Today I’m excited to re-introduce everyone to indie-pop songwriter, Ashlynn Malia, who is back with a great new single and video for the song, “Feels So Good.” The track comes from Malia’s recently released EP, Navigating Galaxies, that is available now where everywhere music is sold. When speaking on the latest single, Malia shared:
I’m in a phase of my music that I’m calling my ‘ethereal pop era.’ This is one of the first songs to come out of it, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s new for me to put out a song about being happy, I feel like there tends to be this idea that happy music can get a bit cheesy. Instead of being scared of that happening I leaned into the fun of it, while trying to incorporate a cosmic quality as well.
I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.
What inspired your “ethereal pop era,” as you’ve dubbed this new period for yourself? Do you have any key inspirations?
I definitely think that this era is emerging in response to my personal view of the world shifting. These past few years, I’ve looked at my life experiences through a more metaphysical lens, always finding the ways in which my existence and my relationships with other people transcend what the eye can see. I’m drawn to sounds that remind me of that transcendence. At the same time, I’ve fully leaned into my appreciation for pop music, binging old Britney Spears projects while simultaneously staying obsessed with my all time favs like FKA Twigs or Lorde, whose work and subject matter tends to be darker, more alternative and experimental.
How would you compare “Feels So Good” to your other recent releases, and what about the track helps point listeners toward this new era sonically and aesthetically?
The fact that it’s upbeat lol. But in all seriousness the shameless pop quality that this song and the art around it has is new for me and very exciting, and definitely a huge vibe change from my Last EP “Navigating Galaxies,” which is literally a collection of voice memos with single instrument accompaniment. I’ll always keep that singer songwriter in my heart, but I’m excited to continue exploring my pop side with the next releases, and the dancer in me can’t wait to have music out that everyone can dance to.
You noted that putting out “happy” music can sometimes feel “cheesy.” What pushed you to want to channel that somewhat sappy feeling either way, and how did you end up with this final product once you overcame that mental hurdle?
I think really truly being in love at the time I was recording this song helped me channel the sappy feeling in a way that was still really genuine to me. I felt everything I was saying. I was so head over heels for someone, so happy to have this love in my life. The mystery of new love and all the ways that hazy, drug-like feeling can be interpreted sonically helped me overcome my belief that happy songs are always condemned to be cheesy. And honestly, so what if this one still is? At least it’s real.