RETRO-POP REALNESS is alive and well with LOGAN, 25 year-old pop star who moved from North Carolina to Los Angeles to take the music industry by the hands and give her a black and white spin. Don’t get me wrong, there is a colorful yet old Hollywood glamour surrounding her, and while she was adorned in a necklace made of clocks and a dress trimmed with beautiful red hearts, she modernizes a vintage sound with her sweet voice and charming persona. March 20, 2025, LOGAN released her highly anticipated debut EP titled “Quarter Century Modern,” a sweet ode to turning 25, her first few years living in Los Angeles, and navigating and growing through her artistry and personhood. I had the pleasure of chatting with her before her EP release show at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles about some of her musical and style inspirations, and her presence and persona that carries a comfort that takes you away from the present moment and slips you into a rose colored vintage dream.
“QUARTER CENTURY MODERN” kicks off with “None of Your Business”, immediately captivating listeners with its funky upbeat bounce. Fusing genre and instrumentation with horns and strings commands your attention, and the groove makes it accessible and even compelling to stand 10 toes down on self reliance and self trust, while also saying of course: “Thank you very much, it’s none of your business!” The energy shifts with “Stranger”, a nostalgia packed ballad that talks about a friendship breakup. This song is so important, and to deal with the devastating loss of a friendship can be a lonely experience. With LOGAN’s blend of soul and softness, she provides a comforting and reflective space within this piece.
“Finders Keepers” is taunting and playful, which truly brings a modern element to the entire EP between the language in this piece and the more modern beat with clear jazz notes. This is followed by “Over Under”, a catchy tune with a dangerous swing. The obviously flirty and playful melody will make you feel GOOD, while suggesting the same of the subject she sings about.
Finally, “SPECIAL” brings the EP full circle and back to a close. Melancholy and reflection swirl around this song and sway along to the words “The fear of being ordinary haunts me”, which brings in an element of existentialism that only makes sense for your mid 20's. While you can find comfort in this piece, you can find thoughtfulness through her heartfelt words. This piece may leave you with more to think about yourself, as it hugs and tugs at you with each word.
“Special is all I've ever wanted to be.”
After watching LOGAN perform her EP and a cover of “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James, it came as no surprise to learn that she grew up playing the piano, and often writes her music there by playing with the chord progressions. She is also one who enjoys the tangible involvement in writing notes with a pencil and truly feeling her work. LOGAN truly sets herself apart from the others with her knowledge of music, her immaculate taste in genre and her ability to mix and manipulate it, her glamorous aura, and her respect for classic jazz music and artists such as Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday. LOGAN brings the fun and retro elements of the former decades and introduces them to a beat that is fresh and modern. With a timeless presence and a powerful debut EP, I suspect that LOGAN will not only stand the test of time but will thrive with the times.
