Check out our interview with singer-songwriter Goldie Vargas’ who just released her new single, “Canyon”. Resonant and heartbreakingly honest, “Canyon” is an acoustic-driven song about rediscovering yourself in the ashes of a breakup.
Following previous releases “Strawberry Kisses” and “Moving in Reverse,” “Canyon” arrives as the final tease of Goldie’s forthcoming EP, ‘Golden,’ which will be out July 28th. A Los Angeles-native, Goldie is the definition of California cool with her beach, chill soundscapes, natural aesthetic and intimate lyricism.
Follow Goldie @goldie.vargas
Hi Goldie, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m Goldie Vargas, a singer and songwriter from Los Angeles. I’m releasing the third single, “Canyon,” from my debut EP on July 13th and I am so excited for everyone to hear it!
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
That’s so hard! I feel like so many people can relate to this but I feel so self-critical when it comes to talking about myself… but I hope I come across as warm, golden and energetic!
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get your start in music?
My parents are really into the arts! My grandma is an artist, my mom was a professional dancer and my dad is a huge fan of classic rock so I was always surrounded by music and different art forms growing up. My mom and dad put me straight into piano lessons at 4 years old and then I started vocal training at 10. When I was 18, I wrote and produced my first song by myself. Shortly after that I met my amazing producer, Adam Gurr, and the rest is history!
How has music changed your life?
Songwriting and creating is such an outlet for me. It’s helped me so much in articulating my feelings and letting out anxious energy. It’s so therapeutic to write and it’s rewarding seeing how many people can relate to my songs!
How would you describe your sound in 3 words?
Pop, rock, and ethereal.
Who influenced you to make music and why did you choose to start making music?
Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell and David Bowie are my biggest influences! All of them were/are able to captivate audiences in such an insane way. They are superheroes to me and the reason I started making music in the first place.
I want to make music that people can immediately relate to and feel free while listening to. I hope that free spirit energy can transfer to my shows and can create a safe, fun and exciting place to be where everyone can be themselves.
Do you play any instruments?
I do! I play piano and guitar. I’d love to learn drums and bass though!
Do you ever get nervous before performing?
A little bit before a show but after the first song I’m fine!
Tell us about your new single “Canyon.” What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote “Canyon” right after a breakup that happened during the middle of recording my EP in Topanga Canyon. “Canyon” is about the feeling after a breakup where you miss who you were before the relationship, but you also miss the person you were with. It’s about feeling brave enough to admit to yourself that you got lost in love and don’t know who you are anymore. My favorite lyric from the song is “I guess the greatest love was never you, because I’m missing me too.” I find the entire song to be so empowering despite being a breakup song, it’s like running in a field of flowers towards yourself!
What is the most rewarding part of making music?
I think the most rewarding part of making music is being able to release your art to the world and let people enjoy it while you start over again and make something new!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
To stand up for myself and to trust my gut instincts
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I’d give her a big hug and tell her everything is going to be okay and to take a deep breath! I was so worried about life and the fear of not being able to do what I wanted to do because of school work, but everything works out the way it needs to in the end!
How would your best friend describe you?
Golden, charismatic and fun.
What’s next for Goldie Vargas in 2022?
I’m releasing “Canyon” on July 13th and my EP, ‘GOLDEN,’ will be out shortly after. I’m so so excited for everyone to hear my EP at my shows the rest of this summer!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Vintage, eclectic, and comfortable. I love going to flea markets and searching on Depop for rare vintage items from the 90s. My style icons are Anita Pallenberg, 70s groupies, Jane Birkin, Hailey Bieber and 90s supermodels! It’s very very eclectic. I love being comfortable at the end of the day and wearing what feels good, whether that’s mixing a 1900s corset cover with oversized jeans or a 90s leather jacket with a 70s crochet dress.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To be able to feel completely free in my own skin and do what I want to be doing in life without any fear of judgement.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Stevie Nicks. I feel a bit like a broken record saying this but she truly is such a big inspiration to me. I have so many questions to ask her about being an artist and longevity in pursuing music.
What is your dream vacation and who would you go with?
Anywhere in the world as long as I can be with my family and friends…. And Harry styles. He could make any vacation fun.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My friend Sam (@sam.moooves) is so good at being a soundboard of advice. Somehow whenever I’m feeling super low and out of touch with my dreams, she ends up popping up on my feed! Her mantra is “Be YOU. Be WEIRD” and I absolutely LOOOVEEE it! I always come back to some of the golden nuggets of advice she gives in her Q&A’s or in her posts.
Do you support or work with any charities?
I am currently not working with any charities but I would love to in the future!!! I am super passionate about the following organizations though: Everytown for Gun Safety, The Trevor Project, Black Visons, Feeding America and the Marsha P Johnson Institute.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself touring and creating music on a grander scale. I’d love to have my shows be the ultimate place for people to go to feel free to be themselves and have so so so much fun. To create that energy and hold that space in a large venue would be the dream.
Favorite song of all time? Why?
“Winter” by The Rolling Stones. I feel so incredibly free while listening to it, which is my own goal when creating music. Whenever I’m sad or feeling low, I blast it in the car and drive up and down PCH and everything feels so much warmer and better. The entire composition and space of the song is so beautifully put together. The strings and guitar solo during that breakdown/ bridge is incredible and I could NEVER get tired of listening to it!
Where can we follow you on social media?
Favorite book: I’m a nerd when it comes to books so it’s hard to pick just one! But I’m currently reading Black Swans by Eve Babitz.
Favorite quote: “We are all just walking each other home” – Ram Dass. Truly anything Ram Dass or Abraham Hicks or has said is my favorite.
Favorite movie: Almost Famous! Best. Movie. Ever.
Favorite TV series: Euphoria
Favorite food: Sushi, pasta or tacos.
Favorite travel destination: Anywhere in Italy or any of the Greek islands. It’s so magical there!
Favorite sports team: Does One Direction count as a sports team?
