Heather Mall has managed to pull at our heartstrings with her imagery-driven lyricism and emotional story of loss in her latest release, “Dear Christopher." Heather is an artist and singer-songwriter from the Chicago area, making her mark on the independent music scene through her captivating storytelling and soothing vocals.
With 17 years of experience in various music genres under her belt (including classical, jazz, pop, a cappella, musical theatre, and more), she has a range and versatility that is astounding for her age. A songbird through and through, Heather’s original releases lean on the Pop and Singer-Songwriter side of the musical spectrum. Inspired by artists such as Carole King, Sara Bareilles, and Jon Bellion, Heather strives to make music that moves the listener’s soul, and she has absolutely done that in her latest release, "Dear Christopher.”
"Dear Christopher” opens up with Heather Mall’s intimate vocals, supported by an array of soft strings and keys in the background. She is emotive and heartfelt in her delivery, and we are hooked on every word as she tells her story.
Throughout the song, there is an incredible arch and growth with the various sonic elements, helping to carry the listener through the various waves of emotion throughout the song.
Swooning strings cascade over the course of the track, while beautiful, layered harmonies fill up the spaces in between.
A rich, lush soundscape is formed, perfectly backing up Heather’s intimate yet powerful vocal delivery. We praise her for the vulnerability she displays in her lyricism and for inviting us into such a personal story.
Go and show Heather Mall some love on her latest single, “Dear Christopher,” available on all streaming platforms.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Heather Mall! You’ve absolutely taken our breath away with your latest single, “Dear Christopher.” This is obviously an incredibly personal song. Was it hard to be so vulnerable and open with this release?
Thank you so much! While writing it, it wasn’t difficult at all to be vulnerable and open because songwriting is an outlet for me to let go of everything, put it on paper, and then let art take over. Being an over-thinker, I do get into my head before a release and I wonder if it’s good enough or if I should eliminate certain parts of a song to maintain some privacy, but I allow myself to get creative and work around those aspects. Overall, I think it’s so important to be open and vulnerable with songwriting and art because that is what will ultimately connect with listeners. Sometimes people can’t unearth what they’re going through unless someone helps them reflect on it. I hope my music, especially “Dear Christopher” can be that song that helps someone through whatever they’re dealing with and allow them to heal.
How do you hope listeners will connect to “Dear Christopher” when hearing the song for the first time?
I hope that when listeners hear “Dear Christopher” for the first time, it helps to heal them and work through any grief they may be going through or have gone through in the past. I’ve had some people message me about it because they’ve recently lost someone or because it reminds them of a loved one, and all I want is for them to have a moment of peace or a beautiful memory when listening to it. When I imagined the song originally, it felt like reading a letter while looking off at a sunset and the feelings it brought up were peace, nostalgia, and hope, so I hope the listeners can feel that when they hear it for the first time as well.
You have an extremely captivating way of storytelling throughout your songwriting. When did you realize songwriting and performing was something you were passionate about?
For as long as I can remember. My life has always been revolved around music and growing up I loved singing and creative writing, so my two passions merged together perfectly into songwriting. As a kid, I was constantly singing and I have always been intrigued by writing, whether I’m writing about real events, poetry, or fictional stories. Storytelling allows you to reach inside your soul and connect with emotions and parts of you that you may otherwise keep to yourself. When I was in second grade, I would write random songs in my school notebooks, so I’d say that’s when I started becoming passionate about the idea of songwriting but I didn’t have the skills and tools to utilize it yet. A concrete moment that I remember was when I was a teenager and I started writing about meaningful topics and thoughts and could finally put them to music. Over time, my songwriting improved and that’s what finally lead me to write and finish my first official song, ‘Lucky,’ in 2020.
The production and instrumentation behind your vocals perfectly encapsulate the different waves of missing someone you’ve lost. Did you have an idea in mind while writing the song of how you wanted the production elements to reflect your lyrics? Did you have any help bringing these ideas to life?
I’m so glad you think that, thank you! When I wrote the lyrics & melody to the song, I had trouble coming up with the exact sound/instrumentation that I was hearing in my head. I always pictured a nostalgic, melancholic, yet hopeful sound that you would look out onto the horizon hearing. Josh Northwood produced, mixed, and mastered the song. When I first talked with him, I explained the sound and vibe I was hoping for. I wanted the lyrics to flow with the sound as if they’re being let go into the universe. When I heard it put together for the first time, everything felt like it was finally complete. He perfectly captured the idea I had in my mind. He really helped bring this song to its full potential with his production and instrumentation and for that, I am eternally grateful.
What's next for you?
Right now, I’m working on another single that will be released in the next few months. Later this year I will be releasing my debut EP! I’ve had it planned out for a while and now the bits and pieces of it are coming together. I’m excited to collaborate with fellow friends/musicians on it and I can’t wait to see it turn into what I’m dreaming it to be. It’s exciting having the ideas come to fruition and I cannot wait to share more music with everyone!
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