Suki Waterhouse’s journey with her sophomore album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, has been a whirlwind of creativity and personal growth. Discovered during a late-night scroll, the Sparklemuffin spider caught Waterhouse’s eye with its vibrant colors and quirky dance moves. "He’s wildly colored. He’s cute," she exclaimed, adding with a smile, "Best of all: He dances. I felt somewhat akin to him."
This spider became more than just a quirky discovery; it evolved into a symbol for Waterhouse's new album, which drops this Friday. Following her debut album, I Can’t Let Go, released in 2022, and her role as Karen Sirko in Amazon Prime’s Daisy Jones and the Six, this album marks a significant step in her career. Waterhouse's latest project not only explores themes of heartache and the quest for “Big Love” but also reflects on her experiences in the music industry, which she entered as a teenager through modeling. Remarkably, the album was completed just days before the birth of her daughter, now six months old, with her partner Robert Pattinson.
After celebrating the release with appearances at the Michael Kors fashion show and the MTV Video Music Awards, Waterhouse sat down with The Associated Press to discuss how her pregnancy and her role in Daisy Jones and the Six influenced her music.
Shaping the Sound: Pregnancy and Creative Focus
The creative process for Memoir of a Sparklemuffin was deeply intertwined with Waterhouse’s pregnancy. "The physical limitations were something that shaped the album, in a really good way," she shared. Being unable to leave the house for months allowed her to focus on her music in a way that might have been challenging with a bustling schedule. "I’m someone that loves working at home. All of my music has pretty much been made in home studios," Waterhouse noted. The environment was intimate, with talented collaborators flowing in and out of her home studio. The pressure to finish the album before the baby arrived created a unique sense of urgency and motivation.
Reclaiming Labels: “Model, Actress, Whatever”
One standout track, “Model, Actress, Whatever,” serves as a powerful reclamation of the labels that have followed her throughout her career. "When I wrote that song, I kind of had that loop going around — ‘call me a model, an actress, whatever,’" she explained. Initially, she saw it as self-deprecating, but it evolved into an anthem of empowerment. “It’s dramatic, it’s glamorous,” she added. The accompanying video plays into stereotypes in a fun, tongue-in-cheek manner, showcasing Waterhouse’s sense of humor and pride in the track. "I really feel proud of that," she said, encouraging fans to watch and enjoy the video.
Embracing Her Music Career: The Influence of Karen Sirko
Playing Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones and the Six provided a significant boost to Waterhouse’s own music career. Sirko, a character embodying confidence and clarity, served as an inspiration. "Whenever you step into a role, you do just absorb — that’s the job," Waterhouse observed. The experience of being in a band and recording at Sound City Studios sparked a realization. "That’s what I want to be doing too," she said. The role gave her the nudge she needed to finally create the album she had been dreaming about.
Tapping into Karen: Ongoing Influence
When asked if she still channels Sirko, Waterhouse laughed and said, “Yeah, I guess. She’s always there, she’s always there.” The character’s influence lingers, even as Waterhouse continues to evolve as an artist.
Live Performances and Fan Reactions
Performing live has been a transformative experience for Waterhouse. Her recent show at Coachella and other gigs have influenced her music creation. "When I did Taylor (Swift)’s show the other day, I went straight into the studio afterward," she shared. Swift’s performance was so inspiring that it pushed Waterhouse to experiment with new sounds. While she ended up creating a slow ballad, the inspiration was undeniable. "I was like, ‘I want to make a stadium song.’"
The first album had its share of insecurities and second-guessing. However, Waterhouse has grown more confident in her musical choices. "When I wrote ‘My Fun,’ that was the first kind of upbeat song that still felt true to my palette," she explained. This new confidence means she’s excited to bring more upbeat songs to her live shows.
Looking Ahead: The Excitement of Touring
As she looks forward to her upcoming tour, Waterhouse is thrilled about the new material and the opportunity to showcase a more evolved show. "There’s nothing better than having a bunch of new songs that you love so much and you feel like you’re putting together a show that’s like a whole level up," she said. The anticipation of sharing these songs with her audience is palpable, reflecting her excitement and dedication to her craft.
In summary, Suki Waterhouse’s Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is a testament to her growth as an artist and individual. From the inspiration of a colorful spider to the transformative experience of playing Karen Sirko, Waterhouse’s journey is one of creativity, empowerment, and personal discovery. Her upcoming tour promises to be an exciting showcase of her evolution, and fans can look forward to experiencing her dynamic and heartfelt new music live.
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