A cinematic close-up on intimacy and spaciousness: Eighty Ninety explore their latest single, ‘Yourself’
The project of NYC-based brothers Abner and Harper James, Eighty Ninety are an indie-pop duo known for their signature sound of minimalist pop production and electronic instrumentals they call “808s and telecasters.”
On November 15th, the duo released their latest single Yourself, an emotionally charged track with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that explores the subtle disconnect that can form between two people, even when they’re physically close.
With over 35 million Spotify streams to date, praise from Billboard, Ones To Watch, and Rolling Stone and even a nod from Taylor Swift, Eighty Ninety are undoubtedly ones to watch in the indie-pop scene.
In an exclusive interview, we had the chance to talk with Abner and Harper James all about their latest single, discussing everything from what Swiftie-themed era of songwriting they’re in right now to their plans for upcoming projects…
When did you decide that music was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
“We grew up with the instruments that our parents had around, so it became a part of our lives before we ever thought about our careers. By the time we grew up it was too late for anything else to have a chance!”
How would you describe Yourself to someone who hasn’t heard the song yet?
“The song is about the space between two people, and what closeness really means. We wanted it to feel both intimate and spacious, widescreen and close-up. So we treated the vocals almost like a whisper but the music like a sweeping, cinematic moment.”
“Yourself is about the quiet disconnect that can exist between two people, even when they’re physically close - and how easily things slip away when you’re not fully present and when you’re not giving yourself over to something,” Abner said “We tried to capture those small, unnoticed moments that eventually add up, leaving you wondering what exactly you missed along the way until you realize what you missed wasn't 'something'- it was everything.”
Where did the initial spark of inspiration come from, and how did the production process flow from there?
“Songs usually come with some parts of the words and music arriving at the same time - a lyric with a piece of music, or a melody surrounding a word or idea. This one was more of an acoustic ballad before we produced it, but we made it feel bigger and larger in scope to try and reflect the bigness of the emotions contained between two people in such a personal way.”
Do you have any favourite lyrics from the track and what do they mean to you?
"‘You have to give yourself to something or it slips out of your hand’ is the thesis of the song, really, if it had to be distilled. Everything else kind of grew out of that idea. That said, ‘two names on a lease have never lived so far apart’ is a turn of phrase we're proud of.”
You’ve mentioned getting a shout-out from Taylor Swift on one of her playlists before, so if Yourself were to feature on any of her albums, which would it fit best within?
“We love this question! Speak Now is the first that comes to mind - it's her most personal, the one with no co-writers, and it feels like Yourself also would have a home musically with songs like Sparks Fly and Long Live.”
Which Swiftie era are you guys in right now as songwriters?
“We feel like Eighty Ninety usually lands somewhere between Fearless and Folklore - we're trying for classic singalong moments underpinned by more experimental, introspective elements.”
We then asked the duo what music they’ve been enjoying recently…
“We've been loving Bartees Strange and Fred Again - Bartees' sonics and lyrics are so evocative. Fred Again has reinvigorated the form of pop music without sacrificing any of the cathartic accessibility.”
And, of course, made a playlist for fans to enjoy!
Then it was time for some fun questions:
If you both were a random inanimate object (think a plant pot, car keys etc…) which objects would you be?
Abner: “A lego set.”
Harper: “A tennis ball.”
Would you rather: have to sing along with or have to dance along to every single song you hear?
“Sing along. No one wants to see us dance.”
If you could all live a day in the life of another famous group, who would you choose?
“We secretly want to be in HAIM! Manifesting a tour...”
Are there any plans for Yourself to be part of a bigger body of work such as an EP/album?
“Yes, it's the first single off our next album - it's going to be a fun one and very long!”
In their February 27th Instagram post, Eighty Ninety added: “The truth is we have a hilariously ambitious but deeply meaningful double album written that will arrive as it arrives, with obsessive quality control always trumping algorithmic strategies. But we are very excited to give it to you as it is ready, and love you for sticking around.”
Finally, do you have any advice for future artists who want to make music, but might not know where to start?
“All the success we've ever had has come from moments when we've put any goals or aspirations out of our mind and just made music that was fun to make. The good news is that you don't need to create music for an imagined audience. Make something you love, and other people will love it too.”
Whilst we wait to hear what’s next from Eighty Ninety, make sure to follow the duo on Instagram so you don’t miss any upcoming album news.
And, as always, you can enjoy the rest of their music on Spotify:
