Queer singer-songwriter Allison Ponthier has been touring in support of her new EP, Breaking the Fourth Wall , and on June 1 she opened for Maren Morris at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington. SGN was fortunate enough to interview Ponthier about her love of the Pacific Northwest, the completion of her EP trilogy, and more.
Touring with Maren Morris
When asked how touring with Maren Morris has been, Ponthier responded excitedly: "Getting to know her was wonderful because we have really similar backgrounds as Texas girls, and I am so inspired by her authenticity on and off stage."
Ponthier who had on performed in Washington on her very first tour, finds the beauty of the region inspiring. "Coming to the Pacific Northwest changed the chemistry of my brain," she said of the landscape's effect on her. "When I was offered the Maren Morris tour and I saw I would be coming back to Washington, I was so excited."
Writing/recording process
Ponthier said that a big goal in writing the songs for the indie folk/alt rock-infused Breaking the Fourth Wall was completing the trilogy of EPs that she has been working on for the past few years. "This is the final EP that completes the narrative trilogy and is all about my relationship with other people."
Ponthier described the recording process for Breaking the Fourth Wall as a breakthrough moment in her career. She conceived of most of the songs on the keyboard, and she subsequently enjoyed being in the studio for the process of layering in all the other components of the songs. "It was so much fun to be able to get to be there for everything — including tracking drums and lap steel. Many of these songs had a totally different energy before they were well loved and finished by Matt, Tommy English, and Gian Stone."
Ponthier went on to explain how she felt she had more leeway to experiment and then change her plans on this record. "I had space on this record to try something and then pivot, which was a huge blessing." She expressed gratitude at having a team that was patient with her but also willing to push and challenge her.
Show at Chateau Ste. Michelle
On June 1, Ponthier performed at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, an experience she described as breathtaking for her as a performer.
"The venue was gorgeous (and allegedly haunted), and I have the biggest soft spot for outdoor amphitheater shows. Something about them feels cozy, sentimental, and performing one in a beautiful state doesn't hurt either." She said she got to meet a lot of fans, too, including some she had met on previous tours.
Ponthier's upcoming shows
When asked about what is next for her, Ponthier let us in on some exciting things to watch out for. "In the fall, I tour with NIKI for my longest tour yet, and I get to come back to Seattle in October!" Of her down time, Ponthier commented, "When I'm not on the road, I'm working on my next project and writing/recording songs."
Go stream Allison Ponthier's new EP Breaking the Fourth Wall , out everywhere now, and make sure to get tickets for her upcoming Seattle show in October.
Allison Ponthier performs with headliner NIKI at the WAMU Theater in Seattle on October 18, 2024. For more tickets and information, see https://www.wamutheater.com/events/niki-2024 .
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