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INTERVIEW: Pop Singer & Songwriter CASEY BAER Bares Soul in Debut EP, not that girl. Talks New Music, Tour w/ Jesse McCartney & MORE.
Growing up shy and using music to hide her anxiety, Los Angeles based pop artist Casey Baer has taken hold of her life and is now using her own music to “share [her] story” and “help as many people as possible.” Throughout the years, Baer has used that voice to release a variety of singles spanning topics of heartbreak, love and growing up including “JEALOUS,” “MAKE ME HATE U” and her debut holiday single, “Christmas Time Valentine” that have amassed her millions of streams. The relatable and heartfelt lyrics matched with catchy pop hooks have grabbed the attention of Just Jared, iHeartRadio, Billboard and Spotify.
But despite all this and having been on stage and performing since she was 6, Baer recently celebrated a milestone in any artist’s career – the release of their debut EP. The six-song project titled not that girl, takes direct pages from the singer’s “diary” as she admits that all her songs “are true stories” and she “cried a lot” while making the debut project. Mixing a perfect blend of pop and rock combined with both empowering yet heartbreaking lyrics, not that girl is an impressive debut for any artist and especially an independent one.
not that girl dropped just in time for Baer to try them out on the road as she joined Jesse McCartney on his The New Stage Tour 2022 alongside Jamie Miller just a week after the release of the EP. All Access was lucky enough to grab time with the busy artist in the middle of her tour to discuss the new project, what she’s learned being out on the road, how she manages being an artist that has grown up with social media and much more. Check out the full interview below and get to know your favorite new artist:
ALL ACCESS [Austin]: Let’s start from the beginning, what is it about music that made you want to pursue a career in it? Do you remember the moment when you knew music was your future?
CASEY BAER: I always loved music and my parents said I was humming and singing when I started talking. When I was 3 years old, my mom took me to see Hilary Duff at the House of Blues in Los Angeles and I remember crying on my uncle’s shoulders to put me on stage with Hilary. I knew at that concert that was what I wanted to do.
AA: Congrats on the release of your debut EP, not that girl – it’s a perfect pop record. Why did you feel now was the right time in your career to release a full project as opposed to singles?
CB: Thank you so much! I have been working on this project with Sophie Simmons who is the executive producer of this EP for the past year. I felt like I really found my sound and voice as an artist and wanted to share a complete body of work that showed that. I have been releasing singles for the past couple of years but this just felt like the right time!
AA: What’s the story behind the title of the EP, not that girl?
CB: not that girl is about how I realized there are things I just can’t/won’t do just to get people to like me. I wanted to be more like some of my friends as I was growing up but something just didn’t feel right. I am really comfortable in my own shoes now, and I don’t need to do something just because I see other people do it. No judgement towards anyone that makes different choices, it’s just “I’m not that girl.”
AA: What do you feel is the most vulnerable song on not that girl? Were you nervous for the world to hear it? How do you overcome any hesitation in releasing personal songs?
CB: The most vulnerable song on the EP is “Never Have I Ever.” It was the first song I cried writing and recording. It was a turning point in my life, because I felt like I found someone special and we were on the same page, until he suddenly decided he couldn’t handle the distance. I was not nervous at all, I was so excited to be able to share it because I know so many people struggle with long distance relationships and I wanted them to have a song that helped them deal with their feelings. Since all my songs are based on my true feeling and experiences, I know when it’s the right time for me to share them. I always want people to feel they are never alone in what they are going through, so when I write these songs, it’s because I’m feeling that way, and it makes me feel so much better sharing it with everyone. Music has always been the easiest way for me to express myself.
AA: You previously gained radio support on Radio Disney with your single, “MAKE ME HATE U.” What was it like hearing your song on the radio? Do you remember where you were when you found out it was going in rotation?
CB: I will never forget that day! I was crying and screaming. It was truly the greatest moment that will always stand out for me! I was in my kitchen and my manager called and told me! The tears just poured out!!
AA: As an artist nowadays you’re tasked with not only creating music but essentially being content creators across socials and becoming your own brand. How do you manage the demand of social media, numbers, etc? How do you define success outside of numbers?
CB: To be honest, it’s definitely a big part of every day. I know it is a very important part of the process, and it is how I am able to connect with fans and share my stories with them. I love being able to share the behind the scenes and even DM with my fans. Social media is the easiest way to allow me to do that. I try not to focus on the numbers as much, there was definitely a time that it would consume me, but now I focus on being as authentic as possible and connecting with my community. I love getting feedback from people on how my music is touching their lives and helping them through situations they are going through.
AA: You’re currently on tour with Jesse McCartney – what’s the biggest thing about performing or being an artist that you’ve learned from him thus far?
CB: This is the best experience of my entire life! I absolutely love touring! Going from city to city, performing my music and then being able to meet everyone in person has been life changing. I told my manager the other day, I want to keep touring as much as possible! It’s so much fun. Jesse McCartney is so incredible, so welcoming and beyond talented. It’s been a dream come true to tour with him. Jamie Miller is also on tour and we are all having a great time together.
AA: How did you go about preparing for this tour? What are your tour must haves?
CB: My band and I had several rehearsals to work on the set and make sure we picked the right songs to make the show as fun as possible! My favorite blanket from home is a must! We usually snack on veggies, fruit, Gatorade, throat coat and Pirates Booty [laughs].
AA: If you could headline a music festival, event, etc. which would it be?
CB: I would have to say Coachella! I always had the best time being there and I love the vibe of those weekends! There are always so many amazing artists there that I would love to share the stage with!
AA: If you could only listen to (5) artists for the rest of your life, who would they be?
CB: I’m usually indecisive and there are many, but top five are: Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Tate McCrae, Taylor Swift and Elton John.
AA: What does the rest of 2022 look like for you?
CB: After tour ends in Los Angeles on June 25th, I’ll be getting back in the studio to create more music, release new music, and hopefully get back on the road in the fall!!
A big shout-out to Casey for hanging for this latest All Access interview and a massive congrats to her on the EP, tour and everything else she’s working on. Be sure to keep up with Casey by following along with the links below:
Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
