By: Kaylyn Bell
Q) Where did the folk-pop influence come from in your life, and what inspired you to want to make this style of music yourself?
A) It was probably a mix of growing up with my mom’s love for folk music and my father’s love for soft rock! I didn’t really start to discover folk-pop until I was eighteen years old. First Aid Kit was probably my first taste of the genre that would end up taking over my music world. I think they really unlocked something in me. In regards to what makes me create in this sonic world, we’re all a combination of our history and what inspires us and the heroes we try to emulate! Folk-pop specifically stirs something up in me, so what spills out of me tends to be similar. I try to not put parameters on what I’m making though. When you tell yourself, “I’m a folk-pop artist,” I, personally, feel like it’s doing a disservice to your connection to creativity. Creativity is this beautiful, running stream that sometimes we get lucky enough to reach our hand into and if you’re suddenly telling the river, “I can only draw from you if you fit in the walls I’ve built for myself,” it feels like you’re stunting what that river could give you! So, maybe today I sound more folk pop, but who knows tomorrow something entirely could be drawn out.
Q) What is the story behind your new single “Coming of Age?”
A) It was written in a period of upheaval. I had felt like my “coming of age” moment was happening late in life and every song I wrote kept circling around the same topic.. That topic being that I felt like I’d made a mess of myself and hurt people along the way in my journey to adulthood. I was in my own holding pattern of sorts.. Stalling on stepping into the next chapter of my life because I hadn’t granted myself permission to change yet. Like some mental version of still trying to fit into the clothes you’d worn at sixteen years old and being confused as to why you were so uncomfortable. I needed to acknowledge that I had changed and that it was okay. That I had made mistakes along the way and that it was okay. That the path that led me to this moment was one I should honor, not look at with disdain. I needed to let go of expecting perfection from myself and give grace to both the past and future versions of me.
Q) Storytelling is a standout element of your artistry. In terms of your songwriting process, is there something specific you do or a certain place you like to write to help you feel inspired?
A) I always feel inspired after attending a live show. Watching other artists master their craft and express themselves in the most vulnerable of ways with no “go backs” or ways to mask errors…It’s so raw and messy and beautiful! It’s like drawing with an ink pen – you just have to commit. Live shows always inspire me. And Creation always inspires me. Going on a hike. Sitting at the lake. Watching the clouds pass. The ultimate canvas. My favorite place to write is by one of Nashville’s biggest lakes, Percy Priest, or at my favorite park in the heart of the city. It’s not really full of nature, but it’s full of humans being humans together and they’re part of nature, too. It’s so comforting to see people off their phones and the community happening always makes words spill out of me.
Q) You shared some behind-the-scenes on Instagram of working with Jack Antonoff and Bleachers in the studio, and it looks like such a fun collaboration. What was your reaction to learning you’d be working with Jack on this song?
A) I laughed the first time I was told it could be an option! I didn’t believe my manager. I didn’t believe it for months until we set dates for me to travel to LA to meet him at his studio. And then I kept needing affirmation that Jack wasn’t just doing a favor for someone that no one was telling me about. Once I met him though I knew it was meant to be and it just felt right.
Q) Was there something you learned or personally took away from working with such a versed producer like Antonoff?
A) That if I have to try and convince myself that I like something, I already have my answer. I shouldn’t have to convince myself (or have someone else convince me) that a lyric is the right fit or that a sonic choice is the right choice if my intuition is against it. It doesn’t mean we just become ego maniacs and don’t listen to other people’s opinions, but when you know, you know. Don’t let someone try to talk you out of it. Otherwise, it becomes a monster hybrid of people’s opinions and won’t feel like YOU.
Q) This song has a very cinematic feel. Was this how you always envisioned the song or did it come to life during the production process?
A) It was always cinematic to me. As soon as it was written I felt like it was supposed to be my version of “Cornfield Chase” by Hans Zimmer in the, ahem, greatest movie of all time…Interstellar. I wanted it to feel like you were full-on sprinting by the end of the song or that the gates of heaven were opening up to you and that it was so bright that you couldn’t see what was coming next, but that you knew it would be beautiful and change you in the best ways.
Q) “Coming of Age” has a beautiful music video that features a colorful flowing fabric, also seen on the cover art. What does this fabric represent to you?
A) It was inspired by the artist Rachel Hayes. To me, it represented a window into the beautiful world I would step into once I had the courage to do it.
Q) What message do you hope listeners take away from “Coming of Age?”
A) I hope they take away from it that they’re deserving of grace and that every version of them is worthy of love. That honesty will never punish them in the end. Change is scary, but doing the next right thing will always lead to a life with more peace.
Q) With “Coming of Age” out now is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) An EP! Can’t wait to show you guys more.
Q) You’ve previously said you were nervous to sing in front of even your own family, and soon you will be performing at large festivals like Lollapalooza. How does this growth reflect your own personal coming of age?
A) Stepping into the courageous person that I’m meant to be! Into a role of brave vulnerability and not feeling shame for it. It shows that I’m finally gaining confidence to be seen. And that what I have to say is just as worthy as anyone else.
Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) I’d love to collaborate with Bleachers, Sam Fender, AURORA, Fleet Foxes, LÉON, First Aid Kit, Lord Huron, Noah Kahan…The list goes on. [smiles]
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) THANK YOU for believing in me even in times when I doubted. You all have continually advocated for me and reminded me that I belong at the table with other musicians. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with me. I don’t take it lightly. I hope that in the future I can create live music environments that make you all feel as welcome and loved as you all have made me feel.