You’ve got a new song out today called “ICIMY”. Give us an insight into the experience that inspired it.
I was a few months out of a breakup and still really torn up about it. I was doing my best to move on, but no matter what I did, they were constantly on my mind. I guess this song is my way of reaching out and sincerely asking wtf do people do when they miss someone so much it affects their whole world.
You’re set to release your debut LP next year. Exciting times! Can you tell us which themes you’ll be exploring?
My experiences with love, both fighting for it and gracefully letting go of it. My journey with sobriety. Trying to learn how to love myself. Toxic relationships. All the fun stuff!
What do you want people to take away from this record? How do you want them to understand it and you?
It’s the first full length record I’ve released so I really hope my fans that have been loyal all these years absolutely love it. It’s for them. It would be great if they feel closer to me, but it’s more important that the music brings them closer to themselves. I want the songs to inspire them, and they can take away from it whatever they need to take away from it. It’s theirs.
Photo: Ron DadonBefore your solo career you were a songwriter. How does penning tracks for other people compare to releasing them under your own name?
It’s a lot more fulfilling to release songs myself, but there’s a lot more pressure obviously. My name is on it. If a Phoebe Ryan song sucks, it’s because I wrote it! But I’ve become way more comfortable with the vulnerability lately. I like to be in control, grow from my mistakes and such.
You supported Carly Rae Jepsen on tour – that must have been fun! What were some of the best bits?
Dedicated was one of my favorite albums this year, so I was over the moon to hear her perform it every night. Her fans are so engaged and supportive. I think it was the most fun I’ve had on tour, maybe because I was in a good head space and felt very connected to the crowds every night. I also love my band and crew like family. Touring with them feels like summer camp.
Looking back on 2019, how has this year been for you?
Honestly, it was a bit of a dumpster fire. It really tested me. I experienced a lot of loss. I deeply doubted myself. I failed at a lot of things. However, I practiced gratitude and made lists all the time to remember that my life is really good and I need to stay positive. Not always easy but I try… Anyway, 2020 is going to be fucking awesome.