Portland Based Artist Chipped Nail Polish Releases Second EP “Bottom Feeder”
Interview by Hannah Kozak / Photo by Allison Barr
It all started with an electric ukulele and a bad manicure. Jill Sullivan started Chipped Nail Polish several years ago while attending the University of Oregon. The band centers community and friendship while blending elements of surf punk and bedroom indie pop to create a unique sound. The band’s second EP, Bottom Feeder, is released January 27th, 2023.
Q: What did the writing process for "Rut," the first single off of Bottom Feeder, look like? How did you know you wanted this to be the first single off the EP?
A: I was living at home in Southern California after spending the previous four years in Eugene, Oregon. I felt so lost and like all I had been working towards in college was suddenly out of my reach. I was feeling super nostalgic for my old life, and I took a lot of solo trips to the beach just to clear my head. This is where a lot of the water, ocean, bottom feeder ideas and lyrics were derived. I remember sitting down after one of those beach days and writing Rut in like fifteen minutes. It quickly became my personal favorite on the EP, and since I’m the boss I chose it as the single.
Q: "Say Something" is definitely a stand out track on this EP. Can you talk a little bit about that song? Is it based on a personal experience?
A: Thank you! This song is based on a culmination of people that I had little crushes on but never acted on. The most memorable one was this guy who had a crush on me all throughout middle and high school. He later left our high school early and became a very successful actor and skater. I definitely had a lot of “what if” thoughts floating around in my head. At the time I wrote this song I had been single for a few years and realized I needed to take more chances in my dating life. I was just sick of being scared and wanted to admit that I liked all these people– even if it was too late.
Q: In what ways do you think Bottom Feeder differs from B? In what ways do you think they're similar?
A: The content of Bottom Feeder differs from B in several ways. B was a breakup record, but Bottom Feeder explores more existential questions about life and what we are doing here. It focuses on the experience of my early twenties and how strange it is to be out in the “real world” for the first time. As far as the production goes, Justin Kiatvongcharoen (my good friend who produced, mixed, and engineered both EPs) has really honed in on his craft the last couple years. I still love the way B sounds but Bottom Feeder is a pretty big step up. It’s been so wonderful to watch each other grow and evolve in our musical endeavors.
Q: Who are your main musical inspirations?
A: As far as my lyricism goes, I’m absolutely in love with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Hayley Williams, Beach Bunny and Snail Mail. They all have albums that changed my life in some way. It’s where I got the courage to be so vulnerable in my writing.
Q: What is your dream festival to play and/or dream show lineup?
A: My dream festival would be Sasquatch Music Fest, which no longer exists. The Gorge Amphitheater is the most beautiful venue of all time and it would be absolutely magical to play there. My dream show would be to open for Beach Bunny. I feel like our music would go nicely together.
Q: How is the DIY scene in Portland and around the University of Oregon? The DIY scene in Pittsburgh (where our publication is based) is one of my favorite things about the city.
A: The DIY scene at UO was incredible during my time there. There were so many house show venues and the people were incredibly kind and supportive. I think some of that has changed since COVID, but as far as I know it’s still going strong! Most Portland venues are 21+ so there’s a thriving DIY scene being held up by the younger gen. What they are doing is pretty awesome. They are hauling in their own generators and PAs and throwing shows in abandoned warehouses, living rooms, basements and even under freeway overpasses. So iconic.
Q: Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start playing music or getting involved in their local scene in 2023?
A: It’s cheesy but just go for it! I think music scenes tend to feel very intimidating at first (especially for women) but once you make a friend or two you realize how kind and supportive everybody is… at least that’s been my experience in Portland. Also, I started playing the ukulele when I was 19 which is super late compared to most musicians. I would like to encourage anybody who wants to give music a shot to try the uke. It’s a lot easier than guitar and it can change your life! It certainly changed mine.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Thank you so much for having me, Riot Rage! You all do awesome work and it’s an honor to be featured here. And thank you to everybody who has listened to the EP; it means the world!
