Precipice, the fourth album for American songwriter Indigo De Souza, has an undeniable pop sheen. And that was definitely part of its intent.

Whilst the 28-year-old North Carolina native found acclaim with a run of records —2018's I Love My Mom, 2021's Any Shape You Take, 2023's All of This Will End— that were known for confessional lyricism, her new LP offers a change of pace.

"I wanted to lean in a more pop direction," De Souza says. "I didn't really know exactly how to do that, or what it would sound like. I just knew I wanted it to be big and bright and as brave as I was feeling at the time."

"I love listening to music that makes me feel really joyous and excited and filled with hope. So, I was hoping to make something that would make other people feel that, and also fill me with that feeling."

In conversation with Anthony Carew on The International Pop Underground, De Souza talks about growing up in a small town, the songs she wrote as a 9-year-old, marking the passing of time with tattoos, and the people who listen to her music.

Feature image: Lea Garn