Linsey Urrea – Crystal Clear

By starrymag | June 9, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Goodie Bag’s sound encompasses elements from dream pop, synth pop and indie pop. I would consider my solo music coming out this year to be dance pop also with elements of indie pop.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some of my musical influences are No Doubt, Hiatus Kaiyote, Fleetwood Mac, Kacey Musgraves, Grimes and Zara Larsson.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Crystal Clear.”

 

A) One night Connor, Riley and I started creating this beat. We all creatively were bouncing off each other and within an hour we had the whole track mapped out. I did one take of free styled melodies and once the track finished, Connor and Riley looked at me and said “yup, that’s it.” We then went back in and filled in the lyrics based off the outline of the melodies. Because the song had a pre-existing chaotic energy with no definite chorus, I wanted to write about something that reflected that. For me, “Crystal Clear” is about the internal battle that takes place when you’re no longer blinded by love and you finally see the flaws in a relationship. I wrote it at a time in my life when I was constantly at war with myself, and I wanted to depict the range of emotions I was experiencing in “Crystal Clear.”

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think sonically, “Crystal Clear” is so interesting and cool. There are so many moments instrumentally that are pleasing to the ear. “Crystal Clear” is also very unique and not your traditional song structure. Conceptually, I also think that the emotions conveyed in the song are very honest. I’ve always had a hard time with words, which is why I think I value lyrics so much. It’s the only time I can express how I really feel unfiltered.

 

Q) What inspired Goodie Bag to return to making music after a two-year hiatus?

 

A) As a band we went through some serious challenges the last two years – between the pandemic, internal conflict, finding our identity and sense of direction. But I think we’ve come back stronger than ever, and we are so happy to be putting music out again.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Every song we write has a different back story. Either someone from the band will come with an idea already developed or we will start from scratch and collectively work on something in the same room. For example, the other day a whole song came to me in the shower called “Hiccup” and the boys were able to help bring my idea to life. It really just depends on the song. With my solo music, I’ve been working with producer Logan Maggio extensively. With his help, I’ve been writing my most honest songs yet.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I personally don’t produce, but I like to be as involved as possible when it comes to the production process and making judgement calls. I’m somewhat of a perfectionist, especially with my vocal production.

 

Q) We loved your recent feature with Jeremy Davis. How did you come to collab together?

 

A) Thank you! Jeremy and I got connected through a mutual friend a few months ago and instantly bonded. We had a lot in common both coming from the band background and now I look up to him as a mentor. He has helped me learn so much about the music industry and I was so honored when he asked me to feature on his song.

 

Q) How was it decided that you’d sing in Spanish for the song?

 

A) When me and Jeremy first met, I told him how I enjoyed writing lyrics in Spanish. I showed him some demos of some Spanish songs I’ve written in the past and a few weeks later he asked me to feature on “Señorita.” He specifically asked that I incorporated Spanish lyrics like I did in my other songs which is what inspired my hook.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I’d love to collaborate with producers Ian Kirkpatrick or Mark Ronson. I’d also love to work with Miley Cyrus, HUNNY or Willow Smith.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) The plan is to release a couple more singles before the EP. I’m also releasing solo music this year which I am very excited about.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) This is going to sound funny, but I genuinely love playing house shows almost more than venues. Of course, the goal is to play big venues one day, but when I play a house show, I’m usually eye level with everyone which makes me feel more comfortable. Plus, I’m able to dance and mosh. It’s also somewhat nostalgic because I grew up going to house shows and for the first year of Goodie Bag, we played in backyards and basements before moving onto legit venues. But my favorite show this far would have to be our show at The End in Nashville the day Blue Girls came out in 2019.

 

Q) What advice would you offer up and coming indie artists?

 

A) Some advice I’d give is the music should be your number one priority before anything else. You can have the strongest team and brand out there but if your music isn’t your best asset than none of that matters. Also, being indie calls for a lot more responsibility so make sure you’re paying attention to all the details aside from the music. Also, get voice lessons! They make the world of a difference.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Since many of my fans are global, social media allows me to stay as connected with them as I can from across the world. I wouldn’t be where I am without them and it’s important to me that they always feel valued and a part of what I do.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you so much for supporting what I do and being with me on this journey. New music soon!!!<33 I love you forever flowers xoxo Muah