runo plum radiates a soul-soothing warmth on “Lemon Garland,” a nostalgic and enchanting daydream that embodies longing, closeness, and the delicate beauty of connection. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the Minneapolis singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on loneliness, desire, and the fragile nature of friendship, providing insight into the evolving artistry that has established her as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie folk.
"I want the music to evoke a genuine emotional response. I aim for the intentions behind the writing to resonate, allowing listeners to share in the feelings I experienced while composing – to notice the small details, to recognize the references, and to appreciate the care involved."
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runo plum’s “Lemon Garland” is a heartfelt song that captures warmth and yearning – a wistful, luminous daydream infused with tenderness that touches the spirit.
Set in a whimsical world of communal meals and backyard bliss, her Winspear debut balances delicacy with dynamism: An indie folk reverie that longs for connection, flourishes with empathy, and cherishes the closeness of companionship. “Give me company, barefoot and muddy,” she sings in the chorus – a phrase that feels almost like a whispered wish on the breeze. These are lyrics that resonate deeply; they are felt in the bones.
With lines describing open windows, fluttering curtains, and shared experiences in the garden, “Lemon Garland” encapsulates the essence of friendship.
“This song represents my dreams and desires for friendship,” the Minnesota-based artist remarks to Atwood Magazine. “I visualize living in a large, old house in the woods, surrounded by friends and filled with pure happiness. I've caught glimpses of this over the years, but my current reality is quite isolated. The beautiful 12-string guitar in this song adds a richness that reflects the theme of community and friendship.”
As a Minneapolis native with strong ties to the indie folk and DIY scenes, runo plum has opened for artists like Angel Olsen and Searows, gradually cultivating a steadfast fan base with her intricate and emotionally resonant songwriting. Created during a time of seclusion and recorded in a Vermont cabin with co-producer Lutalo Jones, “Lemon Garland” serves as a promising preview of her debut album, *patching*, set for release on November 14th via Winspear. The track captures the enchanting and poetic nature, as well as the hauntingly beautiful fragility, of her artistry.
For plum, “Lemon Garland” unfolded gradually – a softly lit dream shaped by real-life loneliness. “I had been developing this song over the past few years, revisiting it during moments of deep loneliness and dreaming of times when I felt differently,” she shares. Her vocals are both tender and expressive, complemented by a rich 12-string guitar and airy electric melodies played by her girlfriend Noa. The end result yields a soundscape that simultaneously feels expansive and intimate – a place for vulnerability and belonging.
Plum's heartfelt delivery sends chills down the spine as she pours out her soul over sparkling guitar chords, her tone soft yet brimming with life:
"give me company
barefoot and muddy
give me pointing
at the birds we’ve never seen before."
“Getting the chorus just right lyrically was a significant challenge for me,” she explains. “I aimed to encapsulate something pure. It’s simply me expressing my desires: Connection, playfulness, being barefoot in a backyard with friends. Some time ago, my friend Marlowe, who contributed to the production and creative direction for the music video, introduced me to a song called ‘Company’ by Amos Heart, a mutual friend. There’s a line that struck me: ‘your company is a part of me, and the best that I can find’ – and I thought, wow. That’s it. That’s what I want. Marlowe shared it while we were touring with their partner Alec (Searows), right as our friendship deepened. While searching for the right words for the chorus, that song resonated with me, making the moment feel extraordinarily special, especially since both of them are featured in the music video.”
The idealized vision of companionship that inspired “Lemon Garland” materialized on the day of filming the music video, transforming art into life. “It’s truly a wholesome, feel-good song,” she smiles. “What makes it exceptional is that the fantasy I penned actually came to life during the video shoot. That day felt like a blessing. Living in Minneapolis, I only see the friends featured in the video a few times a year, with most residing in Portland. Yet, ‘Lemon Garland’ encapsulates one of those rare, golden moments. I hope listeners can feel that warmth, too.”
“We’ll stop to pick some veggies
for the big feast at our friendly table
our table
pass the guitar and share your updates
catch me up on your family
Completely sunlit, vibrantly crafted pop music.
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Combining emotion with pure strength.
runo plum radiates a captivating warmth in “Lemon Garland,” a nostalgic and enchanting reflection filled with longing, closeness, and the tender beauty of companionship. In conversation with Atwood Magazine, the Minneapolis singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on solitude, desire, and the fragile connections of friendship, providing insight into the developing artistry that has established her as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie folk.