Lauren Presley: Rapid Fire Questions with PopFiltr

this fun and laid-back session, PopFiltr sat down with Lauren Presley to get to know her beyond the music. Through a series of quick-fire questions, Lauren opened up about everything from her favorite comfort food to her biggest musical influences. Whether she's talking about her life as a part-time vet tech or sharing insights on her new single America’s Sweetheart, Lauren’s responses are down-to-earth and filled with personality. Let’s jump into the conversation!

1. What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
Lauren Presley: I'm a part-time vet tech, aside from music. So, that’s kind of my day job.

2. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Lauren Presley: Oh, that’s hard. Probably Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish. That’s the one I’ve had on repeat lately.

3. If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Lauren Presley: Hmm, probably Taylor Swift. I’ll be honest, I don’t listen to her music a lot, but I just feel like she’d be such a cool person to talk with. She’s got so much going on, and her fan base is incredibly dedicated. That must be an awesome feeling.

4. What’s the last photo you have on your camera roll?
Lauren Presley: Oh, let me check... It’s a screenshot from a post about “America’s Sweethearts” on TikTok.

5. What’s your go-to comfort food?
Lauren Presley: Probably cookies and cream ice cream.

6. Who’s your celebrity crush?
Lauren Presley: Definitely Liam Hemsworth.

7. Most frequently used emoji?
Lauren Presley: Probably the black heart 🖤 . I use it a lot on socials.
PF: It fits with your dark pop aesthetic for sure.

8. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Lauren Presley:

• Elvis Presley, because of the fascinating life he led.
• Justin Bieber, because he’s come so far in his career after being discovered on YouTube.
• Taylor Swift, again, because I’d love to talk to her about how she’s gotten to where she is and what it’s been like behind the scenes.

9. What’s something about you that might surprise your fans?
Lauren Presley: I think it might surprise them to know that I’m actually pretty quiet and mellow in real life. My music is kind of an alter ego because a lot of my songs are more in-your-face, but that’s not really how I am.

10. What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
Lauren Presley: Right now, it’s House of the Dragon. I just finished Game of Thrones, which I loved, and now I’m really into House of the Dragon.
PF: You’re pretty late to the game!
Lauren Presley: I know, I know! That’s how I usually am—I wait until everyone else watches something first, and then I hop on board later. But I’m glad I did.

11. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Lauren Presley: I’d love to be able to read people’s thoughts.
PF: Ooh, that’s a scary one!
Lauren Presley: Yeah, it could be good or really bad!

12. Who would you choose to be stuck on a deserted island with?
Lauren Presley: My husband, for sure.

13. What’s the last movie that made you cry?
Lauren Presley: I’m not much of a movie crier—my husband cries more in movies than I do! But the last one I cried in was The Notebook. The ending always breaks my heart.

14. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever Googled?
Lauren Presley: Probably something gross about my dog. I’m a vet tech, so I tend to Google weird stuff when I don’t understand what’s going on with my dogs!

‍15. If you had to attend one of four themed parties—horror movie characters, Barbie, disco, or pajama— which one would it be and why?
Lauren Presley: Definitely a Barbie party. I just think it would be so much fun!

16. What’s your favorite hobby outside of music?
Lauren Presley: I love traveling and just hanging out with my husband and our two dogs, Finn and Otter.

17. Which show do you quote the most?
Lauren Presley: I don’t quote shows much, but if I had to pick one, I’d say the Barbie movie, since we wrote a whole song about it.

18. Now for a tough one—rate your singles: “America’s Sweethearts,” “White Noise,” “A Little Longer,” “Should’ve Dated Your Best Friend,” and “Tiptoe.”
Lauren Presley:

• White Noise is the most important to me because it’s so vulnerable and honest. I was worried people wouldn’t relate since it’s about my experience as an artist, but I needed to put it out there for myself.
• A Little Longer is second. I wrote it when I was 19, and it was such an easy, fun session. It was my first song to hit over a million streams, so that’s really special to me.
• Next, America’s Sweethearts. I’ve had a lot of people resonate with it, and that’s really cool to see.
• Tiptoe is one of my favorite songs I’ve done. I just love the vibe.
• And last, Should’ve Dated Your Best Friend. I love this one too—it was such a fun song to write, but if I had to rank them, this would be last.

