Check out our interview with super popular Gen Z punk-rock musician Bailey Spinn who’s debut EP, “My Worst Enemy” is out now.
Boasting a robust following of over 18 million across various social media platforms and accumulating literally billions of views on her content in recent years, the undisputed superstar is primed to storm the music industry with her forthcoming singles!
Bailey, drawing inspiration from pop-rock luminaries like Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams, infuses her music with a blend of nostalgia and contemporary elements, featuring theatrical visuals and heart-thumping beats. Harnessing her narrative prowess—sharpened by crafting short-form content for social media—she channels feelings of self-doubt, alienation, mental health challenges, and romantic letdowns into potent songwriting, collaborating with her producer Kodeblooded and songwriters like Tiffany Stringer, LOLO, and more.
Follow Bailey on IG @baileyspinn & TikTok @baileyspinn
Hi Bailey, we recently did an interview in spring of 2022, but it sounds like you have exciting new updates to share!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Angsty, Punk, and Empowering!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I was heavily influenced by Broadway shows growing up. I went to so many shows in New York City with my dad when I was young, and I was always amazed by the storytelling. That’s now something I love to incorporate into my songs, being able to fully visualize the lyrics! I also take a lot of inspiration from early 2000’s pop-rock artists like Avril Lavigne, Paramore, and Pierce The Veil. I always loved to sing but wasn’t sure if I was good enough to go anywhere with it, but once I started posting covers, I knew it was the right path for me! I love everything about singing and being able to express myself through music.
Do you play any instruments?
Currently I only play the electric guitar! I love playing in my spare time!
Do you ever get nervous before performing?
Yes, and I continue to be nervous while I’m performing. Hopefully, it’ll get easier with time, singing is difficult when everyone is staring at you. My first show, I felt tense the entire time, but I got through it and it felt incredible! The rush after a performance is something I’d never experienced before.
Tell us about your debut single “Romance is Dead?”
Romance is Dead came from a place of frustration with dating nowadays. No one is serious about romance and doing those small gestures that really mean the most. You have to beg people to even do the bare minimum, and I was sick of it. I wrote down all the things I wanted people to do for me and what I don’t like about my dating experiences. Even things as simple as not getting a reply to a text, not going on any dates, or a lack of commitment. I believe everyone deserves to feel loved, and we shouldn’t have to settle.
What’s the story behind the song?
I’ve never really been in a serious relationship, and recently I haven’t even had a crush. Growing up, I never was asked to any school dances, never got flowers from anyone, and really had a terrible time with dating overall. I was hoping that once I got older I’d be able to find someone, but so far I haven’t had any luck. At first I blamed myself, thinking that I was the problem and something must be wrong that makes people not want to pursue a relationship with me. But slowly I started realizing that it wasn’t me, it’s how we approach relationships and dating in today’s society. It’s completely backwards, and I think we need to bring romance back into dating.
Congratulations on the release of your new EP “My Worst Enemy”. Is there a particular song you were excited to play live and share with your fans?
Thank you! I always get really excited to play Told You So live. The guitar in it is so powerful, and it sounds even better when played live. It’s fun for me to sing because of the second verse, it’s different and quicker from my other songs. The chorus has such high energy and it’s the most underrated song on my EP in my opinion.
Now tell us about your music debut on the Emmy-winning daytime talk show series “The Tamron Hall Show”? Big congrats!
It was an honor to be on Tamron Hall, but it was also one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever done. I’m always very open about my anxiety and I had some serious stage fright. When I first started singing, I could barely sing in front of my vocal coach, and definitely not an audience. I was so nervous I blacked out, but I’m glad I got through it. It may not have been the best live performance of mine, but there’s always room for improvement. I’m proud that I had the courage to do it in the first place, I came a long way from the start of my music career.
Now about the huge TikTok and Instagram success and what are you doing to keep it going and growing even more?
I continue to create content every single day, but recently I’ve started to work my music into it as well. I’ve been incorporating my songs into the skits I do and sharing my new releases with everyone. It’s definitely gotten a little more difficult as I continue to get busier and busier, but I love creating. I enjoy staying consistent on my platforms and really connecting with my audience. I want everyone to be able to relate to me, my music, and content! Building community has always been important to me.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful TikTok account? When you started your account, did you expect such success?
I definitely did not expect this much success when I started my TikTok account. I was bored in my room, looking for something to do when I thought posting a video would be a good idea. It took off, and so did my page, but my consistent posting is what took me to where I am today. I am serious about my job as a content creator, always trying to follow the trends and listen to what my followers like and don’t like. The secret to success is persistence, even when people would make fun of me online, I used it to my advantage and kept going.
We can only imagine you have been gaining new followers since releasing your music! How does it feel to know that people are connecting with your music and knowing you as a musician first and not a content creator?
It’s really exciting that people are finding my music first, like my dreams are really coming true. My number one goal was to build my music career with people who understand what I’m going through, and can relate it to their own situations. I hope to continue building that new audience.
As a popular content creator, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing “the right thing”, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
It’s hard to always know what the right thing is, but I strive to be my authentic self and show people what I’m passionate about. I always tell my audience to try new things and put themselves out there, that’s the best way to follow your dreams. You’ll never know until you try it!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell her to keep holding her head high, and put time into the things you love to do. I struggled a lot with self love, and not knowing what I was going to do in life. Things may seem catastrophic at the moment, but in 5 years you’ll look back at it and laugh.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far since debuting as a musician?
My great lesson is definitely that not every songwriting day will be the best one. I used to get down on myself when I created something that I didn’t really like, but it’s all part of the learning process. Sometimes I’ll walk out with a new favorite song, and others I won’t even want to listen to it. It’s okay to lack inspiration at times, and it’ll strike at the moment when you expect it least. I’ve learned that you cannot force inspiration for music, for me it has to come naturally.
What’s next for Bailey Spinn in the last months of 2023?
I’ve got a few more live shows coming up, and then it’s onto releasing some new projects! I’ve been working hard behind the scenes creating new music and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Honestly I’m my happiest when I’m able to do the things that I love everyday. Even the small things like listening to music, working out, or playing the guitar.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
It’s a newer one but all-american b*tch by Olivia Rodrigo! I’m obsessed with her!
Where can we follow you?
I go by @baileyspinn on all platforms 🙂
CREDITS
Cover Image & Runner Up Locker: @krissy
Romance is Dead with Hand & White Dress: @lindsphoto
