PHOEBE BRIDGERS

For those of us who practised social isolation before it was part of our everyday lexicon, a global pandemic presents a distinct set of mental hurdles, which Phoebe Bridgers is still trying to get her head around. “It’s all right,” says the 25-year-old from her LA home. “I like days like this, where I don’t have shit to do and can write or whatever. It’s just hard to enjoy it when the circumstances are what they are. It’s just so confusing. Technically I’m having a nice day but then there’s the idea that I couldn’t go outside even if I wanted to.”

You can’t blame Bridgers for enjoying some downtime. Since the release of her debut album Stranger In The Alps in late 2017, the Los Angeles native has spent an enormous amount of time on the road, supporting that record and touring with lauded side projects Boygenius (with Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus) and Better Oblivion Community Center (with Conor Oberst). Indeed, if not for the Current Situation, she’d soon be embarking on a massive US tour with The 1975, one that would nicely coincide with the unveiling of her much-anticipated second album Punisher. Released on schedule on 19 June, it’s a record that showcases her evolution as a songwriter, artist and producer – just don’t call it experimental.

“I get questions like, ‘How do you feel about your new album being such a radical departure?’ and I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?!’” says Phoebe, chuckling at some of the feedback she’s received so far. “People will be like, ‘Clearly, it’s a very experimental record,’ and I’m like, ‘No, I just piled more shit on it!’