Q&A with BØRNS – COACHELLA 2016 Edition!

Growing up in coastal Michigan, Garrett Borns moved from one inspiration to another. His first artistic love was visual arts and then came music thanks to an eccentric piano teacher. At the age of fifteen BØRNS attended the prestigious summer program at Interlochen Center for the Arts to study filmmaking while writing songs on the side with the music majors.

Playing local gigs through high school and college, BØRNS ended up in a secluded treehouse home in the Los Angeles canyons where he wrote his debut Candy EP, a set that filters the singer’s naturally moody, sensual sound through “an explosion of sunlight,” as he puts it. BØRNS’ single “Electric Love” is taking over radio airwaves and garnering praise from the media.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa had the pleasure of catching up with BØRNS just after his recent performance at COACHELLA. Enjoy their chat below! 

First things first, how was Coachella? What was the highlight or most memorable moment for you?

Lots of great energy packed into a circus tent at sunset! I gotta say the “Electric Love” sing along was a highlight for me.

Were you able to venture out and see some of the other performers at the festival like your friend the lovely Miss. Zella Day?

I caught amazing sets from M83 and LCD Soundsystem that night but sadly couldn’t stay the whole weekend.

For those that are not as familiar with you and your music, who or what was the catalyst for you to want to live the life of a musical gypsy?

“I knew it was the only way I was going to grow as a writer and a person. I think it’s important to travel on your own and experience the energy of different cities.”

Tell me about partnering with Discover LA.

Discover LA showed interest in the music I was making because I record everything in Los Angeles and I’m a Michigan native. The discovery was mutual.

Who have been your inspirations (musically, art, film etc) growing up that also inspire you today?

“I grew up listening to the oldies radio station so much that I could sing every song that played. Motown and R&B records were playing at my house growing up. Also the Bee Gees, Prince, and Michael Jackson.”

 

Tell me about your latest single from your debut album, Dopamine (via Interscope Records).

My latest single is called “American Money”. It’s a song about manifesting the riches of true love.

Today everything is so instant like Spotify, Soundcloud etc. You push a button and it’s yours. What was the first album (that you can remember) that you saved up your hard earned money to purchase?

“I bought an Elvis Presley cassette tape and a portable player I found on the ground. Those were treasures.”

What was the first song you fell in love with and why?

“One” written by Harry Nilsson and made famous by Three Dog Night. I heard the TDN version and was mesmerized. Also the Turtles song “You Showed me” always made me drift off.

Who is in your current playlist? What artists or bands are in current rotation for you?

I’m going through my favorite Prince records at the moment. Also a mess of 80s funk and R&B records.

What’s on tap next for you? What are you most excited about for this year?

“I’m stoked for festivals this summer which include Sasquatch at the end of May, playing Glastonbury in June and a tour with The Lumineers!”

 

To stay connected with BØRNS , visit his socials below!

Website  / Facebook  /  Twitter  /  Instagram