Rising shoegaze superstars she’s green are putting a sweeter spin on standard pedal-driven fare. Their new EP Chrysalis is blissful and lush, with sensitivity holding court amongst a wall of noise. YouTube comments on the picturesque video for the EP’s closing track “Little Birds” liken their sound to “naturally filtered water,” or “a walk in a sunny glade.” We caught them on email before fall support slots with the likes of Drop Nineteens and Slow Pulp to talk Minnesotan favorites, balanced mixes, and life on the road. Give it a read, and listen to Chrysalis below.

Chrysalis is your second EP. Can you pinpoint where the writing process started? Did the songs come out fairly fully formed, or did you take your time with trial and error? 

she's green: The EP all came out at different times, but started at a cabin in the woods where we wrote “Little Birds.” We had worked out different versions of the song but the original is what stuck. Some of the songs started as old demos of Liam’s, then the band morphed them into a new form. Other songs, like Willow, came to us really naturally, just through spontaneous jams in the basement.

How did it feel when you finally finished and submitted the EP? 

It was a bit strange, honestly. We had just come back from tour and had been submitting mix notes on the road. We definitely felt proud but we were so used to being in the process that it felt like we’d just hit the eye of the storm and everything became quiet, quick, like, Wow, that’s it? Plus we were already thinking about the next project which we’re super excited about. After the fact we’re super proud of what this EP came to be. It’s kind of a snapshot in time for us.

You have college radio ties. Have you made any meaningful musical discoveries via the airwaves?

Liam here: for sure. My college radio friends put me on to some of my favorite bands. Mojave 3, ee, GBV, MBV. But the most meaningful discovery had to be Teddy though! Amazing friend and such a talented musician.

The Twin Cities have a famous indie rock scene—what’s your favorite local band of years past, and your favorite modern peer?

The Replacements is definitely a favorite of ours, just an insane bunch of lads.

Liam: My favorite band now is Lana Leone. Their songs are just so pure and ripping. Plus they’re some of the nicest people you’ll meet in your life. 

Zofia: I love Berzica, their live performances blow me away. Also drey.dk is a beautiful solo artist, sounding like a stripped-back Beach House and they’re the sweetest! 

All of your tracks, particularly the new ones (shoutout Sonny DiPerri), have atmospheric, all-encompassing mixes. How do you recreate that feeling in a live setting without everything bleeding together? I’ve only ever heard great things about your shows. 

I think our parts are written very individually. They complement each other and duck out to make space for one another. From time to time we let it all get loud and blend into one whole, but I think our distinct instruments still live in their own tonal spaces. People can overestimate the need for lots of layers; most of our songs don’t involve that many different parts, so the live versions are pretty true to the recordings.

What keeps you grounded on the road?

Books, movies, and YouTube essays about niche history and science. Late night eats. Seeing friends in different cities. And a whole lot of frisbee.

Your songs and visuals are full of nature references. Can you recommend any hikes or excursions?

Liam: Zofia and I loved Mt. Rainier when we went. The paradise loop. It’s so popular for good reason, one of the most beautiful places. We all also recently went to Muir woods for the first time. Incredible to see that species of tree, only found in that small spot on this continent. I’d definitely recommend seeing Lake Superior once in your life too!

In the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” which is the best one? 

It’s in the name! Gichi-Gami.