Mariel Beaumont found herself listening to quite a bit of David Bowie when it came to writing songs for indie rock outfit Church Girls' forthcoming sophomore album.
But it wasn't The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Diamond Dogs or Aladdin Sane that put Beaumont in the proper headspace. During a March 2 phone interview, the singer said Bowie's Blackstar resonated the most.
"It's a little more of a dreamy atmosphere, maybe little less in the punk vein. There's a little more pop in there," Beaumont said of the group's follow-up to 2016's Thousand Lives. "More hooky guitar lines than noisy. We're super happy out it turned out."
Beaumont, who handles lead vocals and rhythm guitar for Church Girls, initially formed the Philadelphia-based quartet as a side project. However, what started as a way to fill a creative void eventually blossomed into a full-time mission to preach their rock 'n' roll gospel. The group is rounded out by guitarist Robert Dwyer, bassist Will Schwarz and drummer Zakary Iannitelli.
"We still have a lot of pop sensibilities while still being experimental," she said. "The funny thing about all of the band members is we all have very different influences... The band members all feel like they are a part of it and it makes everyone feel better when we're playing (the songs) live."
Beaumont said she often finds herself lyrically, and musically, inspired by her rock 'n' roll peers. "Sometimes its one hook or part of a song that gives me that feeling; something deep, wanting to do the same," she said. "I still read a lot of literature and somethings I'll read a book that inspires me."
Church Girls performs tonight at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
"I have a lot of respect for bands who go out there and put their all into the show," Beaumont said. "We're dedicated to having a really good fan experience."
Church Girls perform tonight, with opening act Cubbage, at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets cost $7. Information: steelstacks.org