Colette Carr – Play House

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) You launched “Play House” back in January. What has the fan reaction been to the song?

A) It’s been really positively overwhelming especially with me transitioning my sound from early rap to this current record. I’m just overwhelmed with how easily the Goers have accepted the changes that I have made. I’m really grateful for the support they give me. Everyone seems to really like the record and thinks it has really good summer, positive vibes, which makes me happy.

Q) The video for “Play House” was recently released, tell us about the process of making the video and about working with director Shane Drake?

A) The video was a collaborative concept that Shane Drake and I came up with. It’s based on the guy I wrote the song about and his insecurities and the way he always assumed the worst. The video is open for interpretation. Shane is just the most incredible director I’ve ever worked with and the team was wonderful. Everyone came together to make the video a reality. I couldn’t be prouder and it is my favorite video to date.

Q) How involved were you with the concept and the production of the song?

A) It was really important for me to hang out and vibe with Shane Drake, once he got to know my personality and personal style we took it from there. If he had just sent me the treatment by email without having met me I don’t think it would have hit so close to home for me. I explained to Shane who I wrote the song about and we decided to play around with touching on the most vulnerable part of that relationship, which was his (the guy I wrote it about) extreme insecurities. For instance, if I didn’t respond to him in five minutes he’d assume I was with another man. It was just excessive and outlandish, a very bizarre relationship which was a perfect juxtaposition to this upbeat happy love song. We wanted to show that different side of the relationship in the music video, that excited us. Shane was the ideal person to have creative freedom with. We both went shopping for the wardrobe and I was a part of the production from all angles. That is something I am really passionate about, I like picking out my own wardrobe, the props, the catering and being hands on in as many ways as possible. Control freak much?

Q) How did you come to work with Shane originally?

A) Once I became familiar with his resume and had the chance to admire his previous work, I sent him Play House looking for guidance and advice. His response was unexpected, he said, “Wow! This song is a hit!!!!!!!!!!! I want to do the video.”

Q) Has your ex realized the song was inspired by him and maybe reached out to you?

A) I was so mortified! I showed him the song and said, “Hey, I know we haven’t really been dating long, but I wrote a song about you.” I was red in the face. It was horrible! I couldn’t look him in the eyes while he was listening to the song. After the song, he was silent! He didn’t comment or say anything! He left and went to go celebrate Super Bowl Sunday with his friends. So, I was kind of left in the dark worried that I had freaked him out. Of course, it ended up being one of his favorite songs and he was very flattered by the lyrics and the gesture. Phew.

Q) So no retaliation on his part?

A) No, I wish he would have retaliated by writing me a song. That would have been romantic (I even asked him to, low-key)! He was not as thoughtful as I would have liked. I am sure the video wasn’t fun for him to watch. It was probably too real.

Q) You mentioned the evolution of your sound. Talk a little bit about your music and how it has evolved.

A) The Skitszo Collection was initially a series of EPs that I released as fast as I made them. It was a very exhausting stressful thrilling experience. There are a lot of different styles on that album, I think it was appropriately titled. Also, it was a tribute to my uncle (who was schizophrenic) who inspired me to paint the walls of life whatever colors I desired. After The Skitszo Collection I sat down with FrankMusik, who had done five songs off of that album, and we picked our favorite “sound” to inspire our new songs going forward. The Start. EP was completely inspired by our song “Kill Switch.” It was an incredible experience having no boundaries creatively.

Q) Beyond “Play House,” are you working on a new EP?

A) Yes, I’m working on releasing a new EP, although I haven’t figure out a name for it yet!! Oops. I have been asking for some suggestions on my socials and I have gotten some pretty epic responses, one was “cCarrchu” based on my love of Pikachu, but I’m not sure that will happen. The EP will contain “Play House” along with a song I really love called “Bury This Love.”

Q) You are pretty active on social media. Why is that such an important way for you to interact with your fans?

A) I think it is so important to stay as open as possible on social media and let people feel your personality. I’ve met incredible people through twitter and Facebook. I started meeting up with Goers while on tour. We’d go bowling, get lunch, sometimes ride roller coasters at Universal Studios. I think it is such a cool tool to expand your reach and draw in people with the same passions and interests as you. It can also get dark thanks to the trolls of the world, but for the most part I have been lucky with meeting incredible people who are such supportive fans, also haters really do need hugs. I try to interact with the goers as much as possible. I have recorded a song while UStreaming the entire process. So, they’ve gotten to see first takes, the coming up with melodies and lyrics, all the vulnerable weird stuff. I am happy to open doors for people, especially for people who are interested in doing what I do for a living and don’t know how to start or go about it. I love to be a little glimpse into how it might happen. Also, sometimes we can glorify artistry and make this career larger than life. I think a lot of people judge themselves and their voices before they can even hear themselves out while writing songs and making music, so, it’s useful for them to see how sloppy songwriting can be sometimes and how silly your first draft of lyrics tend to be. Songs can evolve if you just stay open and don’t judge yourself, and that’s what they saw in the live stream. Staying open and vulnerable is very important to me, and social media is a great platform for that to happen.

Q) Is there anything else you would like us to be sure we share with your fans?

A) I am extremely grateful. Thank you to the Goers new and old alike. I really appreciate their support and really appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given to share my point of view, my lyrics, my melodies and songs with everyone. It means so much to me. I love interacting and hearing what people have to say about these songs and their experiences with them. The ultimate goal is to be in your road trip playlist, I want people to make memories to my music. That’s the dream! So, I really appreciate the opportunity.