19. What message do you hope to convey through your music?
Lauren Presley: I want people to feel like they’re not alone. Whether it’s a sad song they can relate to or something more fun, like Should’ve Dated Your Best Friend, I hope my music can either help them through tough times or just give them a distraction and let them have fun singing along.

20. Your recent single "America’s Sweetheart"—what was the inspiration behind it?
Lauren Presley: Well, I watched the Barbie movie, and it didn’t open my eyes to everything, but as a woman, I’ve experienced things that felt sexist. Watching the movie made me think about it more and brought it to the forefront of my mind. We went into a session a couple of weeks after that, and I had all these ideas from my life experiences and the movie that I wanted to build on and see if we could make into a song. I thought it would be a really cool concept. So, I came up with “America’s Sweetheart.” The chorus is almost like a checklist of how to be America’s sweetheart, which is pretty cool. I really like the way it turned out.

I was a little hesitant to release the song because it’s a bit controversial. I didn’t want to make some people mad, but I also think it’s a message that needs to be heard. So, I’m excited to get it out there.

‍

If you haven’t yet checked out our full interview with Lauren Presley, you can read it here.
Don’t forget to stream her new single "HINT" when it drops on September 27!

va Max, the global pop sensation known for her chart-topping hits and dynamic performances,  sat down with PopFiltr after her impactful appearance at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit. Participating in the pivotal panel discussion "The Role of AI in the Music Industry," Ava seized the moment to voice deep concerns and champion the rights of artists in an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping music.

During our conversation, Ava shared a personal experience that ignited her mission to advocate for artists' rights and push for legislative change. A few months ago, Ava was presented with a demo of an AI-generated track featuring her voice—a song she had never recorded.

“I was terrified,” Ava recalled. “Hearing my voice on a track I never touched made me realize how fast AI is advancing—and how unprotected artists and their teams are.” That moment spurred her to take action, recognizing the urgent need for a legal framework to protect creators from the rapid encroachment of AI.

Eager to address the issue on a prominent stage, Ava sought opportunities to amplify her message. In May 2024 during the Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles, Ava met Iván Duque, the former President of Colombia at the exclusive Bird Streets Club.

Over their meal, they delved into the challenges AI poses for artists, discussing how technology is causing upheaval in the music industry. Inspired by their conversation, Ava immersed herself in research, including binge-watching episodes of the All-In Podcast, to deepen her understanding of AI's impact.

"We need to start thinking about intellectual property in the age of AI—should artists be compensated when their music is used to train AI models?" Ava posed to PopFiltr, emphasizing the urgent need for updated laws to protect creative rights. She passionately advocated for a system that ensures artists are fairly compensated when their work contributes to AI advancements.

Her dedication led to the opportunity to speak alongside President Duque at the Concordia Summit. Known for hosting influential figures like President Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Warren Buffett, the Summit provided the perfect platform to elevate the conversation about AI's impact on music.

Engaging in a profound dialogue with President Duque, Ava continued the conversation they had begun months earlier. Their exchange highlighted the significant implications of AI on the music industry. "I think we can all agree that AI doesn't have a soul," she stated with conviction. When asked about using AI in the creative process, her response was both heartfelt and incisive: "It takes blood, sweat, tears, hours, long days, and sometimes even months to make a song. AI can generate 150 iterations in less than half a second, but where's the creator behind that?"

Ava elaborated on the irreplaceable human element in artistry. Reflecting on her hit "Sweet but Psycho," she shared, "We probably had ten different versions before settling on the final one. It takes a village, a team, and time. With AI, where is the heart in the process?" Her insights underscored a key concern for artists: while AI can mimic structure and style, it lacks the soul and human experience that give music its deeper meaning.

The discussion naturally turned to the ethical implications of AI, particularly the unauthorized use of copyrighted material. Ava called for immediate legislative action to protect singers, songwriters, producers, and engineers from the rapid advancements of AI. "Ultimately, AI-generated music shouldn't come at the cost of devaluing the human artistry it learns from," she asserted.

