Check out our interview with rising pop singer-songwriter Bailey Coats who just released her new single “Identity crisis”. Struggling from the emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Identity crisis” was written about how Bailey felt she had lost sense of herself, her direction, and her passion for music. This song is a reminder of who she is and why she started pursuing her passion.
Bailey wrote “Identity crisis” exclusively with producer and singer-songwriter Chase Coy (“If The Moon Fell Down” ft Colbie Caillat). This Autumn, Bailey will release an EP produced by veteran producer of The Rascals’, Khris Riddick-Tynes (also known for his work with Ariana Grande, Kehlani, and Jessie Reyez), and will include her previous singles “Stranger Things”, “IDK”, “Something in the water”, and “FOMO”, and two unreleased tracks. Although“Identity crisis” will not be featured on Bailey’s upcoming EP, it is an extra surprise track from Bailey to her fans in hopes that they can relate to its message and feel understood.
Follow Bailey @bailey_coats
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Hi Bailey, please tell us a little about you?
Hey y’all! My name is Bailey Coats and I am pop artist from Birmingham, AL. Music has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My mom gave me my baby diary a few years ago and in it, she referenced how she knew I would be a performer since the age of 3. Let’s just say that was the start to this crazy career path.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Authentic, relatable, bubbly
How did you get started in the business?
At age 13, I had the opportunity to go out to LA for an acting, modeling, and singing competition After participating in this event, I realized that my passion lay in music rather than acting. That experience acted as the catalyst for my career and launched me into investing wholeheartedly in creating music. From there, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with numerous creative individuals and mentors who have helped me along my journey thus far.
How has this changed your life?
Growing up, and even now, I never was the kid who had a ton of friends or who felt like they fit in. I always struggled with accepting myself and never felt like I could articulate my truest of thoughts and emotions. Music is how I communicate with people. By choosing to pursue this art as my career, it has forever changed my life by allowing me to be able to share my heart with the world.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Now that is a long story. It truly was such a “God thing” as I like to call it. Starting out, I had no clue how to create a song, market it, etc. and it was after that competition in LA that I met people who helped begin my creative journey. Even after my first project was completed early on in my career, it was through mutual connections that new opportunities came about. Never discount anyone you meet, you never know what could happen.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Authentic, bubbly, complicated. My music is a direct reflection of who I am as a person.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
We are all given unique gifts and abilities. Sometimes we can’t explain ‘why’ we feel compelled to do something, we just know that we are meant to do it. That’s how I feel with music. Nothing really influenced me to get started, it was just a passion that I couldn’t deny and a purpose I couldn’t ignore.
Do you play any instrument?
I had tried to learn how to play guitar earlier on in my career, but could never get the strumming down! But, I do have some lessons lined up in 2021. Gotta keep growing!
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! We are all human and nerves are only natural. But the nerves I experience aren’t “what if I suck/am not good enough” nerves. There will always be someone better, stronger, taller, shorter, skinnier, fatter, literally anything more than you. You just have to embrace your own awesomeness! My nerves derive from the level of care and the expectations I set for myself. Which can be a good and bad thing sometimes.
Tell us about your new single “Identity crisis?”
“Identity crisis” is a single I am super excited to drop. I can honestly say that this is the first single I am releasing with zero expectation behind it except to make me happy. Sometimes we create too much with the intent to please others and this song has been a reminder to create for the sole purpose of feeding my soul.
What’s the story behind the song?
In the beginning of 2021, I started to feel a shift in my attitude. I was reaching a low point where I completely lost my why. I was basing my success on the vanity metrics. Spotify streams, Instagram followers, etc. etc. etc. And while those things are important for other opportunities, they don’t define worth.
“Identity crisis” became my therapy as Chase and I wrote about the need to rediscover yourself. Something a lot of us need to do after the confusing and identity stripping year that 2020 was.
How was working with Chase Coy?
Chase is epic. I mean seriously such a cool guy. He has such a beautiful and welcoming spirit that doesn’t judge and allows creativity to blossom in his studio. His openness and pursuit of excellence is what truly made “Identity crisis” and my experience working with him what it was and more.
And about the success of “FOMO?”
I had the opportunity to go out to LA for an acting, modeling, and singing competition at age 13. After participating in this event, I realized that my passion lay in music rather than acting. That experience acted as the catalyst for my career and launched me into investing wholeheartedly in creating music.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is receiving a response from people saying how much my music has meant to them. To know that my art is being translated into a personalized message for someone is truly the biggest reward in the world.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“It’s All in Your Head” – Russ… you’ll thank me later.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you have learned so far?
Of all the many lessons I have learned thus far on my journey, the greatest of them all is to be true to yourself. Early on in my career, I allowed myself to listen to the opinions of others I deemed as experts rather than trusting in my gut and my own abilities.
How would your best friend describe you?
I actually texted her and this is what she said “compassionate, genuine, loyal, bubbly, trustworthy, independent, determined and passionate.” I may or may not have cried after she texted me this…
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Perfectly Imperfect” – Bailey Coats. For a long time I struggled with accepting who I am. I still do every now and then. But to embrace the fact that we are all imperfect human beings is one step towards acknowledging our fullest potential.
What’s next for Bailey Coats in 2021?
We’ve got a lot of things in store (an EP *wink, wink*), but to be honest, I’m just having fun. So much of my career has been dominated by excessive planning, and expectation setting, and this constant idea of leveling up. Right now, I am still focused on my goals and believe I will get there, but I’m starting to have fun along the way.
What is your favorite healthy food?
A good salad with fruit and a healthy vinagrette gets me every time.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream or brownies – my literal kryptonite.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I used to be super self-conscious about my fashion choices, making sure I was up to date, etc. But my style can be described by two words: authentic and bold.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is the byproduct of choosing joy daily. My definition of happiness is making the conscious choice to choose to be joyful despite any circumstances I face and live my life overwhelmed by this beautiful, infectious byproduct.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Amy Winehouse. She is a freaking legend and wrote music from the most authentic of places. I would love to ask a million questions to her about her life, creativity, and music style.
Best advice ever given?
Stop wishing your life away. Enjoy every moment as it comes and face each new challenge.
Do you support any charity?
“A Tale of Two Cities” – Charles Dickens
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
This question had never bothered me up until the past year. I used to have all these master plans, but ultimately our lives are not defined by a timeline (Read the Russ book and you’ll see why I’m not a fan of timelines anymore). Rather than answering this question with definitive answers, I see myself in 5 years enjoying each new opportunity that comes my way and challenging myself to achieve my goals.
Favorite song? Why?
Awww you can’t do me like that! There is so much music in the world of all genres and styles that I can’t pick just one! But one of my favorite songs that I’ve created is called “Lying to myself” out on our EP in the fall.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media serves as a connector for people across the world. I think it is wonderful as long as you use it as an enhancement to your life, not a distractor from the wonderful parts of your life. With anything, we have to learn how to appreciate something in a healthy moderation for our lives. No one person’s journey or opinion is the same. With social media, it is all about using it and appreciating it for how you see best fit.
Where can we follow you?
Website
Spotify
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Twitter
YouTube
Book: “A Tale of Two Cities” – Charles Dickens
Quote: “God never gives you a dream that matches your budget. He’s not checking your bank account, He’s checking your faith.” – Mark Wahlberg
Movie: “Grease”
TV Series: “A Tale of Two Cities” – Charles Dickens
Favorite Food: Sushi
Travel Destination: Anywhere with a beachhhhh
Sports Team: University of Alabama football – I am a graduate after all hehehe
Photo Credit: Mallory Barry
