ettie is back to talking about love, this time celebrating what it feels like to find meaning in everything once you’re no longer alone in her soon-to-be released single, ‘Until I Met U’.
Since the success of her debut EP Manic Pixie Dream Girl, which includes the equally titled Manic Pixie Dream Girl, her second single Starting Again, and the daring I’m sorry to my exes, ettie has made a name for herself as someone proud of her identity and focused on discussing love, as both someone against the romanticization of mental health and who keeps boosting stories about real life LGBT people, herself included.
In the era of people losing themselves while trying to fit into the societal norm, ettie stands out with her blunt messages, playful lyricism and her individuality. Unwilling to yield and conform into any specific stereotype or mold, this alt-pop, punk-leaning youth keeps alive the message of her favorite artists through her lifestyle and her music.
Her upcoming release, Until I Met U, is set to come out this Friday (May 20th), and in preparation for the date, the artist sat down and shared some information about the inspiration behind this new song as well as some musings on what it’s like to be a representative for her community and a rapidly rising artist.
This early 2000s pop-punk inspired song follows the then-popular theme of “love conquering all” and being able to pull anyone out of the darkest corners of their mind, as the shining light and salvation we all wish to find. Accompanied by an energetic guitar that will make listeners feel as though they’re back to listening to the radio twenty years ago, ettie shows how she mastered the feel of her inspirations in Until I Met U.
- ‘Until I Met U’ has a clear message in both its title and lyrics, but is there any specific moment or experience that inspired the song that you’d like to share?
I co-wrote the song with Steven Chase back in August last year. It was our first session together and knowing he’s such a great pop writer, when he asked what I wanted to write about I said how I struggle to write ‘happy songs’; negative situations or sadness are very creatively inspiring for me (I am ok don’t worry). But for once I was happy in a relationship and that scared me. So the song really grew from there – wanting to capture the beginnings of a relationship and learning how to trust being happy.
- Something that stands out in your lyricism is the bluntness of them, which adds an attractive cutting edge to your discography. Can you share a bit about how your songwriting process works?
Thank you so much that really means a lot. I often get ideas for lyrics just randomly throughout the day and then work those into my songs. I guess that is where the bluntness comes from – organic thought. Writing lyrics is my favourite thing to do, and I am always captivated by how many ways you can describe a feeling or a person or a situation. And then it’s like a puzzle trying to fit it together to make a story.
- In previous singles, as well as in ‘Until I Met U’, there has been a consistent alternative and punk-pop sound and you’ve listed some icons of the genre as your influences. How did you find yourself drawn to and creating more alt-pop music?
Story-telling is very integral to pop-punk, although it’s not usually people’s first impression of it. Pop-punk has given us Brendon Urie interrupting a wedding in ‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’, Hayley Williams giving the most dramatic angry soliloquy in ‘Misery Business’, and with MCR we all went into the city to see a marching band. The genre sort of petered out in the late 00s, but so many people still looked to it for comfort and nostalgia. I wanted my music to feel like that time. And now Avril is back on the radio so maybe pop-punk never died.
- So far we’ve been hearing stories related to romance or relationships. What has led you to making these songs and are there any other topics you plan to talk — or sing — about?
As a queer artist it is important to me to sing my narratives of love and put them out there. When I was growing up I didn’t have the type of love I wanted playing on the radio, and I struggled to find artists I could look up to for it. I want to help other queer people feel seen and know that not only is it normal, but that our love should be celebrated. In terms of other topics, I am a very passionate person in my personal life about current affairs and politics. My next goal is to start putting that into songs.
- Touching upon the theme of love, it’d be unwise to not discuss how your sexuality impacts your art. How do you feel as a member of the LGBTQ+ community that also has a growing platform and the ability to influence people or represent your community through your music?
Women are really, really hot and give me plenty to write about, hahaha. Joking aside, we need to be actively striving towards a society where labels and distinctions don’t matter, and a love song can be about anyone to anyone because we are all equal. But while we fight for equality, I am happy to be creating a space where LBGTQ+ people can celebrate themselves, feel safe, and see their love and their truths reflected in art.
- You’ve been building up hype with every new release, and it is clear you’re doing something right beyond releasing banger after banger. What would you say is the key to succeeding as an artist?
That’s really reassuring haha, sometimes I feel like I have no clue what I’m doing! The music industry is ever-changing, so you have to do as much as you can to keep up with it. I look to other artists I admire and try to see if there are parts of their process that inspire me to do better and learn. But also you have to make music that you’re proud of and excited about. I think people can tell when you’re passionate about something, and it makes them passionate about it too.
- And last but not least, your following must be curious about what’s to come with the arrival of ‘Until I Met U’ and what’ll come after. Are there any important news or a message you’d like to share with the readers?
There is a lot of new music to come, and in the meantime please come catch me at some shows! The band is coming together, it’s always a fun time, and I promise at least one of my bad stage jokes will make you laugh.
For the fourth (and definitely not the last) time, the love and dedication ettie puts into her art does not go unnoticed. As she begins a new era where her queerness is even more visible than before, we hope that ettie gets to enjoy a spotlight as bright as the passion she has for her craft. Don’t forget to pre-save Until I Met U to avoid missing out on what will definitely be a new step in the modern pop-punk scene!
If you enjoyed Ettie’s music and would like to stay updated, be sure to check out and follow her Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok accounts. To listen to her music, you can head over to her Spotify profile.
You can also support the artist by streaming and sharing her music, which can be found in the following Playlists: Fresh Singles, Indie Only, Alterindie State Of Mind, Female Rising Stars, 12 New Songs This Week, Sickest & Dopest, and Only Punk.
P.S. If you enjoy discovering new artists and fresh new music you should subscribe to Less Than 1,000 Followers and follow the Playlist with all the artists we’ve talked about!
This coverage was created via Musosoup#Sustainablecurator https://www.musosoup.com/sustainable-curator
Leave a Reply