by Lexi Bissonnette
Casey Dienel,aka White Hinterland, saw the release of Baby a few short days ago and the second studio album has a lot of inward and personal meaning for the singer. The album was inspired in large parts by things around her in Massachusetts, so it’s more personal and local than her first.
“I just waned to own my inner Masshole,” jokes Dienel.
Dienel’s newest album also shows her evolution as an artist. Unlike many, Dienel attended the New England Conservatory of Music. She doesn’t give the credit to the classes, though. The credit is given more to the teachers and the people she met along the way who helped Dienel grow and show her potential. “The bits of info and technique that I did pick up on add to the toolbox, they’re avenues I can go down when I’m stuck on something.”
Dienel continues, “I think I’m shaped less by my experience at the school and more the teachers.” She also points out that her friends there helped out with Baby. “There’s a lot of NEC players on the record. Those of us still working still get jobs for each other and check in. It’s like a community, a really great tribe where no matter what we can all look out for each other.”
Dienel admits that she may not have been the world’s best student while she was there because she also wanted to do her own thing and not necessarily what was being asked of her. That’s part of what makes her the artist is she. “I’ve always been pretty self indulgent when I’m working. I make records I would be interested in listening. I know the subject matter is kind of intense. I wanted it to feel fun to me and exuberant.”
Even with a background in classical training, Dienel says there is a lot on the new record that she hasn’t done before. She’s stopped focusing on style and instead focused on making the music for this album. Dienel assures her fans that nothing has changed and she’s just stepping things up. “It might sound like things have changed a lot, but this record incorporates the things I’ve always loved about music – like layered levels in the vocals, dynamic shifts in songs.”
White Hinterland’s music has also had feature spots on some big shows. “Icarus” has been played on Project Runway as well as Pretty Little Liars. Dienel says she’d gone underground and wasn’t sure how many people had heard it, but the opportunity was definitely nice and really personal to have it happen.
Aside from TV, White Hinterland is hitting the road for a tour. Dienel is excited for every element it. “It will be my first time really getting to play these songs in front of people. I think more than any other record I’ve ever made these songs are so personal. I’m curious to see how they take shape in front of other people. “
For her April 14th stop at the Boot and Saddle in Philly, Dienel is pairing up with S. Carey for the show. “I’m really excited about that actually. Getting to spend a whole month listening to them is kind of dreamy.”
Aside from the music Dienel jokes she’s ready for winter to be over, to go swimming and for people to stop by and catch her tour.
