Rising UK-based electro-pop artist Caitlyn Scarlett experiments with dirty dubstep and elements of trip-hop in her Jurassic Jukebox & Other Drugs EP. Heavily influenced by independent singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, the 18-year-old solo artist weaves lyrical poetry into both acoustic melodies and bass-induced anthems. Scarlett’s smoky delivery does not cloud but clings to each beat in restless, rhythmic fashion.
Take a moment and listen to Caitlyn Scarlett dish details off of her latest EP, dream collaborations and career thus far.
Have you always wanted to be a solo artist?
Caitlyn: Yes, I do have a band who I really enjoy playing with at gigs, but I think I’ve always wanted to go down a more individual route.
Being from a small village outside of England, does location influence your style of lyrics and music?
Caitlyn: I think you might mean outside of London (Laughs). I’m from England. Yes it definitely has; the atmosphere and the experience I had growing up where I’m from has always influenced the way I write, especially my lyrics. My song “Sunset Cigarette” was actually even written while I was on the number 6 bus, which I took everyday on my way to college, the lyrics talk about the quietness of the town and the things I’d see everyday on my routine.
Who are some of your musical influences? Why?
Caitlyn: I’m heavily influenced by musicians from the 60’s and 70’s such as the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and 80’s musicians like Kate Bush, Duran Duran and Madonna. I think their music influences me because they carry messages as well as entertainment. They defined pop culture through more than just music, dabbling in things like politics and fashion. I hope to do the same.
What is your proudest song off of the Jurassic Jukebox & Other Drugs EP?
Caitlyn: Oh that’s so hard to answer, I have a special place in my heart for “Bad Love” as it did so well and it makes me happy knowing that so many people related to it, but I also adore “Sunset Cigarette,” it’s one of the most personal songs I’ve written and I never get tired of singing it.
Can you describe your experience collaborating with Ayo Beatz?
Caitlyn: Working with Ayo is great! We’ve become really close friends in the last 2 years. He’s a brilliant producer because he really lets me run free with my weird ideas and always makes an effort to understand where I’m going musically and match it.
What is the process of matching particular beats with lyrics? In other words, do you request a particular sound and the producer sends samples, or do you have a specific sound in mind and you work with the producer to bring it to life?
Caitlyn: I normally arrive at the studio with something in mind, whether it’s a general mood or sometimes a fully written song that I want to build around. I’ll often play reference songs to Ayo if I want to give him a clear idea of what sounds I’m after. Most of the time I start with lyrics and build the music around the feel of them.
Do you attend other dub-step concerts for inspiration?
Caitlyn: No, funnily enough I rarely ever listen to dub step! Including it in “Bad Love” was somewhat experimental for me at the time.
Who do you hope to work with in the near future?
Caitlyn: I would love to collaborate with different producers, maybe even from the US or other countries. Really anyone who has a quirky style to their music and is good at creating a song from the ground up as a team. I’m very particular about writing all my own material but finding someone who gels with me stylistically and can contribute and build around my ideas.
In three words, how would you sum up your musical journey thus far?
Caitlyn:Rewarding, educational, motivational.
Would you be interested in exploring and releasing other genres of music? Why, or why not?
Caitlyn: Definitely, I’ve always struggled to label my music genre-wise anyway! I love all music, especially when two genres are fused together. I’m pretty sure I’ll be experimenting with different sounds more and more as time goes on.
For information on Caitlyn Scarlett:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitlynScarlettOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Caitlyn_Scarlet
