In Conversation With #158 - Mini Trees
Mini Trees - the solo project of LA-based songwriter Lexi Vega, has just released her debut album ‘Always In Motion’ via Run For Cover Records. After playing drums in various projects for years, Vega began writing and recording her own music under the moniker Mini Trees in 2018. Following the release of these two EPs and with ample time to work on music during 2020, Vega both found herself ready to progress creatively and challenging many of her long-held beliefs and notions about her own identity. Originally envisioned to be yet another EP, Vega instead began working on what would become her debut full length, Always In Motion, a collection of relatable indie-pop songs that acknowledge our collective anxiety about life’s improbability. She took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Mini Trees, how are you? So your debut album is finally here, how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
It’s kinda wild to put so much energy and intention into a project like this, and to then hold on it for months… so it feels exciting and surreal that it’s finally being released into the world. I’m really grateful to be on the road playing some shows with Julien Baker this week. Had it not been for that I think I’d be overanalyzing and questioning everything surrounding the album release, haha.
It is called ‘Always In Motion’ - can you tell us the meaning behind that?
I pulled the album title Always in Motion from the song “Underwater”; it’s a lyric that is quietly sung during the bridge. As I reflected on the different themes that run throughout the album, I felt like they all tied into this idea that life keeps moving forward, for better or for worse. At times it can be a realization that stirs up feelings of dread, like maybe the recognition that a relationship will come to an end eventually or the fear of growing older, but it can also be incredibly comforting to recognize that your current state will not be forever.. like with a global pandemic for example.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
The album was recorded at my producer Jon Joseph’s studio in North Hollywood and for the most part it was just the two of us in the studio. We both play multiple instruments so aside from clarinet and pedal steel, the two of us tracked everything on the album. Usually the way our process goes is that I’ll bring in some bedroom demos that I’ve worked on from home, and we’ll start retracking them in the studio, sometimes changing arrangements, chord progressions, adding or subtracting sections of the song, etc.
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
Identity, grief, questioning and doubt, and anxiety are some key themes. It’s not all grim though. I think the album wavers back and forth both in theme and mood.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
“Underwater, carried away from shore
Float off my feet, whipping back and forth
Forever adrift”
I don’t know if I have a single favorite lyric, but I like this verse from “Underwater” because it paints a really visual picture in my mind.
Now the album is out there, what next for you?
We’ve got a good amount of tour dates on the schedule for this year and next, so that’ll be the focus for a little while. I really love getting to perform these songs live and being with people in the same room again. It’s a good reminder of why I began this project in the first place.