When addressing the potential loss of high-paying jobs in entertainment due to AI, Ava referenced an anecdote shared by Michael Ovitz on her favorite podcast, the All-In Podcast. "Bestie David Friedberg asked Michael Ovitz, the legendary founder of CAA, a question that struck a chord with me," she recounted. "Ovitz mentioned that 250,000 people in Los Angeles make their living in the media business, and they're all afraid of one thing: are they going to have a job in the near future? A production designer he hired for a three-week project asked if he would still have a job if AI could do it in an hour. And frankly, Michael Ovitz didn't have an answer." She related this uncertainty to her own concerns about the future of music and entertainment.

Despite the challenges, Ava expressed hope that human creativity will retain its value, potentially becoming a luxury in a world flooded with AI-generated content. "If there's so much AI out there, maybe real human depth and experience will become more valuable. It could be exciting, and maybe more talent will emerge. We don't know yet," she mused.

Offering thoughtful advice on investment opportunities in AI, Ava responded when President Duque asked how investors should approach the industry. "That's a trillion-dollar question. We need to move with the times, and those who can adapt will be the most successful." She emphasized the necessity of developing policies and compensation structures that protect artists as AI continues to proliferate. For investors, the situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity to lead transformation while ensuring fair practices for creators.

As AI's capabilities grow, especially in creating personalized music based on individual preferences and biometric data, the issue of streaming royalties becomes increasingly complex. Ava speculated on the future of royalty payments: "It's likely that a large portion of new music royalties will come from AI-generated or AI-assisted music. The real question is, should AI-generated music receive the same royalties per stream as artist-made music?" Her focus on the moral and ethical implications of AI highlighted the need for clear regulations to prevent exploitation. "It's about fairness. Artists, myself included, work so hard on our songs, our creations, and it has a depth that AI can't replicate."

When asked about the future of superstars and wether they’ll have a place in the music industry, Ava responded with optimism. "Absolutely! The way they are created and maintained may change, but while AI can mimic structures, genres, and trends, it can't emulate the pain of loss or the joy of new life like the human heart does." For her, the future of music isn't about rejecting AI but ensuring that human creators remain at its core.

For Ava Max, participating in the 2024 Concordia Summit wasn’t just a speaking opportunity—it was a chance to influence the global conversation on how AI is reshaping the music industry. With over 15.6 billion streams and a portfolio filled with RIAA Platinum certifications, Ava has cemented her status as a global pop icon. Yet, as she noted during her panel with Iván Duque, the same technology that fuels efficiency also poses existential threats to the creative process.

Ava Max's advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that while AI offers tremendous potential, it must not come at the expense of the creators who give music its soul. Determined to protect and value artists, she is leading the charge to ensure that the future of music honors and safeguards human creativity above all.

onchis (pronounced /kahn-tʃɪs/) is a mysterious and fiercely creative artist whose music blends vulnerability with anonymity. Drawing inspiration from her personal struggles, including chronic fatigue syndrome, her latest album Chapters delves deep into the raw emotions of life. Now, in this quickfire round, we get to know the more spontaneous side of Conchis.

1. Favorite song to sing in the shower?
Conchis: "Nothing Compares 2 U."

2. If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be?
Conchis: Licorice.‍

3. First job you ever had?
Conchis: Picking strawberries.‍

4. Favorite element: earth, air, fire, or water?
Conchis: Water.‍

5. Favorite track on Chapters?
Conchis: "People, Stories."‍

6. Morning person or night owl?
Conchis: Night owl, for sure.‍

7. Creating music or visuals?
Conchis: Music.‍

8. One thing you never leave home without?
Conchis: Lip gloss.‍

9. Favorite city to get lost in?
Conchis: Paris.‍

10. If your music had a color, which one would it be?
Conchis: Black.

Want to dive deeper?
Check out our full interview with Conchis, where she reveals more about her creative process, vulnerability, and life with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Also, don’t miss our 20 Questions with Conchis to learn more about her artistic journey and inspirations.

hile image often overshadows the art in the world of modern pop, Conchis (pronounced /kahn-tʃɪs/) stands apart as an enigmatic figure, defined by both her anonymity and her intensely emotional music.Her name, Conchis, is derived from John Fowles’ novel The Magus, a book that perfectly mirrors the complexity of her artistic persona. As Conchis herself explains, "I took the name from John Fowles' book, The Magus. The main character was a recluse and a master manipulator who played psychological games with people. The book had a dark undertone, which suited my music, so I thought I'd take that name for myself."

