Exclusive Track Premiere: ‘What We Are,’ Beginners

Los Angeles-based four-piece Beginners creates sun-soaked indie pop. Their latest track, premiering below, is no exception; “What We Are” features heady percussion and rousing lyrics rooted in the rough edges of reality, and specifically references vocalist/bassist Samantha Barbera’s youth in Indiana.

“When I was growing up, my mom struggled financially and we were forced to live off of food stamps,” Barbera recalls. “Despite being poor in an otherwise wealthy town, she always instilled an impenetrable sense of confidence in me. I still have vivid memories of riding my second-hand bike around my neighborhood, wearing a giant gold medallion from the ‘70s that I took from my mom’s jewelry box, feeling like I owned the streets,” she continues. “‘What We Are” is an underdog anthem.  It’s about being proud of who you are, regardless of what anyone tells you.”

The song’s clear-cut lyrics surprisingly emerge from what Barbera calls “gibberish.” She often begins the songwriting process by singing nonsensical words over a guitar or synth. “Emoting in such a raw way produces an exorcism of words,” she says. “Your subconscious eventually takes over and spills the lyrics out.” This songwriting philosophy aligns with the band’s overall outlook on music, which they intend to capture on their forthcoming sophomore EP Pleaser (which they will self-release on September 16). “Be 100 percent honest and vulnerable,” Barbera says. “Beyond that, we just let ourselves have fun.”

PLEASER WILL BE SELF-RELEASED ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016. FOR MORE ON BEGINNERS, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK.