A new single from songwriter Kay Scarlett comes through as a beautifully woven and heartfelt acoustic pop undertones track that has a cinematic and warming texture to it that paints quite a vivid picture as it plays on.
"Unread '' becomes quickly addictive and it's not just due to it's infectious chorus and post chorus even, but it's also that almost intense honesty and the story she tells. Even how she tells it.
It's got a sad undertone and but really it's just her expressing her emotions through her song and that right there is part of why you'll fall in love with this song.
Now, having said that, it's really radio friendly, colorful, and has this youthful calling that almost speaks for everyone.
The song has some perfect vocal performances and really showcases a bright and indie vibe that feels very welcoming.
It kind of feels like a Summer song in a way and can trigger memories to pop up in your head at any given moment.
Scarlett is a pop songwriter underneath it all and let's all hope that never goes anywhere.
This is a killer example of a youth in songwriters that are in control of what they want to put out there. They have a vision and it comes to fruition. They are brutally honest and gracefully powerful.
With such a great single, we wanted to have a chat with Kay Scarlett about this track and what may be up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay let's start with "Unread". This track is very personal and dreamy. Where did this song come from?
Unread poured out of me in less than thirty minutes. It's a song for the modern dater- dealing with the phenomenon that is ghosting, narcissism, disappointment and confusion. Unfortunately, it can feel like we are dealing with these things more than ever lately, even in friendships. The more I sang it, the more it also became a metaphor for all the times in my life that I've felt taken advantage of. There's some spitefulness in it too.
RAG: I'm hearing some different pop styles on this track. Who are some of your biggest influences?
I feel the most musically influenced by artists like Lana Del Rey and Marina. They have really reinvented pop with their lyrical styles and sonic choices. I also rarely go a day without listening to older female artists like Joni Mitchell and Steve Nicks- as a songwriter I can see just how much they have paved the way for the modern female artist. It's an amazing time for music, since artists have the freedom to try almost anything. If it's good, people will like it. So why not study the greats?
RAG: What's coming up next for you? Anything new in the works?
Yes! Actually, I'll announce here for the first time that my next single is called "Wintery California". I moved to LA from New York in July 2020 and it has been a much harder adjustment than I expected. This song will tell you all about that, but an E.P. is also a possibility. I'm writing almost every day now, so a bigger project might be the way to go. Either way, music is coming!
RAG: Can we expect any music videos from you?
A music video would be a dream come true. Right now, I am really focused on writing and recording, but when the opportunity feels right, I'd love to dive into creating a music video.
RAG: You've got over 4,300 monthly listeners on Spotify alone! What advice would you have for ohter up and cming artists out there?
Honestly, I don't look at the numbers often- and I think that's been the best thing for me. My advice: don't look, write instead...and be VERY picky about who you work with.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I do have a day job! I'm a behavior therapist for neurodivergent children and young adults. If I'm not doing that or working on music, I'm probably having way too deep of a conversation with a friend, because what even IS the world right now?!
RAG: What kinds of things actually inspire you to write?
It's sort of funny you ask that, because it's changed as of recently. Typically, I'm most inspired by nostalgia- really anything in my past. But in trying to heal from how difficult moving across the country has been, I am doing a lot of self work to not look back. Lately, I am inspired by the stories of the new people I have met- their strength, their heartbreak, even their past. I think it would do us all some good to take some time to think about anything but ourselves. When I really feel the urge to write about my past, I do it, but my muse isn't always the healthiest thing.
RAG: How do you write your songs? Is it lyrics first or chords? How does it work for you?
There really isn't a formula for me. Unread was one of those songs that worked like magic- the lyrics and melody came to me right away. I've got a ton of lyrics written all over though- in my phone, in notebooks around my apartment, and I do really enjoy writing to chords using those.
RAG: Do you ever do collaborations?
Right now, I'm working closely with Marc Solomon ("Solo Muzik") on all my songs. He's an incredibly talented musician and producer. Like I said, being picky about who I work with is important to me, but as long as I am, collaborating is always a good thing. I know that I need to keep learning to be a great artist, and I learn every time I have a session with Marc.
RAG: Before we go, is there anything you'd like to say to fans of the music?
I just cannot say THANK YOU enough! I'm a painfully honest person and artist, so to have people not only accept it, but like the music, is an absolute dream. Stay with me on this journey because there's more coming. Thank you so much to the Recording Artists Guild for this opportunity!