Born into a family that nurtured her artistic potential, Conchis recalls an early connection with music: “My mom said I could sing before I could talk. My parents enrolled me and my sisters in a classical music school, and I started playing the violin at seven. Later, I joined the choir." It was a childhood shaped by music, but it wasn't until a personal tragedy struck that her need to create truly took hold. “The real turning point came when my mom passed away when I was 15. I had all these emotions inside, and I didn’t know how to express them. So, I picked up the guitar, started playing, and something just came out. That’s when I realized I found comfort in creating music, and I knew I wanted to continue.”

"I didn’t want to be connected to my appearance.. So I decided to stay faceless and ageless."

Throughout her journey, Conchis has remained dedicated to a vision of music that reflects her personal struggles, but also one that allows listeners to interpret and engage with their own emotions. This balance between openness and mystery is part of what makes her so compelling. “I believe truly touching music comes from vulnerability,” she says. Yet, despite the raw emotion embedded in her songs, Conchis has chosen to remain somewhat hidden from the public eye. “I didn’t want to be connected to my appearance. I was the frontwoman of a band before, and it felt like so much focus was on how I looked. These days, a lot of music is tied to a certain age, and I want to make music until I’m old and gray. So I decided to stay faceless and ageless—if that’s possible.”

The influences that shaped her sound are as varied as her musical journey itself. "Nowadays, I listen to Thom Yorke—Radiohead, his solo work, or The Smile. I love Fever Ray and Lorn," she notes. But her early tastes ran the gamut, from "lighter pop like A-ha, Bryan Adams, and New Kids on the Block" to grunge staples like "Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Nirvana." The evolution of these influences has resulted in a sound that is impossible to pin down, a “mishmash of everything” that defies simple categorization.

Her latest project, Chapters, draws heavily on her personal experiences, blending deep emotional resonance with creative exploration. “Life, in general,” Conchis says when asked about the inspiration for the album. “I went through some hardships—burnout and then becoming ill with chronic fatigue syndrome. Before that, I had struggled with my energy levels for a long time. I’ve always been drawn to human psychology and how people act, so that’s my main inspiration.”

"I realized it was about life’s choices, like not becoming a mother and wondering if that was the right decision."

The album is not an easy listening experience. Conchis understands this, but she hopes that the listeners who connect with her music will find solace in its rawness. “I just want everyone to be real and vulnerable,” she says. “I don’t know if I have a specific message, but I hope to touch people with honesty.” This is especially true for her lead single, “Cray Cray,” a track she didn’t even pick herself. “I gave my PR firm and label free rein to choose. They picked ‘Cray Cray’ for me. It came to me easily—this crazy melody and vocal line just popped into my head. When I wrote it, I realized it was about life’s choices, like not becoming a mother and wondering if that was the right decision. It’s also about curiosity versus craziness, and how sometimes they’re the same thing.”

While Chapters is full of deeply personal reflections, certain tracks were born almost effortlessly. “'Cray Cray' was the first track I wrote since I became a solo artist, and it came very easily—almost like a stream of consciousness,” she explains. On the other hand, the track “Calm Your Mind” explores a feeling she hadn’t fully experienced yet. “It’s about being trapped inside four walls and having racing thoughts. The strange thing is, I wrote it before I actually lived through that experience during my illness.”

Her creative process for the album was fluid and instinctual—whether it's a melody, lyrics, or even a drumbeat. “On this album, I often started with synth and drum patterns, then added demo vocals and built the lyrics from there.” And when her chronic illness made it impossible to physically create music, she adapted, composing two future albums in her head. “When I got sick, I couldn’t even listen to music or open my computer. I had to lie in a dark room, and that’s when I started composing music in my head. I composed my next two albums that way.”

Conchis also embraces mysticism and symbolism in her visual work, finding inspiration in tarot cards and the elements. "For this album, I made my own tarot cards because The Magus is connected to the tarot’s Magician card, which controls the four elements—air, water, earth, and fire." She explains how this choice connects to her creative identity: “I’m also a fan of symbolism and minimalistic design, and as an art director, I wanted to challenge myself to create a minimalistic version of tarot cards, which are usually very rich in detail.”

