SPF 50 for my face because I’m over 21+. 

What is ‘Trophy Wife’ all about? 

To me, Trophy Wife is a bit of a coming of age EP. It’s about my experience as a woman moving through my mid twenties — moments I’ve observed, feelings I’ve had, and experiences that have shaped me. Its most present themes are about perfectionism, femininity, loss, and moments of light heartedness amidst pain. So all in all I’d say it touches on light topics! ;)

How would you describe your sound? What took you there?

I would describe the Pool Girl sound to be indie electronic with a lot of synth arps, dreamy guitars, and present lyrics/melodies. I would say it sounds kind of melancholy with a hint of beachy in it. 

I guess the blend of my music is coming from multiple influences — I really love electronic music…dark synths, arpeggiated everything, distorted sounds, but I still have a core of indie rock/ surf rock music from growing up in a beach town. Michl, who executive produced the EP, was a massive influence in creating this sound and blending the genres together while also bringing his own influence into the songs.

Who produced the EP? 

My EP was executive produced by Michl, who’s an incredible artist. I’m such a fan of his music, so I was pretty blown away that he was down to work with me and take me under his wing. We got put into one random session last summer, and we immediately hit it off. I felt like he intuitively knew where I wanted the music to go, almost like we were sharing ears or something. Shortly after that session he expressed that he was down to work on a whole project together and I remember just feeling so stoked. Michl and I are the only two producers/writers on this project which feels pretty special!

Ideal world, what poolside could you be at right now & why? 

Love this question. Well, I used to sneak into the pool at the Biltmore hotel in Montecito ALL the time. I was a proper regular. It’s such a nostalgic place to me… which is hilarious because I definitely didn’t belong there. I would be very keen to go back to that pool without the fear of being kicked out.

In an ideal world what’s next for you sonically? Any dream collaborators? 

I’ve actually been working on new music already and I feel so excited about what I’m making. I’ve been writing more on piano, going back to some of my classical roots, to diversify the chords I’m using. I have to make sure I’m challenging myself and not getting complacent, cause it can be easy to stick to basic chord progressions I’m comfortable with. I’ve always dreamt of making a concept album, so that would be cool. Sonically, I want to lean more into electronic elements, more washed out guitars, maybe some live drums?? Tbd! It’s all still taking form right now. As for dream collaborators – I really love Djo’s entire DECIDE album, it’s so creative and absolutely stunning. He’s someone I’d love to work with in some capacity.  

Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

My first show! November 16 at the Moroccan Lounge — please come! I’ll be playing my EP and maybe even a few new ones. I also have two remixes coming out before the end of the year. 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Honestly… this may sound weird…but the art of throwing a good house party. My friends and I threw a big party over the weekend, and the energy in the room was incredible. I love dj’ing parties with my friends, and there was a moment when the energy just kept building and building as I was playing my set — I looked around the room and saw so many people I love dearly just dancing and smiling and being so present. Moments like that are really special to me, and it’s definitely given me fresh inspiration while approaching how I want my live show to be experienced. 

Food group / activity best suited to enjoying your work? 

Picnic food — this ep would be best enjoyed with a spread of food. Perhaps something sweet, salty, savory. My EP is eclectic, so a variety of food is encouraged. I think listening to the EP with friends on a blanket at a park would be perfect. If you’re in LA, I’d recommend the field at LACMA or the Silver Lake Meadows.  

Musically, who is new, but making all the right moves? Who are your current OnesToWatch? 

There are so many talented artists releasing music right now!! Benja is an artist I was introduced to this year and I absolutely love his music. He’s a super talented guitar player, and actually played guitar on my whole EP. I also really love Camden’s EP Erosion — he’ll be opening up for me at the Moroccan Lounge show. sandy crow, MICHELLE, Remy Bond, & Henry Morris are a few others I’ve really been loving this year.