Lowell’s EP I Killed Sara V. announced to the world a major new talent. But in addition to being a budding superstar, she is also a prolific songwriter who has worked with some big-name talent. We caught up with the Toronto singer/songwriter at this month’s Field Trip festival to talk about her debut album, which is on the way from the venerable Toronto record label Arts & Crafts, and her slot at the Time Festival on July 19 alongside such acts as Death Grips and Grimes. 

You have a new album on the way?

It’s done. It’s called We Loved her Dearly and it’s out in September. 

Tell me about it.

The album is a summary of the last three years of my life, I suppose. It’s autobiographical but also based on a lot of stuff.… In a way I’m trying to incorporate pop music with a message. 

What’s the message?

Well, it’s different on every song. “LGBT” is a big one, a lot of feminist sort of undertones. My philosophy is that we’re all the same. We’re all good people capable of doing good things. 

How has it been working with your label, Arts & Crafts?

They’ve been amazing. Nobody is perfect, but they have a great sort of family vibe. It’s a dream label, really. They stuck out the most as being super supportive and really particular. 

Who were your early musical influences?

Well, The Beatles growing up. I had an alternative phase in high school and listened to Chad Van Gaalen, Sufjan Stevens, stuff like that. But I also have a pop side. As a kid, I listened to a lot of Spice Girls and Britney Spears.

And you’re also a songwriter for other musicians. With whom are you currently working?

I write for an artist named Yuna, a great Malaysian superstar, the Backstreet Boys, and I’ve been working in Norway for a while with the winners of The Voice Norway. 

What does success look like for you?

Really, in the end I’d like to be able to sustain myself, so I suppose I’ve already achieved my first goal. But I’m super competitive so I guess I should say I want to be the best musician in the world or some such. 

Lowell is playing at the Time Festival, Garrison Commons, Fort York on July 19.