"I think vulnerability pays off."

Looking ahead, Conchis is already working on her next two albums, viewing her work as a trilogy. “I think it will be a trilogy. I’m not sure if I’ll use the element samples again, but I want all three albums to represent my illness, my journey, and my reflections on life.”

Despite the anonymity and darkness she often explores in her art, Conchis sees her work as a way to offer something honest and real to her audience. Vulnerability is her strength, and it’s through this rawness that she hopes her music will find its home with those who need it most. As she sums up, “I didn’t censor myself. I wrote very personal things and was unsure if I should share them. But I’ve gotten good feedback, especially for Cray Cray, so I think vulnerability pays off.”

Want to learn more about Conchis? Read 20 Questions with PopFiltr.

just 21 years old, Tate McRae has already experienced remarkable highs in her career, from her breakout debut, 'you broke me first' (now 4x Platinum) to the overwhelming success of her latest album, think later. But behind the polished performances and chart-topping hits lies a journey of self-discovery, self-doubt, and a hard-fought battle to reclaim her voice. In her Think Later YouTube/Vevo short film, Tate gives fans a raw, intimate look into her world, breaking down her experiences between live performances of “exes,” “we’re not alike,” and “hurt my feelings.”

"Things come at you really fast.."

“Being present in the moment has been one of the things I had to remind myself of in the past couple of years because things come at you really fast,” she confides. This reflection sets the tone for the entire conversation—Tate is learning to navigate the fast pace of fame, the pressures of the industry, and the delicate balance of staying grounded.

One of the most striking moments in the interview is Tate’s admission of how, for years, she wasn’t living on her own terms. “For so many years, I feel like I went listening to everyone and what they wanted me to be and what they wanted me to say,” she reveals. For someone who entered the music industry at just 15, the pressure to conform was overwhelming. Her confession speaks to a common struggle for young artists, especially those trying to maintain a sense of identity in a world eager to mold them.

"I really figured out...what I want to feel when I’m on the stage—how I feel, feeling sexy in my own body."

But breaking free from those voices wasn’t easy. It was a slow, sometimes painful process of rediscovering her own voice and learning to trust her instincts again. Now, Tate is reclaiming her narrative. “I really figured out what my style is, what I like to write about, and what I want to feel when I’m on the stage—how I feel, feeling sexy in my own body.” This revelation shows a woman stepping into her power, confident in her creative choices. Her recent single, “it’s ok, i’m ok,” is a result of this transformation, with its bold lyrics and infectious rhythm showcasing Tate at her most self-assured.

Tate's vulnerability often fuels her creative process, and in many ways, it’s when she lets her guard down that the magic happens. “I always had a really difficult time talking about happy and good things in life because usually my writing comes from a painful place,” she admits. It’s this raw honesty that has endeared her to fans. Tracks like “exes,” which she performs in the short film, reveal her ability to turn personal pain into art. Ironically, though, the song almost didn’t happen.

“'exes' was so funny because we were finishing up the tracklist of the album. We had all the songs down, and my label was like, ‘Do not write another song,’” she recalls with a laugh. But Tate and producer Ryan Tedder couldn’t resist one last creative burst. “We went into the next room, started to write a song, and came out with a fully produced, recorded, and written song in 60 minutes. It was so random—we just absolutely did not expect it.” This spontaneity highlights a recurring theme in Tate’s work—her best creations come when she stops overthinking and lets the process flow naturally.

“greedy,” the lead single from think later, exemplifies this blend of vulnerability and spontaneity. The song has racked up over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify, and its vibrant music video has garnered more than 152 million views. Following close behind, “exes” has amassed over 414 million streams, with 38 million YouTube views. Clearly, Tate’s ability to channel her raw emotions into music is striking a chord with listeners worldwide.

"You never get an instruction manual on how to do any of this or who you should be.."

Amid the highs of creative success, Tate has also faced the harsh realities of navigating toxic relationships within the industry. “It’s a whole bunch of trial and error, meeting bad people to find good people,” she admits, her voice heavy with experience. It’s a painful, yet all-too-common, part of the journey for many artists. But through those difficult encounters, Tate has emerged stronger, with a clearer vision of what she wants and, more importantly, the right people to help her achieve it.

