FLYER Q&A: Squirrel Flower to perform with Tenci on March 3 in Fayetteville

Ella Williams of Squirrel Flower / Courtesy photo

Written before the pandemic, Squirrel Flower‘s record Planet(i) is a gorgeous and moody exploration on disasters and how we get through them. It’s a headphones record that’s perfect for walking. You can feel yourself wanting to create something while listening. The stark “Pass” sets up the catchy and haunting “Flames And Flat Tires”, which was probably my favorite one-two punch on an album in 2021. And Planet(i) is full of these moments. It’s highly recommended.

Squirrel Flower just released the Planet EP, which is a collection of demos from the Planet(i) recordings. It also includes a cover of Bjork’s song “Unravel.”

Squirrel Flower is in Arkansas for the first time this Thursday, March 3 at George’s Majestic Lounge with Tenci – who released a fantastic record My Heart Is An Open Field in 2020 on Keeled Scales. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are required for entry.


Who: Squirrel Flower / Tenci
When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3
Where: George’s Majestic Lounge
Tickets: $12-$14 at Stubs.net

I talked to Ella Williams of Squirrel Flower on a break from tour.


Hi Ella, how are you?

I’m great!

You’re on a short break between tours – do you get to relax on these breaks or is it mostly preparing for more shows?

I just drove six hours round trip to play a last-minute show with my friends Horse Jumper of Love and MJ Lenderman in Davenport, Iowa. The music never stops!

What have you been reading and watching lately? Anything you’d recommend?

I’m reading “Women Who Run With The Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I’d recommend it to anyone who ever feels caged in. When I don’t want to use my brain I watch Survivor. I also watched Oceans 11 last night, great great film, also Good Will Hunting.

What’s your favorite tour van activity? And what’s the first thing you look forward to doing in a new town?

My favorite thing to do in the van is tell jokes and read! I love seeing the different landscapes in all the places I go. And scoping out the best dive bar to play pool.

Have you been to Fayetteville before? Is there anything you plan to do while you’re here?

I’ve never been to Fayetteville before. I’d love to find the best dive bar to play pool.

Do lyrics make or break a song?

If I hear a song with obviously cringey or corny lyrics I really can’t listen to it. But that doesn’t happen often.

Do you have a guilty pleasure band or song?

“Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is my favorite song right now and the song I’ve been walking onstage to.

What are your plans and hopes for the rest of 2022?

To keep touring and not get sick and hopefully demo a new album! All I want to do is share my music with people.