In a candid and insightful interview with the JJO Discover New Music Podcast, Taylor Momsen, the formidable frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless, has offered a profound glimpse into the creative genesis and thematic core of the band’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, "Dear God." Released last month to considerable critical and fan anticipation via Fearless Records, the LP marks a significant evolution in Momsen’s songwriting and personal expression, characterized by an unprecedented level of raw vulnerability and unvarnished introspection.
Momsen articulated her artistic philosophy during the conversation, emphasizing a deliberate departure from external pressures and a deep dive into her own lived experiences. "We’ve never made music for the label," she stated, underscoring the band’s consistent commitment to artistic autonomy, a trait honed through their tenure on independent labels. "We’ve been on indie labels, and we always have done it our own way." This independence, she explained, has cultivated an environment where creative decisions are driven by an internal compass rather than market demands.
The driving force behind "Dear God," according to Momsen, is a profound personal growth that has allowed for a more expansive and accepting view of herself and her life. "I think the reality is I’m just older, and I’ve lived a lot of life at this point, and I’ve kind of come into my own in a way where I’m accepting of all aspects of my life," she revealed. This acceptance, she elaborated, has become a fertile ground for her songwriting. "And all of that is something to draw upon when writing. And there’s no closed doors. There’s nothing hidden, and I think that there’s an exposure to this record of me and my life that is so pure and honest that I think it’s very freeing feeling to me."
This sentiment of uninhibited honesty permeates the album’s sonic landscape, a conscious choice that Momsen described as a natural unfolding rather than a calculated maneuver. "Tapping into ‘a more honest, more raw version’ of herself and her band on ‘Dear God’ came really naturally, and I think that’s why it’s so special," she explained. "It wasn’t something that I calculatedly turned on or off. This record is very much almost… It’s ripped almost directly from my diary. So there’s an uncensored-ness to it." This level of transparency was not without its moments of introspection, even for Momsen herself. "I had to kind of look at… I never thought of it until, like, the day before it came out, and then I went, ‘Ah, this is quite exposing. But all right. We’re in it. Here we go.’"
Momsen reiterated her fundamental motivation for creating music: personal processing and self-discovery. "Because I make music and write songs for me," she asserted. "It’s been this tool and this thing that I’ve done my whole life that allows me to kind of process my life and who I am and how I see the world and see myself and all those things. And I think just the more life I’ve lived, the more there is to pull from, the more there is to say." This continuous accumulation of life experience and the resulting expansion of her artistic vocabulary are evident in the thematic depth and emotional resonance of "Dear God."
The Art of Production: A Continuum of Trust
The decision to retain an in-house production team, with Momsen herself co-producing alongside Jonathan Wyman and guitarist Ben Phillips, is a testament to The Pretty Reckless’s established workflow and deep-seated collaborative ethos. This continuity in production, Momsen explained, is a deliberate strategy rooted in a desire for consistent artistic vision and a commitment to evolving their sound organically.
"Well, I think we’ve always done that," Momsen stated, referring to the band’s consistent approach to production. "We have a very tight-knit unit in The Pretty Reckless world." She acknowledged the foundational role of the late producer Kato Khandwala, who was instrumental in shaping the band’s early sound. "And the first few albums were all done with [late The Pretty Reckless producer] Kato [Khandwala]. And he was essentially the fifth member of the band; he just didn’t tour with us."
The tragic loss of Khandwala presented a significant challenge, particularly during the creation of their 2021 album, "Death By Rock And Roll." "And then we lost him, and [‘Death By Rock And Roll’] was the first record after that loss," Momsen recounted. "And so we had to kind of figure out how to do this without him." This period of adaptation led to the formation of their current production partnership. "And luckily, I knew one other guy. I had a very good friend named Jonathan Wyman, who’s a fantastic engineer. And we called him up, and collectively, me, Ben and Jon produced ‘Death By Rock And Roll.’"
Momsen drew a parallel to the legendary musical legacy of The Beatles to articulate her production philosophy. "And we’ve always come from the ethic of The Beatles in the way that I wanna build upon what we did last time with the person we worked with previously because we want our George Martin," she explained. "We want the producer to be a part of what we’re doing because it’s part of the evolution." This approach prioritizes deep collaboration and a shared understanding of the band’s sonic identity over the transient engagement of external producers. "I’m not looking to producer hop and have them insert their sound into our band. We know what we wanna sound like. The songs dictate what the songs should sound like."
