Conor Oberst, Lucy Dacus, and Christian Lee Huston all guest on the singer-songwriter’s new record.
Phoebe Bridgers has been keeping busy.
The crew gave EW a (brief) look at howPunishercame together.
Credit: Kristy Benjamin
Christian Lee Hutson:I originally met Phoebe through [a] mutual friend.
One of the first songs we wrote is on her new record.
Its called “Halloween.”
We wrote that like a week after meeting each other.
Bridgers:I love Halloween decorations.
Thats always the kind of stuff I’m striving to make.
Lucy Dacus:Phoebe is willing to go darker than most people.
But it gets to the point of what shes saying.
Hutson:“Moon Song” is my favorite from her new record.
Its just a f—ing amazing song.
This is the only new song I have."
Songs like Moon Song are pretty true to form.
But then songs like Kyoto just take a turn.
So it was definitely a fun surprise to have accidentally written a fun song.
Dacus:Phoebe has become a great producer.
I hope people give her credit for the creative decisions she made sonically, not just as a writer.
After the third attempt, things were just not sitting exactly right.
It should be just what you do in the room."
Conor Oberst:[Punisher] is a more fully realized version of her music.
I know she felt more in control.
She wasnt having as many arguments with producers and collaborators.
She was the one in charge and I think, because of that, it came out amazing.
I didnt want it to be corny.
The more personal, intimate songs are easier for me.
Oberst:I helped with that one.
I was a part of the screaming choir, but that was a pretty minor contribution.
I helped flesh out some lyrics and explore different word choices [and] imagery.
Bridgers:My favorite albums are ones that arent one tone; theyre cohesive.
You know like,Im Wide Awake, Its Morning, the Bright Eyes album.
Theres a song for everybody on it.
There are fast songs, folk songs, sad songs.
I wanted this to feel almost like a f—ing musical.
Theres something about it thats connected, but its not just 10 of the same songs.
