Thanks a lot to Rhys, now I can smile!
Who is Rhys? Rhys is an American-Swedish songwriter. In 2018 she released her debut album “Stages” with hit singles “Swallow Your Pride" and "Last Dance". And now we will soon get to hear her new EP with an honest and energetic single “Cry Over Me”.
New single “Cry Over Me” embraces her petty side, the side we all have but sometimes choose to ignore. With great lyrics and dynamic, synergetic sounds Rhys hopes that her songs will help people to feel less alone in their feelings and embrace them.
Maria: How did you get into music? What was the day when you woke up and decided that this is what you want to do now?
Rhys: I knew I always wanted to do something within music. I knew I wanted to be a singer or I wanted to be an actress so I was kinda confused for awhile there. So I chose theater in High School. But then I went to the states one summer and I guess I kinda felt the vibe of the environment of Austin,Texas. And my mom’s best friend is a jazz singer, so she let me record a weird little cover in her studio. And it kinda made me excited for music again.
Maria: And how would you describe the genre of your music?
Rhys: I think it’s a mixture of different genres. People nowadays can go in and out of different styles as much as they want to. Right now it’s kind of “song-writery” pop-rock/punk. I guess it’s just a mixture of different things.
Maria: Do you have a creative team behind your back?
Rhys: I actually really prefer working with other people. I feel like I tried to work by myself and I just get really bored. I'm not easily motivated by myself. I find it so much more exciting to bounce ideas around with another person and hear their experiences. I have a great group of people around me that I truly trust. The most important thing to me is that I get along with them and I feel like they can be my friends too.
Maria: How would you describe your creative process writing your latest single cry over me?
Rhys: I would say I kinda came out of the relationship with a person and I guess it was just me writing about my pettiest side. Like the side that you shouldn’t admit you have. That I’m vengeful, that I don't wish you well. And I hope you cry over me and that you feel horrible without me.
Maria: If you can have one thing for your fans to remember about you what would it be?
Rhys: I would say my lyrics. I think that is what I put most pride in. I think so much about my lyrics to the point where I overthink them: “Does this make sense? Is this poetic enough?”
For me, when I die, I want them to remember my lyrics.
Maria: What listeners can expect from your upcoming EP?
Rhys: I think it’s the same sound as the songs I'm realising now. I mean, I keep releasing different variations of the same sound, I would say (laughs). But then there will be three new songs on the EP: one is a little more acoustic, kind of sensitive. One is more “bandy” which is kinda my favourite song but “my label doesn't think it is a hit, but i love it” kind of thing and one single!
It's my inner thoughts, forbidden thoughts, my mean thoughts, self-deprecating, sarcastic thoughts. Just a lot of me not admitting my feelings but still admitting them. Like passive aggressively telling people what I feel without actually saying it. You know what I mean? I hope it will be a relatable EP that people can listen to and be angry about the people that had left them.
Maria: How was the writing process for your new EP? Was it any different from your previous releases?
Rhys: Absolutely! I used to work with just one songwriter and now I'm working with a lot of different people. And every session is like a different constellation of people. I'm just getting to know a lot of different people in the industry, so I guess everything is really different. This new EP – me growing as a songwriter.
Maria: What advice would you have for someone who would want to follow into your footsteps?
Rhys: Sit with people in a room that you like and you also get along with. In my experience, the best song comes when you are comfortable. Also don’t try to compare yourself to everyone else all the time. I still do this and I said this so many times but I'm super petty! When other people succeed, I wish I was more excited for them. But I always compare myself and think “why isn't this happening for me”? But try not to be like me and try to see that if someone else succeeds it doesn't mean that you can’t succeed or that it doesn't affect you. But it's hard not to think like that, especially in this industry. And also try to sing with your own voice! For me the prettiest voice is when the singer doesn't do that much with their voice – they just sing!
Maria: What is the message that you would like to share for your songs?
Rhys: I guess I just want people to know that they’re not alone in their feelings. And those feelings pass. I just hope people can listen to my music and feel the songs and let it go afterwards and realize this too shall pass.
Maria: What do you think that you can do to be a better musician?
Rhys: I feel there’s so much that I want to get better at. I'm never really satisfied. I would like to be less critical of myself. I would love to get out of my comfort zone a little more. I'm doing this more and more but I would love to get out of my head with certain things. That’s what I would want to improve with myself. You can be so many things and you don’t have to put yourself in a box.
Others featured on Finessed Media Artists Interviews:
Elijah Rosario: Gets Personal with Debut Album "Genuine Truths"