Los Angeles-based pop sensation Casey Baer has always held a mirror to her emotions through her music, and her latest single, “ptxd” proves no different. Taking us on an intensely personal journey, she explores the aftermath of a toxic relationship while candidly sharing her own experiences with the lingering trauma that reverberates in its wake. With its raw, confessional lyricism, the song was created for anyone who’s ever experienced what Baer dubs “post-traumatic ex disorder.”
Baer’s authentic nature is at the heart of her appeal, manifesting in both her bold, introspective ballads and her stance as a mental health advocate. Her songwriting, always real and unfiltered, becomes an open book of her trials, heartbreaks, and personal growth, all set to the backdrop of her powerful pop vocals.
She shared, “I’m a very open and honest person in my music, which stems from me not being the most forthcoming with my emotions when I was younger. I have dealt with major anxiety since I was a kid, and songwriting was the first outlet that truly allowed me to express myself.”
Singing her way into hearts around the globe, Baer has rightly earned her stripes as a rising star in the music industry. Her captivating mix of pop-rock and her candid storytelling have drawn comparisons to artists like Avril Lavigne and Tate McRae. “I want my music to remind people that they’re not alone in their struggles. Giving myself the freedom to feel has changed my life, and I hope to help others do the same,” she says.
With her latest release, “ptxd,” Baer continues to make waves, turning her personal narrative into emotive music that strikes a chord with listeners. As she channels her experiences into potent, relatable tunes, the singer proves once more that she is an artist to watch, a talented songwriter who is not afraid to explore the depths of her feelings.
Ahead, we spoke with Casey Baer about her musical influences, love life, being vulnerable in her music, and much more. Continue scrolling to read out our conversation.
Hey Casey! How is 2023 treating you so far, both musically and professionally?
Hi!! So far, 2023 has been really amazing! I recently came back from a month-long tour in 8 European countries, which was the most incredible experience, and I just dropped a new single called “ptxd”!
Who were some of your musical influences growing up, and do you feel as though they inform your sound today?
Some of my musical influences growing up were Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Rihanna. I definitely feel my sound was influenced by them – Justin is the reason I started writing music. He writes about real feelings, insecurities and deeper topics that are harder to say out loud. I love the way Taylor’s music tells a full story, and Rhianna’s powerful voice is always inspiring to me because I also have a big powerful voice, and she inspired me to use my power.
Let’s talk about your new single, “ptxd.” Was there a specific moment in your life that inspired the record, and was it therapeutic to create the record?
Yes, it was inspired by a few of my relationships and they way I go into new relationships worrying about things that have happened in the past, which sucks! It was extremely therapeutic to write this song and get out all the feelings I had, including how the aftermath of a toxic relationship can really affect my mental health. I definitely feel I’m able to move past it more now that I’ve written this song!
In this song, you open up about healing from trauma that toxic exes leave you with. What’s been your overall experience with love and how you navigate relationships?
Dating is really hard, especially in today’s world. I feel that with the extreme hook-up culture, it makes it even more difficult because I’m just not that girl – which is the reason I made that the title of my first EP. Navigating relationships has been hard. I seem to fall for the emotionally unavailable type, so as a result, I’ve never been in love.
Having amassed such a massive following online, I can imagine that a lot of your life — relationships, early memories, and so on — is out there for people to piece together. How do you balance vulnerability with personal privacy in your music?
It is very important for me to be honest in my music. All the songs I write are true stories, and I have no problem being vulnerable – in fact, I cry in a lot of my sessions because when I write these songs and share these stories with my co-writers, I’m able to go back and really dig into the feelings I had or have going through these experiences. My executive producer Sophie Simmons is in most of my sessions with me, and she just gets me! She’s always like, “There it is when the tears start flowing.” That’s how we know the song is good!
I feel like in addition to music, style is also another major part of your visual identity. Can you tell us about how fashion empowers you as an artist?
Thank you so much! Yes, fashion is definitely an important part for me, it’s another way to express myself. There are two different kinds of fashion for me; first being show fashion, which is an elevated version of what I wear in my everyday life. I love a good monochromatic vibe on stage, and I always wear gloves, which brings the look together. I want people to feel like it’s a style they can wear, but at the same time, not something you can just walk into a store and find. I’m grateful for my amazing stylist Ali who helps bring this all together!!
What’s your go-to look when it comes to casual days in the studio, and how about when you’re on tour?
My go-to look in the studio has to be comfortable, but at the same time, still feel fashionable (but simple). Lots of parachute pants, baggy jeans, baby tees, and hoodies! One of my favs is always a plain white tank. Tour travel days are really similar to that too. I love a good monochromatic sweat outfit.
Lastly, you obviously spent the past year performing at shows across the world. What’s in store for you in 2023, and do you plan on headlining your own tour soon?
Yes. I’m definitely excited to get back on the road, I have so much new music that I can’t wait to perform, and I can’t wait to see everyone again! Touring is literally my favorite thing to do! I can’t wait to headline my own tour!