The core of their production process, as described by Momsen, is the pursuit of translating their internal vision into tangible sonic output. "So it’s just simply about trying to get into a room and have what I hear in my head come out the other end of the speakers so everyone else can too." This meticulous process, she emphasized, is achieved through dedication and teamwork. "And so collectively, that’s… I think we accomplish that by a lot of hard work. But it works. It’s a good team. So why change something if you don’t need to?" This pragmatic and collaborative approach to production has evidently served The Pretty Reckless well, allowing them to maintain a cohesive and evolving artistic identity.
A String of Chart Successes and High-Profile Engagements
The release of "Dear God" follows a period of significant momentum for The Pretty Reckless, marked by a series of successful singles and high-profile performances that have solidified their position in the contemporary rock landscape. The band’s recent single releases have consistently demonstrated their ability to craft impactful and radio-friendly rock anthems.
In April of this year, the band unveiled the single "Love Me," a track that was widely lauded for its potent blend of intensity, grit, and raw energy. This release set a strong precedent for the album’s broader reception. Prior to this, their single "When I Wake Up" achieved notable chart success, entering the Mediabase Active Rock chart at the tenth position. Further underscoring their enduring appeal and chart dominance, the album’s lead single, "For I Am Death," became The Pretty Reckless’s eighth Mainstream Rock Radio No. 1, a remarkable achievement that highlights their sustained impact on the genre. This consistent performance on mainstream rock charts positions them as one of the most enduring and successful female-fronted bands in modern rock history.
The band’s live prowess is a critical component of their appeal, and their current headlining "Dear God" tour is set to bring their electrifying stage presence to audiences worldwide. This tour follows an extensive and highly successful two-year engagement supporting rock titans AC/DC on their "Power Up" tour, a significant undertaking that exposed The Pretty Reckless to a massive global audience and further cemented their reputation as a formidable live act.
Beyond their own headlining endeavors and major tours, The Pretty Reckless has also been a prominent presence at significant industry events. In a notable appearance this past April, the band performed at the prestigious 2026 MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala. During this event, Taylor Momsen paid tribute to the iconic Mariah Carey, sharing the stage with fellow esteemed artists such as the Foo Fighters. Furthermore, in 2025, the band made a historic appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Momsen performed alongside Soundgarden to honor their induction, showcasing her deep respect for rock and roll heritage.
Adding a festive touch to their discography, The Pretty Reckless also released their holiday EP, "Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas." The EP featured a re-imagined version of the classic "Where Are You Christmas?," with the lead single from this project achieving a significant milestone by hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. This diverse range of releases, from powerful rock singles to holiday-themed EPs, demonstrates the band’s versatility and their continued ability to connect with a broad audience.
A Legacy of Chart Dominance and Pioneering Spirit
The Pretty Reckless has carved out a remarkable legacy in the music industry since their debut. Their inaugural album, "Light Me Up," released in 2010, immediately established them as a significant force with its distinctive blend of hard rock and grunge influences. Since then, the band has consistently delivered critically acclaimed music, earning global recognition for their compelling songwriting and Momsen’s powerful vocal delivery.
Their career has been punctuated by a series of hit singles, including fan favorites like "Heaven Knows," which became a significant anthem for the band. However, their most historically significant achievement lies in their unparalleled success on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The Pretty Reckless has made history by becoming the first female-fronted band to achieve a remarkable eight No. 1 singles on this prestigious chart. This accomplishment not only speaks to their enduring popularity and the quality of their music but also positions them as pioneers, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of female artists in the rock genre. This consistent chart dominance, spanning over a decade, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft and their ability to resonate with rock audiences year after year.
The impact of "Dear God" is poised to further solidify this legacy, offering listeners a deeply personal and artistically mature body of work that reflects the continued evolution of Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Reckless. The album’s unabashed honesty and powerful sonic delivery are expected to resonate with both long-time fans and new listeners alike, reinforcing their status as a vital and influential voice in contemporary rock music.
