
Snail Mail, the much-hyped indie rising star from Matador Records, will soon hit Hong Kong with her refreshing and rousing debut full-length album Lush.
If you’re into 90s indie rock and the trending bedroom pop music, or if you’re a fan of artists like Fazerdaze and TOPS, then the 19-year-old American indie musician Snail Mail might interest you. Described as “the future sound of indie rock” by Pitchfork, we chatted with Snail Mail about finding her inspiration and becoming a full-time artist at a young age.
An interview with Snail Mail
Snail Mail, real name Lindsey Jordan, started to gain significant traction in the indie music scene after releasing her first self-recorded EP Sticki in 2015 and another EP titled Habit through Sister Polygon Records. In September 2017, the then 18-year-old got signed by Matador Records (the label behind Yo La Tengo, Belle and Sebastian and Cat Power) and later presented to the world her dynamic and sharply assembled debut full-length album Lush – with deeply personal love songs about crushes and break-ups.

Hi, Lindsey. Congrats on your first Asia tour! How do you feel now that you’re playing to bigger crowds?
Thank you! It’s so rewarding and strange! No amount of hard work or time being put in will ever make it feel like it isn’t some kind of weird overnight accident.
What was a defining moment when you realised that Snail Mail had really blown up and music making will be your path?
A month or so before committing to a college, I realised that I would have to put all of my energy and time into music, therefore forcing me to pick between music and school. I never thought it would be a viable full time job up until that exact moment.
You started playing guitar at a really young age, what sort of motivated you?
I wanted an outlet for my creativity and energy that I could have to myself. Team sports couldn’t fill that void for me and I knew I needed something that was entirely mine.
And you’re only 18 years old? What would you’ve dreamt about doing if none of these had ever happened?
I’m 19 years old! I’ve always wanted to be a writer of sorts, so maybe I would’ve pursued another form of creative writing. Hopefully that window never closes for me. I’d love to write a book someday.
How do you feel being an openly gay female singer-songwriter that is also the face of a band when on tour in the music industry that sometimes disregards female-fronted acts?
There are definitely unsettling moments, but I have an amazing community and support system.
Can you share with us some of the most influential album(s) in your life?
Misery is a Butterfly – Blonde Redhead
Reading, Writing and Arithmetic by The Sundays
Black Metal by Dean Blunt
You Made Me Realise by My Bloody Valentine
Confusion is Sex by Sonic Youth
Loaded by The Velvet Underground
Love is Overtaking Me by Arthur Russell
Keep up-to-date with Snail Mail.