“Musician explores the strength in vulnerability”
Singer Caity Baser is eager for her music to delve into her more emotional side. With previous hits like “Friendly Sex,” “Why Can’t I Have Two,” and “I’m A Problem,” she admits she portrayed a fun-loving, carefree persona that concealed deeper emotions. It took an interviewer labeling her as a “man-eating, confident assassin” for her to realize the need to be more open and authentic. In truth, Caity reveals to BBC Newsbeat, “I’m sad, I’m confused,” as reflected in her new track “Watch That Girl (She’s Gonna Say It).”
While perceived as confident and carefree, Caity confesses that this persona was a distraction from her true feelings. The Brit-nominated artist acknowledges that trying to bury her emotions took its toll over time. “For two or three years, I sang, ‘it’s fine, everything’s fine,’ but eventually, I reached a breaking point where I had to confront my inner turmoil.”
“Watch That Girl” delves into Caity’s challenging upbringing, strained relationships with her parents, and heartbreak, with the 22-year-old artist singing about how trauma manifests uniquely for each individual. Caity describes this phase as a “new chapter,” focusing on personal storytelling after establishing herself as youthful and carefree. “I am someone who is crazy, loud, a bit of a nutter, but also sensitive,” she states.
Transitioning from her previous music, Caity emphasizes the importance of showcasing different facets of herself to her fans. Reflecting on her EP “Still Learning,” released last summer, she acknowledges personal growth and evolving perspectives. As she matures, she finds it challenging to perform older songs that no longer resonate with her, leading her to pivot towards writing more authentic material.
Embracing vulnerability after cultivating an image of youthfulness and freedom poses a daunting prospect for Caity. “I have always felt ashamed of showing my vulnerable side,” she admits. However, she found solace in creating her latest project, viewing it as a therapeutic conversation with her younger self. Balancing authenticity with escapism poses a challenge, as Caity navigates between her public persona and private struggles.
While maintaining a vibrant online presence with hundreds of thousands of followers, Caity acknowledges the disparity between her curated image and personal experiences. Her newfound focus extends beyond her music to social media, where she aims to present a more genuine portrayal of her life. Despite the challenges of embracing vulnerability, Caity finds peace in staying true to herself and fostering a balanced lifestyle amidst the demands of fame.
In her usual approach, she would often opt to wear a smile and embrace a carefree attitude. However, a shift has occurred. Now, when faced with feelings of sadness or weariness, she chooses to delve deep into those emotions, harnessing them to create something meaningful.
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