A Chat with LOGAN (01.04.25)
Known for her captivating blend of retro soul and modern pop, LOGAN has quickly made a name for herself with her powerful voice and genre-defying sound. We speak with LOGAN to discuss her debut EP, Quarter Century Modern, her creative process, the themes behind her music, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what’s next for this rising star.
OSR: Your debut EP, Quarter Century Modern, has such a unique mix of 20th-century soul and modern pop. What drew you to blend these two styles, and how did you find that balance?
LOGAN: In my childhood home, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra were always on repeat. I’ve always gravitated towards passionate voices and lyrics in soul and jazz music. But I live in the 21st century, where pop music dominates. The music that felt the most true to myself and the brand that I am trying to create was a fusion of soul and pop. The pop production gives the songs a sense of relevance, while the strength of the soulful melodies makes listeners feel nostalgic.
OSR: The EP is a personal reflection on self-discovery, heartbreak, and perseverance. Which of the themes explored in the EP resonates with you the most in your current stage of life?
LOGAN: ‘Special’ is definitely the song that best describes my state of mind right now … in a quarter-life crisis. Turning 25 felt scary to me. It’s a bit of a milestone – more mature than 21 but not yet 30. I’ve been living in LA for two and a half years now, and I was at a reflection point. Did I make the right choice to move across the country? Will my music ever take off? What sort of career do I really want? I realized many of my friends were having the same existential crises as me, anxiously navigating young adulthood. In a way, this EP is validation to myself and others that this quarter-life anxiety is common and navigable with the support of friends and family.
OSR: ‘None of Your Business’ is such a bold opening track, full of confidence and defiance. Was there a particular moment or event that sparked the song’s creation?
LOGAN: I’m from a suburban area of North Carolina, where there are very few professional artists. When I decided to move to LA, I was met with scepticism by many of my peers and neighbours. “What’s your backup plan?” seemed to be the typical response. Part of the reason I wrote this song was to empower myself to continue chasing my dreams. While the defiant track tells the naysayers off, it also proclaims my belief in myself.
OSR: You tackle the end of a friendship in ‘Stranger’, which is a theme not often explored in mainstream music. What made you want to write about this kind of heartbreak?
LOGAN: The inspiration from ‘Stranger’ was less of a singular event but more of a growing distance I felt between myself and my former close friends. College and adulthood easily got in the way of these friendships, but I felt like my effort to connect was not being reciprocated. I was sad to watch these former friendships slowly fade away. Everyday texts turned into once-a-year birthday wishes, and I started thinking, “How did it end up this way?” Unfortunately, I think this song is universally relatable, whether you interpret it as the loss of a platonic or romantic relationship. That being said, I’m not giving up hope on rekindling old friendships. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to rebuild a relationship.
OSR: The song ‘Finders Keepers’ seems like a powerful anthem about self-worth. How do you maintain confidence and self-love in the face of challenges, and does this song reflect your personal experience?
LOGAN: I truly believe that the most important relationship you have in life is with yourself. ‘Finders Keepers’ was written after years of finding love for myself. I believe that self-confidence is what caught the interest of a former fling and thus inspired the song. At the time I was in a relationship with that person, I was still figuring out who I was. I based a lot of my own worth on their perception of me (as most college-aged women do). But as I learned to love myself for myself, I became a fuller, truer version of myself. A version that didn’t need to be “found”. On my bad days, I try to remind myself of the unique gifts I bring to the world just by being me.
OSR: With a track like ‘Over Under’, there’s a playful, spontaneous energy. How do you approach writing music for both lighter, fun moments and more serious, introspective ones?
LOGAN: No artist is one-dimensional. Especially as they navigate their twenties. ‘Over Under’ was an escape from the deep themes in the EP, a “letting loose” of sorts as I imagined a night out with my girlfriends. I think it’s important for an artist to honour all parts of themselves – from the silly and impulsive side to the analytical and intellectual side.
OSR: You’ve mentioned your love for mixing different genres. Are there any particular genres or artists you haven’t yet explored that you’d like to incorporate into your future music?
LOGAN: As a North Carolinian, I am also inspired by the great folk and country artists like Patsy Cline, James Taylor, and the Avett Brothers. I would love to incorporate folk/Americana into a track in the future. Brandi Carlisle is a favourite artist of mine and an example of a powerful voice in folk music.
OSR: How has the process of recording and releasing Quarter Century Modern changed your perspective on your music career? What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned along the way?
LOGAN: I liken this EP to a journal. Creating this EP meant exploring my inner thoughts, hopes and fears. I drew from deeply personal experiences and learned that the best art comes from authenticity. By literally being myself and not holding back (vocally or lyrically), I created my proudest work of art. This industry can make you feel like you’re not enough. I feel just right with Quarter Century Modern.
OSR: As an artist, you’re known for your authenticity. What advice would you give to other up-and-coming artists trying to stay true to themselves while navigating the pressures of the industry?
LOGAN: Stop putting pressure on yourself to have your career figured out! Enjoy the time it takes to discover your sound and craft. Savour the moments when a lyric clicks or a melody gives you chills. Don’t worry too much about streams or followers! Enjoy the process of making the music
Many thanks to LOGAN for speaking with us. Find out more about LOGAN on her Instagram and Spotify.
