The Pop Star Father John Misty Had in Mind for “Real Love Baby”

Father John Misty is the persona used by singer Josh Tillman. His music blends soft rock and chamber pop with touches of psychedelia and folk. However, timeless pop melodies exist beneath the indie veneer of measured aesthetics and Dylan-like mythology. “Real Love Baby” is lathered in vintage reverb, and it’s the kind of song Bruno Mars might sing. But Tillman had another pop star in mind.