Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Ettie
THE RELEASE
Ettie, in her words is an anxious, gay, and caffeinated musician, who creates tunes that fuel angsty blues. With a degree in English Literature and a deep understanding of millennial angst, Ettie masterfully crafts songs that blend storytelling with a unique twist. She fearlessly explores the complexities of queer love and life, delivering honest and heartfelt tracks against a backdrop of nostalgic melodies that resonate with her listeners. Building on the success of her first EP, 'Manic Pixie Dream Girl,' which featured the hit song 'I'm Sorry to my Exes,' Ettie has firmly established herself in the queer-pop scene. With her latest single, 'Until I Met U,' garnering over 160k streams and 2 million likes on TikTok, Ettie continues to captivate audiences with her relatable and authentic music.
After a much-needed break focused on self-care and personal growth, Ettie returns with a powerful message and a song that speaks volumes. "Miserable Life" serves as a cathartic anthem for anyone who has endured the torment caused by someone determined to make their existence a living hell. This track is a three-minute refuge for those who have faced adversity with dignity and grace, allowing them to channel their frustrations and wish upon their tormentors the same treatment they endured—without judgment. Diving deeper into her pop-punk roots, Ettie draws inspiration from influential acts like Blink-182 and Avril Lavigne, infusing a nostalgic emo vibe into her music. The track's clever harmonies, emotionally charged lyrics, and infectious pop sensibility make it a relatable and empowering experience for listeners. With "Miserable Life," Ettie proves her ability to connect with diverse audiences and deliver the justice they deserve, leaving an indelible mark with her captivating wordplay and smashing guitars. Fans of Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, Pale Waves, and Blink-182 will find solace and strength in this electrifying anthem.
THE INTERVIEW
What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
The moment that sparked my passion for music was definitely seeing the Hannah Montana: Meet Miley Cyrus Tour in 2007. No I’m joking (kinda). I’ve always loved listening to radio and I remember just wanting to add words or phrases to songs, and I had a longing to be on the radio, so I think that’s where it started for me.
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Hayley Williams, Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift and all of the members of Fall Out Boy crammed into the final head.
How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
Usually I think of the concepts and melodies of the song together, and almost exclusively when I am out in public. So I’m always on the bus or walking through a crowd trying to discreetly record these things into my phone without looking stupid. From then I sit with my guitar, get all the motions out, and then I collaborate with production.
As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?
The producer for Miserable Life is the amazing Patch Chiverton. I had the best time working with him. We met at a gig we were both playing a year ago, and as soon as we got into the session together it was like sparks of creativity. We both have the same influences of pop-punk, so it was so fun to work with someone who was just as passionate about my genre.
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
That you can make something good out of the shit they’ve given you. This song for me was a cathartic cry to all the people who tried to make my life miserable. And I haven’t loved a song like this in a long while. So remember that while it’s bad now, your spite can also be louder than their words and you can definitely call them out.
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