A major highlight for Tate in the past year has been assembling the right creative team. "For the first time this year, I found a pretty consistent group of people who were able to execute the vision I’ve been wanting for so long and just had no idea how to tap into," she shares. This team, including creative director Bradley J. Calder, helped bring her ideas to life: "I honestly think I found so many people in the past year who are going to be lifelong creators or creative partners, especially my creative director Bradley. He fully understands what’s going on in my brain and knows how to bring it to life without it being altered or skewed in another way."

Tate also speaks highly of working with Ryan Tedder and Amy Allen, both of whom she praises for their songwriting skills: "Getting to be a part of a song, learning from them, and combining all our writing techniques has been really interesting."

This newfound creative freedom is one of the key reasons McRae’s work feels more authentic than ever.

The final segment of the interview reflects on Tate’s broader journey, both as an artist and a person. "You never get an instruction manual on how to do any of this or who you should be, so you just have to figure out what doesn’t work and then what does."

"I am so young, and this is the coolest thing ever!"

As Tate McRae reflects on her journey, she’s keenly aware of how fast things have happened. “It’s hard to reflect on things when they are happening so fast,” she admits, adding that it often hits her in the middle of a performance or when she’s surrounded by people she admires. “Here I am, doing this, and I am so young, and this is the coolest thing ever.”

With think later continuing to dominate our playlists and minds and her latest single, “it’s ok, i’m ok,” embodying her newfound power and sexuality, it’s clear that Tate McRae is only just beginning to tap into her full potential. Her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity is resonating with millions, reminding us all of the importance of staying present and true to ourselves—no matter how fast life comes at us.

today's episode of 20 Questions, we sat down with Conchis to get to know her better. Conchis is an enigmatic and fiercely creative artist who embraces both the light and the dark aspects of the human experience. Drawing her name from The Magus, the masterful and psychological novel by John Fowles, Conchis blends intense emotion with anonymity in her art, choosing to keep her appearance and age away from the spotlight to focus purely on the music. Her sound is a unique mixture of genres, evolving from light pop to alternative and shoegaze, all the way to deeply personal, introspective pieces that defy categorization.

Let's dive in.

1. If your music were a place, what kind of landscape would it be?
conchis: Hmm, great question. It would probably be somewhere in Iceland—rugged mountains and flat plains, lots of grit and texture.

PF: Have you been to Iceland?
conchis: Yes, once when I was in a band. It’s such a beautiful place.

2. What’s your perfect day off look like?
conchis: A late morning, coffee, and writing in my diary. Then I’d make music, go for a walk, meet up with friends for dinner, and maybe a glass of wine.

PF: White or red?
conchis:: Red, always red.

3. How do you stay creative when life gets in the way?
conchis: I just have this strong creative fire. Every day, I’m inspired to do something—whether it’s making music, painting, or even sewing. But usually, I want to make music. I don’t need to search for inspiration, it’s just there.

4. Is there a piece of art or visual that you return to for inspiration?
conchis: If TV series count as art, then I’d say Twin Peaks by David Lynch. I love the mix of mysticism, humor, warmth, and darkness.

5. If you had to describe your music using just one color, which one would it be?
conchis: Black.

6. What was the coolest behind-the-scenes moment while making Chapters?
conchis: I loved being in Berlin working with my producer. We went out and celebrated his colleague’s birthday—that was a fun moment.

7. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
conchis: Maybe Lorn. I love his analog sounds, darkness, and minimalism. Or Thom Yorke—I think he’s a genius, and it would be amazing to learn from him.

8. If you had to rank your own music from the album, what would your top three be?
conchis: “Stories” would be number one, then “People, Chapters” at number two, and “Cray Cray” at number three.
PF: Why?
conchis: I’m drawn to emotional tracks, and those three convey my emotions really well. They clicked for me, and I didn’t feel like I needed to add anything more.

9. You’ve had some tough life experiences. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
conchis: I’d tell myself to hold on tightly—it’s going to get rough, but it will get better. You’ll get through it.

10. If you could star in any movie, what genre would it be?
conchis: Probably something with a twist, like Pulp Fiction or Fight Club. I like movies with unexpected endings.

