The final countdown begins for internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Connie Talbot‘s new era. A stark departure from the darling who charmed us in 2007 with her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” on Britain’s Got Talent, Connie is now asserting her place as a seasoned artist. Diving headfirst into this exciting phase, her new single, “Easier Pretending You’re Dead,” serves as the epitome of this metamorphosis—a dramatic pivot as she unflinchingly presents her evolved musical persona.
“Easier Pretending You’re Dead,” described by Talbot as a “dark lullaby,” swirls haunting melodies and hypnotic vocals into a gripping ensemble. It’s a track that signals not only an evolution in Connie’s sound but also captures her emotional growth, reflecting an empowered stance on personal liberation. The track is a bold foray into alt-pop, presenting an artistic evolution that draws from her experiences and artistic transformation over the years.
A small-town girl from just outside of Birmingham, Connie’s early success as a young artist was both inspirational and formidable. The passage of time, however, has allowed her to stretch her wings and experiment with her sound. This independence, coupled with her tireless dedication to her craft, has resulted in an audacious blend of genres and personal experiences that resonates through her upcoming four-track EP.
In the midst of preparing for this new chapter, we had the opportunity to sit down with Connie Talbot. From her insights on “Easier Pretending You’re Dead” to the personal journey that led her to this turning point, the conversation delves deep into the artist that Connie has become. Keep scrolling to read our interview.
Congratulations on the release of the single “Easier Pretending Your Dead” is the title for the record; can you talk to me a bit about the inspiration behind that song in particular?
Thank you so much! When I wrote “EPYD,” there was a sense of change for me in my life. I had just moved to Liverpool, I decided I was going to write an EP and release as a completely independent artist it really felt like a solid new chapter in my life which is the feeling I think “EPYD” really embodies. This song for me really represents quite a lot of feelings for me, leaving an era behind of being a little girl who loved to sing and starting a new one as an original independent artist.
I do think I’m quite strong minded too, and when it’s time to say goodbye, I usually just rip the plaster off and I wanted to represent that in this song. The dark humor seems quite sinister on first listen, but I did want the melody to just have that carefree feeling of moving on and saying goodbye to something you’re letting go of, and I hope people can relate to it and hopefully help someone to feel some sense of freedom.
Talk to us about the music video! It’s your first in a while and takes on an exciting new creative direction—what can you tell us about it?
When I first wrote “EPYD” with Emily Phillips and Alfie Jackson, I immediately had a vision for the video, I really wanted to emphasize the title of the song. Dressed in black, in a pub setting with roses celebrating saying goodbye to someone or something. The idea of the song was having a mental funeral for putting something to rest in my head, so I liked the idea of being alone as if it was all in my head.
It was such a fun video to film, I got to smash up flowers and photo frames and bash the piano. Brad, the videographer, really did a good job of making the video quite dreamy and dark, so I’m really proud of what we did as a team.
With this song, you’ve seemingly ushered in a new era both musically and aesthetically. Can you talk about your journey into womanhood considering how many people have known you since a child?
Wow, it has been such a journey. I feel so lucky to have been able to perform and see the world growing up in the music industry and to have a following that is incredibly patient and loyal. There have been challenges along the way, but I think growing into womanhood, in general, comes with challenges too. Sometimes I struggle with trying to live up to what I achieved as a child, but I remind myself that little Connie and Connie now are the same person, and I am evolving every day, like we all do.
Writing music has always been a medicine for me. Writing this EP has really been a therapy for me, I realized that I can appreciate where my career began, but I can also change and evolve and put out music that represents who I am today as a 22-year-old. I will be eternally grateful for the people that are still here on this journey with me for all these years and still here listening and accepting this big change physically and in music.
Obviously, you released quite a bit of music when you were younger. What would you say have been the biggest changes in your life since we last got a full-length project from you?
Just life lol, I think having more experience in life has let me be able to put those experiences into songs. I loved the projects I did as a child, and my passion was purely singing. Now, it feels as well as singing, I have a passion for writing in music. I love that I can sing songs now that are about real experiences in my life.
Out of curiosity, do you think starting your career that early was overall a good move or is there anything you wish you would’ve changed looking back at it?
Starting a career early definitely had it’s up and downs. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I have met so many incredible people and seen so many beautiful places growing up, which has made me who I am, so I wouldn’t change a thing. A lot of this, I have written about in my EP, so I wouldn’t have these songs if things were different. The next single, “Growing Pains,” is about how everything that has led up to now has made me who I am today, which I love.
Beyond your own stuff, what’s one song or artist you’re particularly obsessed with currently?
I LOVE Maisie Peters, I think her songs are so real and wholesome.
Also, a lot of entertainers love to blend cultures of music and fashion. How do you do the same?
I have always been obsessed with vintage fashion. The 60s era was such an iconic time in fashion. I love how simple but nostalgic it all feels. When we were writing the EP, we noticed that there was a running theme of the songs being quite dark, either with melodies or lyrics and have quite a lullaby feel throughout, which I think pairs with that vintage classic feel of 60s fashion in a really cool way.
However, I’m definitely not a fashionista. It’s a working progress and hoping that I can be quite fluid with what I wear and evolve alongside my music.
To wrap things up, what are some things and goals you’d like to check off the list before the end of this year?
To keep releasing music and be consistent in writing songs that I feel a deep emotion to.
I would love to do some live gigs with these songs. I’m so excited to perform the songs from the EP live with other musicians and finally meet and hug people that are listening. I’m hoping to do a show to celebrate the EP being out later in the year.
