Atwood Magazine had a conversation with Pretty Jane about the familial sentiments embedded in their music, their forthcoming EP, and topics like cigarettes, mountains, and library cards. The Nashville-based trio conveys a sense of home through their sound.
Stream: ‘Cattails’ – Pretty Jane
On a bright Friday afternoon, Pretty Jane is relaxed, gathered around a shared computer screen. The room is filled with a variety of instruments—large keyboards adorning the walls, guitars resting on the couch or in front of the camera. Fresh from touring, the trio has returned to the studio.
Pretty Jane is not just a band but described as a "living, breathing organism." Bassist Luca DiVergilio and guitarist Ethan Strain were the first to meet, as they were both in relationships with the same twins. Shortly after, DiVergilio moved to Spain, and upon his return, he discovered that vocalist Trevor Dalrymple was dating his ex. “The short version is that we all met through dating the same set of twins,” Dalrymple quips lightly.
They formed Pretty Jane at Michigan State University and migrated to Nashville two years ago, with Dalrymple and Strain moving a year after DiVergilio. The group frequently refers to "kiss your friends" in discussions about their music, stage presence, and their bonds. What started as a lighthearted nod to their origin evolved into a deeper reflection on love.
In a creative landscape often dominated by social media, where musicians double as influencers, Pretty Jane's authenticity distinguishes them. “I think ‘kiss your friends’ serves as a reminder that life isn’t overly serious and that you should take risks while you’re here,” DiVergilio states.
They advocate for making "bad decisions" with loved ones, emphasizing the limited nature of time. This sentiment isn't meant to be morbid, but to emphasize the infinite feelings and relationships that die beyond mere moments. “The bad choices lead us to discover ourselves, our songs, and who we are as individuals,” DiVergilio explains, “and we encourage others to embrace that.”
Earlier this summer, the band toured nationwide with West 22nd, concluding in mid-June. “We had a couple of girls in Texas follow us to a few shows,” Dalrymple recounts, mentioning their unexpected appearance in Minneapolis for the tour’s final stop. DiVergilio adds, “They even photoshopped a picture of us with explosions and made a shirt out of it. It was awesome.”
While the band has built a strong following in Nashville, the warmth they exude resonates on a national and international scale. In Chicago, fans arrived hours early to secure spots right at the front of the stage for Pretty Jane. Although their style has a rock vibe—muscle tanks, mullets, studded guitar straps, and sunglasses—their music evokes feelings reminiscent of a childhood friend intertwined with the euphoria of early college experiences.
During the tour, they released a fourth single from their upcoming EP, titled “Cattails,” a lively folk tune that gained traction both at shows and online, even landing a spot on Spotify's Fresh Folk playlist. “Typically, we’d be at home to truly appreciate those moments,” Dalrymple notes about the release while being on the road, “but we just thought, ‘Oh, the song is out, onto the next show.’”
Pretty Jane burst onto the scene in 2022 with the single “Spaced Out,” followed by a series of singles, and this EP represents their first major project. “I think the EP has been a significant exercise in discovering our sound,” Strain remarks. Although often categorized as a “folk band,” they strive to showcase various genres rather than be confined to a single label.
“I think we can all agree that we’ve fallen out of love with indie rock,” Dalrymple states with a laugh, earning agreements from the others. “This EP highlights our newer influences since moving to Nashville.”
DiVergilio points out Dalrymple’s vocal development as pivotal in Pretty Jane discovering “their sound.” “He’s really growing into his role as a singer, and I say this as a proud producer and bandmate,” he expresses. “It’s been rewarding to see Trevor find his voice.”
Claiming Pretty Jane fosters deep relationships would be an understatement. Their dynamic infuses their music with an emotional depth that transcends simplistic labels. Dalrymple’s intimate vocals harmonize with DiVergilio and Strain’s instrumentals, creating a weight of anticipation, romance, and closeness that makes their music irresistible—whether through headphones or blasting at a live show.
“All the songs on the EP explore tension within close intimacy,” Dalrymple shares. While some tracks, like “Stand So Close,” are upbeat, others, such as “Spit,” lean more melancholic. Yet all create an atmosphere of physical closeness through sound and lyrics.
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Atwood Magazine chatted with Pretty Jane about the family emotions present in their music, their forthcoming EP, and topics like cigarettes, mountains, and library cards. The Nashville-based trio conveys a strong sense of home in their sound.