CONTINUED
time consuming, certainly, and sometimes I want help, but it’s amazing to not have to wait to get something done because of budget issues or schedule constraints. I think it’s an important thing to learn if you want to succeed in this DIY age and be able to take control of your own career.
What is your advice to new women fresh on the music scene?
Trust your voice. Use your voice. And protect your voice. By that, I mean your internal, truly-you voice (although your singing voice should probably be used and protected too - ha!). There will be a lot of people trying to pigeonhole you, trying to exploit you for your appearance, or trying to push any other number of their own personal agendas on you and your art. I had to learn that what I had to say was enough as is. My art is enough as is. It’s not worth it to lose yourself and your voice in the hustle. One day, when it inevitably changes or goes away, you have to think about what you’re going to be left with.
You recently announced your new label ’God Bless My Therapist’. How did that come about and what inspired the amazing name?
I recently started working with a new team. I’ve got a management team, a business management team, a creative team, etc. I own a large catalog of music that I’ve built over the years, which means I really am the head of my own label! So we just decided to reframe and reorganize the work I had done and create a new avenue for the work I’ll be doing moving forward. That was the birth of God Bless My Therapist Records!
I chose the name because I’ve been going to therapy for the last 2 years, and it has completely changed my life. That’s the only way I stay sane enough to continue making music and to keep growing as a person so my art keeps growing as well. Also my therapist is the absolute best! God bless her.
You also managed to buy your first house. How are you loving being a home owner?
I LOVE IT. But also I have so many moments of, “Oh no! What did I do?” It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s also so exciting, and it’s amazing after 4 years of living in random spaces in LA to come here and have a place that isn’t temporary. I am kind of obsessed with decorating and house shopping as well, so this has been a great opportunity for that!
You posted a photo for mental health awareness month and said that you deal with anxiety yourself. How do you get through those times and what would you say to someone with anxiety who doesn't know what to do to get through it?
Honestly, THERAPY. Therapy has helped me so much with learning how to better cope with my anxiety. I realize it is a deep-rooted issue, and it may not be something that ever goes away for me, so I’ve learned to prioritize my mental and emotional needs. Self care. I say no to more so I can make room for things that keep me healthy and happy. As Brené Brown says, “Choose discomfort over resentment.”
It also has been really huge for me to have just one person in my life who I trust with everything, who understands and supports me through all of it. And finally, I have had to learn to be kinder to myself. Anxiety is not anything to be ashamed about, and a lot of us struggle with it—the more we talk about it and get it out in the open, the less we will be afraid to seek help when we need it.
At this stage in your life, looking back at the you during your first album era , what would you tell her?
For one, I’d say, “You shouldn’t be writing this many horrible songs about the guy you’re dating. He’s gotta go.” Also, I’d tell her to be proud of the work she does, that the songs she writes are good, and the work she does is enough. I’d tell her she doesn’t have to impress anyone. And just because someone has been doing music for a long time doesn’t mean they know what is best for her. She doesn’t need more upbeat pop songs on an album to make people like her more. And she doesn’t need to be the next anyone—she just needs to be her.
Have you been able to take it all in yet?
I go in and out of it.