Nashville via Colorado alternative-pop artist ENZI released new single “Sickly Sweet” today, co-written and produced with frequent collaborator Bobby Campbell. In the midst of their writing session, ENZI received a text from an ex which led to a larger discussion about the human nature of chasing what feels good in the moment, knowing well that you’ll regret it in the very near future. From that conversation (and an unanswered text), “Sickly Sweet” was born.
The new music arrives as ENZI spends the fall in London as part of a semester abroad with Nashville’s Belmont University where she’s a songwriting major. Having self-released only several tracks since her start in 2018 – including 2020’s “Retrograde” and “Mad Chemistry” – ENZI’s unbridled talent and energy has already racked up airplay from iHeart and Colorado Public Radio, multiple syncs with MTV/Viacom and critical acclaim.
How did you become an artist?
In a way, this is kinda like asking how Spiderman became Spiderman. I was just doing things I loved: writing, singing, listening to and making music. Then, the opportunity to perform presented itself and I just never stopped. Over the years, I’ve evolved from front-woman of a punk band, to singer-songwriter, to full blown alt-pop artist, but it all started just because I loved singing, writing, and performing.
How do you think this track is different from your past ones?
The production and delivery is all very sultry, sexy, and a bit more mature sounding. For a while I never went in this kind of direction, and I think that’s due to some internalized misogyny. I never wanted to be that artist, especially as a female in the pop/alternative genres. But now I’m like, fuck it, this is my life and my experiences. I’ve given myself permission to be inspired by real life and not be scared by the industry gatekeepers.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing?
When I went into the studio on the day we came up with this song, it started out totally different. It was originally gonna be very dark and sad and brooding (my specialty). And then, in the middle of the session, I got a text from my ex. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t seriously consider responding. My producer and I ended up talking about all the times us or our friends responded to a text, met up with someone late at night, or generally did something we probably shouldn’t have. Like, was it the right decision? Probably not. But did we really care? No, cause whatever we did felt good in the moment. We thought it would be really fun to run with this idea and “Sickly Sweet” just came really naturally after that.
What are the dynamics within the project? Who writes the lyrics, who’s in charge of arranging the tunes etc?
For most of my songs, I usually start writing by myself to flesh out an idea and then take that to co-writers and a producer. This one was a little different because Bobby Campbell, my producer, was also a writer on the song as well. We start with the skeleton of the song: lyrics, melody and chord progressions. Then when we really like where that’s at, we’ll start building a track. The production process is really collaborative though: I have to be in the studio listening to every little thing. The mood of the song is often dictated by the little tiny details and those are extremely important to me. I don’t really delegate each part of the process out. I don’t want my songs to be the product of some assembly line or anything. From start to finish, the process is very hands on and collaborative between everyone involved.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
Recently, Lady Jesus by UPSAHL. I had the singles from that album on repeat for literal weeks. It’s just so raw, so badass, and it’s really emboldened me to channel that same energy into what I do.
Who is an artist or band you look up to these days?
There’s quite a few that come to mind, Olivia Rodrigo for being so unapologetically herself. I also have really loved Mothica. She just started her own record label so she could keep creative control of her music as well as give the same opportunity to other artists and I think that is so needed in the industry right now.
Any future projects?
I’m currently just writing a TON of music. I actually had an idea for a song the other day that even blew my own mind so needless to say I will not be quiet for very long.
What does music mean to you?
Music is healing. It is the whole spectrum of human emotion wrapped up in sound. Ever since I was a kid, music was my outlet for everything – pain, love, sadness, joy. There wasn’t a single moment in my life that didn’t have a soundtrack
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Imagine if Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams became one person. That person would be me. My music is steeped in storytelling, alternative punk edge, and familiar feelings that you just can’t put a name to.
