Chatting with Gwyn Love about her new EP ‘First Blush,’ Cats, and Disney Songs | Medium Pop Off

Interview with electro-pop artist Gwyn Love.

Meet Gwyn Love, who just a few days ago released her debut EP, At First Blush, via 604 Records, aka VIOIV Records.

Talking about the EP, Gwyn shares, “At First Blush tells the story of me moving away from my hometown and discovering life for what felt like the first time. I had no rules, complete freedom.”

Originally from a small town in Oklahoma, where she grew up surrounded by eight siblings, Gwyn started playing cello when she was 5-years-old. By the time she turned 11, she was writing her own songs.

Gwyn’s sound echoes with seductive electro-pop textures and vibrant R&B savors, merging what Gwyn explains as “a punk mentality with an electronic-pop vibe.”

Captivated by Gwyn’s unique sound, Canada’s 604 Records, founded by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger and Jonathan Simkin, made her their first U.S. artist, followed by releasing her debut single, “never have to see u again,” which straightaway appeared on Spotify’s foremost playlists, Apple’s ‘New Music Daily,’ and Amazon’s ‘Fresh Pop, Brand New Music.’

Pop Off caught up with Gwyn Love to converse about a variety of topics: what she can’t live without; her new EP; how she got started in music; and her fascination with crime shows, musicals, and Disney songs.

What three things can’t you live without?

I can’t live without music, my friends, and my cats.

What inspired your new single/lyric video, “better than u?”

I wrote “better than u” when I was 14 and I’m not sure of the inspiration for it at the time because I wasn’t dating anyone. But the song kept with me throughout the years, unlike the others I wrote back then, this song to me is about being in a toxic relationship and knowing you can do better but being too scared to leave because you love them and also hoping they will change and realize you deserve better and eventually become better for u but they never do.

You just released a new EP, At First Blush. What can you share about the EP?

This EP represents my first two years away from home. It was a time of growth for me and experiencing the real world. You’ll get to hear about the best nights of my life, getting over a toxic relationship, and finding my family out here in the city.

What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?

Usually it’s lyrics first, but occasionally they come at the same time and melodies come to me first sometimes. sort of depends. I don’t know how my brain works; it just does its thang.

What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?

I hope they feel emotions. I don’t really care what that emotion is necessarily, but I want people to feel something — happiness, sadness, excitement, whatever. I hope people can relate to my experiences as well.

How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?

I started playing cello at 5 years old. I’ve been singing forever though. I was in a lot of musicals growing up and eventually decided I wanted to start writing songs, so I did. I started writing songs at age 11 and picked up keys and guitar to help with that.

Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?

Definitely, Taylor Swift was a huge inspiration of mine, but I also listened to a lot of pop/punk like The Summer Set, Mariana’s Trench, the Maine, and Simple Plan. Miley Cyrus is also a huge inspiration.

Which artists are you listening to right now?

I’ve been listening to Lauv, Lany, The 1975, and The Band Camino. I’m really into sad boi stuff right now.

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

I watch a lot of crime shows, definitely a guilty pleasure. Also, I listen to musicals a lot and love it (my friends think that’s really weird). I like Disney songs too, sue me.

Any advice for young female artists just getting started?

I’d just say to do your best to not let the negative comments hold you back or shut you down. You are 100% capable of anything you set your mind to. Don’t let anyone convince you that you aren’t good enough

Why do you make music?

I honestly make music mostly for myself, but I do try to think about my audience and writing things that they will relate to as well. Writing is a release for me.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be releasing an album at some point and obviously I’ll continue writing. I’m so ready for live shows, whenever that will be!