Your bag is empty.
Blondshell’s Sabrina Teitelbaum writes some of the sharpest breakup songs you’ll hear these days, and she’s good with that. “I have no interest in writing about being smitten,” she says. With her third album, Violins, newly out, she spent some time selecting what she calls the sexiest songs ever made—from Prince to Sade to the Sky Ferreira track that launched her never-ending Tumblr era. Catch her on tour this fall.
What’s the sexiest song ever written? What’s the sexiest full album ever made?
I can’t narrow it down too much, so I’ll give you a few songs: Alice Smith’s version of “I Put a Spell on You,” “If I Was Your Girlfriend” by Prince, “Tops” by the Rolling Stones, “Untitled” by Interpol, “Under Your Command” by Stina Nordenstam, “Change” by Deftones. I have two albums: Violator by Depeche Mode and Lovers Rock by Sade.
What’s a lyric about love, sex, or heartbreak that you wish you’d written?
“Everything reminds me of her.”
Do you find the beginning of love more creatively inspiring or the end of it?
Definitely the end. I have no interest in writing about being smitten.
What song do you wish everyone would hear at least once before they die?
“Age of Consent” by New Order!
If people could only hear one song of yours, which one would you want them to hear and why?
“Stone Fruit” off the new record. I’m not sure why; I’m just proud of it.
What’s a love song you never get tired of?
“Dagger” by Slowdive.
What’s a song that changed your life?
“You’re Not the One” by Sky Ferreira ushered me swiftly into the Tumblr era, and I never left.
What’s your favorite song right now?
“We Don’t Need Nobody Else” by Whipping Boy.
If you could collaborate with anyone—living or dead—who would it be?
I can’t answer because they might see.
What’s your favorite date spot?
Loreto in Frogtown.
Which artist taught you the most about music?
Fiona Apple.
What are you working on right now?
I’m getting ready for my tour. I am putting out my third record now, so it’s the first time I’ll have that much music out to choose from for a setlist, and I want to create a really special show.