The Bergamot Interview on Nagamag.com

Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

The Bergamot:
A big part of our music is the lyrical development and storytelling. We get a lot of that inspiration from old folk music. However, we see ourselves existing in the alternative/pop genre. So we are constantly finding ways to connect the two somehow. Sometimes it connects and sometimes it doesn't. Our job is to keep showing up...

Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

The Bergamot:
On October 20th, 2017 The Bergamot released the dreamy anthem P.D.R. (Both Records LLC). The single launched the band's career who was then discovered by Matt Wiggins (Adele, U2, Florence and the Machine) and achieved great reviews being called "The hottest emerging music talent" (People) and "a gorgeous sound" (Daily Mirror). Fans have discovered the band through an unbelievable series of music videos released to promote the new album "MAYFLIES". The videos have been heralded by music critics as "Lush" (PARADE) and "The Perfect Blend" (EARMILK). These groundbreaking videos have brought light to difficult topics and continued to build upon the band's momentum from "P.D.R.". The videos have garnered over 150k views on YouTube. Music blogs from all over the world have taken to "MAYFLIES". The band's single "L.A." has landed at the #1 spot on SubmitHub and the group looks to expand it's presence on the radio both domestically and abroad. The Bergamot was invited to open for OneRepublic and perform their first stadium show in early 2020. The Bergamot is composed of husband-wife duo Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece from the post-industrial town of South Bend, IN near the southeastern shores of serene Lake Michigan. The duo is all American sweethearts from the heartland. In a recent interview, Hoff states, "Jillian and I both look back fondly at our years growing up in Indiana." Growing up they both sang and performed in the church band. They pulled on influences ranging from Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake, and Bob Dylan. The band's main writer Nathaniel discovered the literary genius of fellow midwestern poet Carl Sandberg and his work capturing the life and strain of American life. "The music and the songwriting itself is pinnacle" Hoff explained to Trend and Chaos (NYC). Telling the American story one word at a time the songs touch on many aspects of American life in 2019.

Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

The Bergamot:
I remember the first time playing at a coffeehouse in downtown South Bend called Higher Grounds. People had to stand on top of coffee tables to see the show. It changed my life. The cops showed up...

Nagamag:
What's your musical background?

The Bergamot:
We both studied music in college. I (Nathaniel) focused on classical guitar, music theory, and vocal development. Jillian focused primarily on the voice.

Nagamag:
What do you love doing besides music?

The Bergamot:
Jillian - making/eating food Nathaniel - Golf

Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

The Bergamot:
12 Rods "24 Hours Ago"

Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

The Bergamot:
Modest Mouse Float On