Fletcher combines her trademark wit and unflinching honesty for a second album that’s both relatable and addictive.
Words: Ali Shutler.
"I've always wanted my art to be a true embodiment of the human experience, which is so brutally glorious," says Fletcher.
True to form, her swaggering second album came about following a period of intense soul-searching. After being forced to cancel a string of headline shows due to health issues, she found herself asking who she was without the applause and the acclaim that had come with the release of her long-awaited debut album 'Girl Of Your Dreams'. As much as it sucked at the time, Fletcher now views that forced pause as a gift. "I was able to get back in touch with why I make music and why it moves me," she says.
"Songwriting has always been a tool of self-reflection," explains Fletcher, who's made a name for herself with a unique blend of deep, reflective, heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics and bold, outlandish pop. "I've been looking for ways out of my pain. I've been looking for ways to deal with my mental health and heartbreak. I've looked for ways to feel good, to love myself and experience joy." People have turned to her music for the same reason.
At different points in her career, Fletcher has turned to girls, tequila, nature, touring and her relationship with her fans to provide some sort of understanding. "I guess I've been searching for an antidote my whole life," she says before leaning back. "Turns out love is the ultimate antidote."
It might sound like the sort of journey that results in a polished album with a neat beginning, middle and happy end, but that's never been Fletcher's style.
"There was a period in my life where I wanted to tie the bow on top of the pretty, perfect package, but that's just not me," she explains. "I am this beautiful, beautiful mess of creation, chaos, love, and pain. That is the human experience, and if anybody tried to tell you otherwise… they're lying to you," Fletcher whispers.
"I put so much effort into creating this facade of not giving a fuck, but it's just not true. I'm a crybaby bitch"
— fletcher
Rather than chasing a carefully planned vision, 'In Search Of The Antidote', just sort of happened, according to Fletcher. "It feels like it wrote itself because I was going through it all at the time." Even closing track slash album destination 'Antidote' stumbled into Fletcher's lap. "To be honest, 'Antidote' came about because some girl said to me, 'I might just be the antidote to your chaos'." Fletcher's instant reaction? "That's a fucking crazy lyric. It's where this whole world was born from."
Fletcher is in London for a pre-emptive celebration of 'Love Is The Antidote', with the rest of her day dedicated to meeting fans and signing records. "I'm feeling antsy. I'm feeling nervous. There's always this level of anticipation before a record comes out," she admits. "But ultimately, I'm excited for people
