Ahead of the release of her new single ‘voodoo’ on May 15, we spoke with Bailey Spinn. Read on as we discuss the creative direction behind the new track, balancing her signature identity with musical growth, navigating her digital presence, and the representation of women in modern rock.

Reuel

Hello Bailey! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. How are you doing?

Bailey Spinn

I’m doing great, thanks for chatting with me!

Reuel

You will be releasing your new single ‘voodoo’ in a few days. Given that your fans have grown used to feeling something unique with every single, what would you say is special about ‘voodoo’?

Bailey Spinn

‘voodoo’ is the next piece to revealing my new sound – much darker rock. This song encapsulates the feelings of an old friend or lover watching you, and copying things you may have done or said. ‘voodoo’ has an eerie, horror movie sentiment inspired by pictures like Annabelle. It has less of a romantic feel than my previous single ‘homicide,’ it’s the feeling of fear.

Reuel

Sounds very exciting! A year after releasing your debut album, you’ve established a distinct signature sound. How do you balance staying true to that identity while pushing yourself creatively so you don’t repeat yourself?

Bailey Spinn

I love to push the barriers of what I can put into my songs. I am a huge fan of metal music, but sadly cannot fry scream yet, so I lean as far into a heavier sound as possible. I always enjoy trying new sounds that may be more electronic, pop, or shoegaze while adding metal elements to make it my own. When I’m listening back to new songs, I like to make sure they don’t sound similar to any other singles I have, and it’s something I like to keep in mind while writing. I’m always listening to different genres so I find it easy to get inspired in new ways!

Reuel

‘voodoo’ is about a very relatable situation most people have been through. What usually inspires the topics you choose to write music about?

Bailey Spinn

I like to write songs about experiences I’ve had in my real life, and ‘voodoo’ is a true story about a bad friend. I pull inspiration from relationships, past situations, or things I’m currently going through. ‘voodoo’ came from a place of frustration with an old friend making fun of me, making small digs online that I had seen. I like to put my feelings into songs to help myself move on from it.

Reuel

How would you describe ‘voodoo’ using only emojis?

Bailey Spinn

Reuel

In an alternative reality where humans taste music instead of hearing it, what food would your music taste like?

Bailey Spinn

I think my music would taste like Warheads sour candy, it’s shocking at first, but great once you give it a chance. A little sour and unexpected!

Reuel

Today’s musicians have to balance managing their digital presence with being musicians, which is time-consuming but allows for a closer connection with fans. From your POV as a musician, do these advantages outweigh the time and effort required?

Bailey Spinn

I definitely think the advantages outweigh the time and effort required to post online. I love connecting with my fans every single day and sharing new things I’ve been working on easily. Social media is a way to connect with people in real time. I’m always grateful I was able to build such a loyal fan base online because they’re so supportive. To me posting on social media never feels like a burden, it’s so cool to chat with my supporters! It’s never been easier to share with fans while also gaining new ones.

Reuel

Amazing! Which musicians and bands were your biggest inspirations growing up?

Bailey Spinn

I was always hugely inspired by Paramore, Arctic Monkeys, and blackbear growing up. Paramore was the first band I was ever a mega-fan of, I saw them live and almost burst into tears. I am still heavily inspired by their earlier albums. When I started making music I was really into blackbear’s pop-rock album called ‘In Loving Memory.’ A few songs on my first EP were directly inspired by tracks from the album. I’ve also always been a huge Evanescence fan, Amy Lee is my favorite vocalist of all time!

Reuel

Great names! What are your thoughts on how women are represented in music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Bailey Spinn

In the rock space specifically, I think we need to see more female rock musicians playing festivals. There’s always an uneven ratio of male to female acts when there are so many incredible women that would kill the festival stage. I think women need to be equally represented in music today, they are often doubted or pushed down, but we are always just as capable. People are often hesitant to be accepting of women in rock spaces, even ignoring artists with female vocalists. Women’s music is for everyone, not just for other girls.

Reuel

So true! Thank you for your time, Bailey! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Bailey Spinn

I can’t wait to see even more people around the U.S. on tour, hopefully I’ll be seeing some fans again soon! Everyone can expect a bigger project from me in just a couple months!