Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Maude Latour

Maude Latour has emerged as the voice of her generation. This fall, she dropped her highly-anticipated sophomore EP Strangers Forever, solidifying her place amongst music’s greatest songwriters.

Inspired by heartbreak, Strangers Forever reminds listeners to find the strength within.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Maude about her career and Strangers Forever. Plus, she shared whether a debut album is in the cards for 2022.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Maude: I was always drawn to music as a kid. I was in choirs. That was where I was the happiest. I loved singing and performing. I was part of the choir throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Once I reached high school, there were these a cappella groups and a jazz band. All of my friends were musical. They were all in a cappella and we would hang out on the weekends, harmonize, and perform on buses, subways, and street corners. We loved making music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Maude: So many things. In my personal life, I’ve been influenced by people and the conversations that I’ve had with them. I’ve been influenced by watching other people make art and how they use art as their grounding force in life. Musically, there have been so many people, from Queen to Gwen Stefani to SZA. I was raised on Amy Winehouse. I love people who build worlds.

PC: You’ve got a new EP out now. Can you tell us about Strangers Forever and the inspiration behind it?
Maude: These six songs are all songs that I wrote about a specific heartbreak and getting through it. It took so long to comprehend everything that happened through this heartbreak. I had written all these songs over the span of a year and a half. Although it’s about this heartbreak, it’s also about any type of loss and loneliness.

I couldn’t find any breakup songs that did exactly what I needed them to do. They were all about someone being so hurt and sad and feeling so small, but I needed something that made me feel big and gave me strength. I was listening to Doja Cat and Hot Pink’s albums religiously in 2019 for that reason. I needed break-up songs that would center the hurt person as a protagonist with strength. This EP is supposed to be there for you when you need to get through that. It’s such a bright EP, despite being about heartbreak. It’s supposed to be a source of strength for anyone going through heartbreak, loss, or darker moments in their lives.

PC: Of all the music that you’ve released, if you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Maude: There’s a song that hasn’t been released yet…but I come back to “Superfruit” a lot. That was one of the first songs that I put out. I had spent time figuring out my artistry and what I wanted to do. It’s such a bright song, but it’s literally about the duality of being afraid of death while making this commitment to spend time with those who make you feel good. It’s about expressing yourself, having good moments, and cherishing the euphoria of life. I look back at that song and realize it poured right out of me.

PC: As we look ahead, what does 2022 look like for you?
Maude: I’m definitely starting to work on my next project. Hopefully, it turns into my debut album. I really hope it does. It’s going to be the next chapter after these two EPs. I’m starting to ask myself, “What does my debut album look like?” I’ve learned so much about what my voice is and how I write and sing. What do I want to say with my debut album? It’s the best question that I’ve asked myself. I’m excited. I hope it’s going to be magical for sure.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Maude: That’s a good question. I’m a pretty die-hard Strokes fan. That might not be surprising, but I’m a fan girl for sure.

PC: First album you bought?
Maude: The first CD that I ever had was ABBA’s Gold, but the first album that I bought was Born to Die by Lana Del Rey. It blew my mind. Also Bruno Mars’ Unorthodox Jukebox.

PC: First concert you attended?
Maude: Taylor Swift.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Maude: I’d say No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom. It was the first time I had found a band on my own. None of my friends knew them. I was like, “Let me listen,” and I found this new musical world. Album after album, they have so many bangers. They have so much fun and their hooks are so good. I was addicted to listening to them.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Maude: Baby’s All Right in New York City. I’m playing there. That was a dream venue because I’ve seen so many shows there. In high school, every artist that I loved would perform there.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Maude: Sunglasses.

Watch the “Strangers Forever” Music Video below

To keep up with Maude, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or listen to Strangers Forever today.