During my hunt for new music to listen to, I stumbled upon the Looniest Toon, an emerging bedroom pop artist from New Orleans. I listened to her song “Megara” from her self-titled EP, a dreamy doo-wop infused ballad accompanied by soft, doleful lyrics and decided to conduct an interview with the artist behind the music.
What’s your real/preferred name? What was the inspiration behind your stage name?
My real name is Rebecca Gaspelin. I came up with The Looniest Toon after my last check-up at the doctor. I had extremely weird interactions with everyone in the office, and I remember thinking to myself while leaving, I am such a loon! Not too long after that, I was using the name The Looniest Toon to release all my work.
In her official bio, Gaspelin describes herself as a "classical singer gone rogue."
When did you first start to record, play or write music? What was the inspiration behind that?
“I first started to play piano when I was eight, and started singing not too long after that. When I was a kid I used to write songs and record them through a tape player, but I didn’t start sharing what I wrote until I was studying at the Conservatory [in Chicago].”
As far as inspiration, she says “My art has always been a form of expression.”
Her use of that DIY, disconnected sound, hallmarks of the bedroom pop genre, echoes the various struggles she vocalizes in her music in an almost story-telling way.
“Everybody’s up to something” she croons in “Chacun voit midi à sa porte”, track 2 of her self-titled EP.
What about bedroom pop fascinated you? Did you always think that would be your sound?
“I love the term bedroom pop because for me, the bedroom is the place where my creative process lives and thrives.” She said.
“I love the idea of making art in such a comfortable place where you can truly be vulnerable, and really express those raw emotions.”
Who are your inspirations (sound and lyrics wise)?
“I take from a lot of different influences when I write. When it comes to lyrics I wouldn’t say that I base my words off of anyone in particular, however I do idolize Joni Mitchell’s style.”
As far as sound Gaspelin cites Beach House, The Beach Boys, Jerry Paper, Mild High Club, Melody’s Echo Chamber, HOMESHAKE, and Harry Nilsson as her shaping influences.
“I also am highly influenced by classical music particularly J.S. Bach.” She added.
What are your goals for the rest of your music career?
Gaspelin obviously didn’t feel limited by goals, when she responded ” I don’t really feel like I have any goals for my music career! ”
“As long as I am working within the field and I am able to do work I enjoy, I’ll be happy! I would love to do some tours quite soon!”
How do you think your sound has developed over the span of your involvement in music?
“I’ve definitely have gotten a bit more adventurous with my forms and progressions over the years. ” she wrote back.
“Since I consider myself an avant-garde artist, I am always trying to push the boundaries of what I can and can’t do.”
Do you have a favorite song of yours?
“I definitely don’t have a favorite song, but [outside of my music] a song I’ve been obsessed with lately is “Used to Be” by Weyes Blood.”
Do you do anything outside of music?
“I’m always trying out different art forms! Lately I’ve been super into photography. I also like to read, do yoga and meditation, and watch TedTalks!”
Follow the Looniest Toon on Instagram and Twitter and listen to her on Spotify or Soundcloud for more.
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