P&P Spotlight: LOGAN

It's not uncommon for artists to conquer their fear of growing up through song, but LOGAN's long-awaited debut EP takes the coming-of-age theme to new heights. Entitled Quarter Century Modern, the retro-pop project weaves 25 years' worth of wisdom into innovative, infectious melodies. LOGAN's powerful alto vocals uniquely blend mainstream pop with 1920s jazz, setting the scene for a groundbreaking, impressively versatile body of work. Tracks like "Stranger" and "Special" contain elements of classic R&B, while upbeat and steady production helps to emphasize the bold messages of "None Of Your Business" and "Finders Keepers."

Quarter Century Modern opens with a triumphant anthem directed towards the naysayers and closes with a deeply personal, reflective ballad; it contains three poignant tracks in between that cover heartbreak, growing pains, and lessons learned along the way. Recently, Playlists & Polaroids had the privilege of chatting with LOGAN about her artistic inspirations, musical journey, and insights on growing up. Keep reading for our full interview with her!

Image credit: Cole Faulkner, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU’LL LOVE LOGAN IF YOU LISTEN TO: Adele, Meghan Trainor, Kelly Clarkson, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera

What artists did you grow up listening to, and who's on your playlist now? How do all of these names influence your craft? 

In my childhood home, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra were always on repeat. As a North Carolinian, I am also inspired by the great folk and country artists like Patsy Cline, James Taylor, and the Avett Brothers. Some of my favorite artists today include Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kelly Clarkson, Lake Street Dive, Sammy Rae and the Friends, and Zinadelphia. I've always loved artists who blend genres and put their own unique spin on "mainstream" music.

How long have you been writing songs? In what ways has your songwriting evolved in that time?

I started writing songs in high school, mostly about teenage heartbreak. To be honest, songwriting scared me for the longest time. When I was a teenager, I didn't feel like I had enough life experience to write about. I thought my songs were silly and meaningless. As I learned that songwriting is just a form of storytelling, I grew more confident in sharing my music. Of course, a lot of life has happened in the past 10 years that gave me inspiration for new songs. Nowadays, it's easiest for me to write songs when I pull memories from specific experiences, and the way I felt in those moments. It's almost like a journal entry.

How has your North Carolina upbringing influenced you as a musician?

I love my home state of North Carolina. People there are genuine - they are proud of the work they do and the communities they build. Growing up in North Carolina definitely instilled in me a value of authenticity and "southern hospitality." I strive to create music that is true to myself, and simultaneously empowering and welcoming to all.

Another very important part of my upbringing involves my younger sister, Lilly. Lilly has a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome that causes life-threatening seizures, developmental delays, movement and balance issues among others. I was five years old when she was hospitalized for her first seizure. I developed intense anxiety and began to use music as a way to soothe myself. I participated in school and community theater and choir and saw first hand the power of the arts. I credit my local North Carolina arts community for my love of music.

What gave you the idea to mark your 25th birthday with this EP release?

Turning 25 felt scary to me. It's a bit of a milestone - more mature than 21 but not yet 30. I've been living in LA for two and a half years now, and I was at a reflection point. Did I make the right choice to move across the country? Will my music ever take off? What sort of career do I really want? I realized many of my friends were having the same existential crises as me, anxiously navigating young adulthood. In a way, this EP is validation to myself and others that this quarter-life anxiety is common and navigable with the support of friends and family. 

Quarter Century Modern is such a fitting title. In what ways would you describe your lifestyle and artistry as modern?

My music has been described as sounding a “modern oldie.” My vocals encapsulate the nostalgia of a jazz standard and my production packages the melodies into a modern pop track. I write about 21st century problems, but tell the stories through 20th century inspired melodies.

Image credit: Cole Faulkner

I love how "None Of Your Business" and "Special" both tackle the theme of "making it" as an artist from different angles. What it means to "make it" can differ from person to person, but in your case, how would you personally know when you've "made it?"

I've really struggled with what it means to "make it." As a kid, my vision of being a singer meant Grammys and world tours. I can't deny that I'd still love for those to happen, but I don't think it's the end-all-be-all of a music career. To me, success in music is a fulfilling yet sustainable career. A career that allows me to travel to share my songs and build community with strangers. It wouldn't suck to live fully off of music income as well.

Tell us more about the friendship breakup story that inspired "Stranger"! In what ways have you grown since these events, and what message do you hope listeners take home from the song? 

The inspiration from "Stranger" was less of a singular event but more a growing distance I felt between myself and my former close friends. College and adulthood easily got in the way of these friendships, but I felt like my effort to connect was not being reciprocated. I was sad to watch these former friendships slowly fade away. Everyday texts turned into once-a-year birthday wishes, and I started thinking, "How did it end up this way?" Unfortunately, I think this song is universally relatable, whether you interpret it as the loss of a platonic or a romantic relationship. That being said, I'm not giving up hope on rekindling old friendships. Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to rebuild a relationship.

Image credit: Cole Faulkner

What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself who just moved to Los Angeles?

Stop putting pressure on yourself to have your career figured out! Enjoy the time it takes to discover your sound and craft. Savor the "aha" moments when a lyric clicks or a melody gives you chills. Don't worry too much about streams or followers! Enjoy the process of making the music.

Beyond the release of Quarter Century Modern, what are your goals in music for this year? 

My dream would be touring again in 2025. I'm manifesting an opening slot for another artist on tour!

Finally, the P&P classic! What’s a lyric from any track on Quarter Century Modern that stands out to you? Walk us through the process of writing it, and how does it speak to you personally?

I really love the bridge in "Stranger" - "We're too many chapters behind in this season of life. I need a reason to catch up this time. There's new characters, settings, I've lost the meaning. Guess it's been a while since seventeen." Living in LA, I'm pretty in tune with the TV/film industry. In this song, I liken the passage of time (and the distance in my friendship) to a TV series. My friend and I have known each other since Season 1 when we were children. Something must have happened in a "season of life" to make us unfamiliar with the current season's characters and settings. Season 17 (high school) was the last time we felt truly connected.

Highly expressive and deliberately structured, Quarter Century Modern exceptionally introduces first-of-their-kind artist who's truly just getting started. As LOGAN recounts the process of trying to find purpose in her life and music career, she guides listeners through an unforgettable emotional journey. If you feel compelled to dive deeper into LOGAN's world, here's a playlist we've curated to capture her vibe!