Randy
Electro-pop singer-songwriter Courtney Paige Nelson unveils her brand-new single, 1 – 800 – BROKE MY HEART, a song about a deceitful ex.
Courtney explains, “I wanted to be as vulnerable as possible when writing this song, so when it’s released I felt like I was relieved instead of feeling like I should’ve been more open. There was a lot of this story that I think many can relate to as a breakup/situationship anthem. I say anthem because I want it to empower people, not make them dwell on negative emotions with whatever they are going through. There’s so many sad songs in the world, and I love me a good sad song. But this time I needed something to yell driving down the freeway with my middle finger in the air.”
After an abusive childhood and being kicked out when she was 17, Courtney rose above her circumstances. She gained national attention while competing on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 23, placing fourth, and building a platform for her music and songwriting.
Since then, she’s received features in elite outlets and now writes for Sync. In 2021, she released her debut EP, Fever Dream, followed by “Sick For You” with Wolf Player and CREEK which amassed more than 1,000,000 streams in three weeks.
Most recently, Moore Kismet released their debut album UNIVERSE, highlighting the song “See You Go,” which Courtney wrote and was featured on. The song appeared on 30+ editorial playlists, including New Music Friday in 12 countries, trended on SiriusXM radio, and remained in the Top 50 on Beatport for over a month. She performed “See You Go” live at HARD Fest in Los Angeles with Moore Kismet for 10,000 people.
CelebMix spoke with Courtney Paige Nelson to discover how her unique sound developed, the way she writes, and where she finds inspiration.
What three things can’t you live without?
Cats, Coffee, and the beach! I get anxiety if I live too far from water.
What inspired your new single, “1 – 800 – BROKE MY HEART?”
Long story short, a cheating ex-bf who never gave me closure. I used my songwriting capabilities to tell my side of the story and give myself closure since he never did. That’s the hard part about dating a musician, I think. Everything is always up for lyrics.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
It’s definitely evolved! As I got more comfortable with being a Pop artist and learning how to combine my love for Electronic Music, with my Pop songwriting I eventually found my sound. I consider myself Electro-Pop. I’d say I know who I am, how I want to sound, and who I want to connect with on a fan-base level. My music and artistry are for ADHD weirdos who like glitter and being authentically themselves.
If you had to describe your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
My music is, like opening up a Diary of emotions and situations I’ve experienced. It’s deep lyrics on an electronic style production with Pop music structure/elements.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
Life is what inspires me. Also listening to other people’s ideas, experiences, and conversations. Sometimes I’ll be at a coffee shop and overhear a sentence someone says, and I’ll write it down to pull from later. I draw inspo from other songs to help set the mood for what I’m writing about. Inspirational quotes, Pinterest boards, text messages, there is so much you can use to fuel your inner creative! That’s why language and words are so amazing and beautiful.
What can you share about your writing process?
I see very extensive visuals when I write so I create mini-movies in my head which helps lead the story for what I’m trying to say. Lyrics come easy to me once that happens! I wouldn’t say I have a process; I’d say I have ADHD which can make it interesting trying to describe what I’m seeing in my head.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
Julia Wolf, Amelia Moore, Joji (who I would die to go on tour with one day), Ethan Bortnick, and Fred again…
How do you define success?
I think success for me is defined when I can sit back and say ‘wow I can’t believe I’m here’ as I reminisce on everything that occurred for me to get there.
Looking back over the last few years, what have you learned?
You’re responsible for your actions.
Treat everyone with the same level of respect.
Be authentically you at all times.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Music videos? Live gigs?
I have a TON of new music coming out, including music videos, and hopefully will get to be on a festival bill. My absolute dream is to play Outside Lands in my home city San Francisco because it was the first music festival I ever went to! So, it holds a special place for me.
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