11. What does success mean to you?
conchis: Success for me is being able to make music as much as I want. It’s also when someone tells me a song I wrote touched their heart. That’s a great feeling.

12. What’s your phone background?
conchis:: It’s a painting I made called My Panties Are Showing. It just had that shape, so that’s what I named it.

13. Is there a genre of music you secretly love but haven’t explored in your work yet?
conchis: I’ve tried difficult genres like rap and Latin music, but maybe folk music or something more acoustic could be interesting.

14. Do you have any pre-recording rituals?
conchis: It’s important to be in the right headspace. Sometimes I’m just not feeling it, so I won’t record that day. I try to connect with the emotion I had when I wrote the song and let that flow during the recording.

15. Celebrity crush growing up?
conchis: I don't know about growing up, but now it's Jake Gyllenhaal.

16. What’s been the proudest moment in your music career so far?
conchis: Playing at Canadian Music Week with my band or performing at Flow Festival here in Finland. But every time I finish a track that clicks, that feels like a proud moment.

17. Any hidden talents?
conchis: I can sew clothes!

18. Have you ever formed inspiration from unexpected places?
conchis: Yes, once I was walking in the woods, and I was really angry—something that doesn’t happen often. I heard a rant inside my head, and I recorded it right there in the woods. Inspiration can come at any time.

19. Looking back at your music career, what creative risk have you taken that paid off?
conchis: With my latest album Chapters, I didn’t censor myself. I wrote very personal things and was unsure if I should share them. But I’ve gotten good feedback, especially for “Cray Cray,” so I think vulnerability pays off.

20. Your music is very emotional, and it’s not necessarily an easy listen. Why is that?
conchis: When I’m creating, I tend to channel my negative emotions into the music. In life, I’m generally a happy and positive person, but when it comes to making music, that’s where I release all the darkness. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s not exactly “poppy” or light. But I really hope my album finds the right listeners—people who will connect with it and use it as an outlet for their own emotions.

PF: We have a tradition here at PopFiltr—our current guest leaves a question for our next guest without knowing who they are. The question for you is: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

conchis: I see myself living in the countryside, creating music and painting. I imagine a quiet life, but one that’s still very creative with lots of projects.

PF: And what would you like to ask our next guest?

conchis: Who is your favorite visual artist?

PF: Any final words for your fans?

conchis: Thank you for listening. It’s always an honor if someone connects with my music, so thank you.

Check out our interview with Conchis, where she delves into her creative process, vulnerability, and life with chronic fatigue syndrome.

this light-hearted but insightful session, PopFiltr gets to know maryjo better through 20 quick-fire questions. From her unexpected inspirations to her most memorable performance, maryjo gives us a candid glimpse into her world. Let’s dive in!

1. Do you have any 'drunk tattoo's?
maryjo: Yes! Well, actually no. I was sober, but the tattoo says “drunk again.”

2. What has been your most unexpected source of inspiration for a song?
maryjo: Probably being inspired by Noah Kahan’s production, which is crazy because it’s not my type of production at all.

3. If you could perform at any venue or festival in the world, where would it be and why?
maryjo: Probably Madison Square Garden. It’s iconic! That’s how you know you’ve made it.

4. What was your last Google search?
maryjo: Oh, how to say something in Hebrew. I don’t speak Hebrew, but I think it was “What are you doing later?” My friends speak it, and I wanted to impress them. It worked, but then they responded, and I had no idea what they said!

5. Is there a book, show, or movie that changed your life?
maryjo: Yeah, Elvis. The Austin Butler movie where he plays Elvis. Butler really dives into his characters and becomes someone else. It made me think about how I could do the same in music—explore a deeper part of my artistry. Plus, I learned more about Elvis, which was cool.

6. Pick one: “Love Fools” or “Drunk Tattoo”?
maryjo: “Drunk Tattoo.”
PF: “Drunk Tattoo” or “Carpet”?
maryjo: “Drunk Tattoo.”
PFi: “Drunk Tattoo” or “Cleveland”?
maryjo: “Cleveland.”
PF: “Cleveland” or “Should It Be Us”?
maryjo: “Cleveland.”
PF: “Cleveland” or “Nothing to Lose”?
maryjo: “Nothing to Lose.”

7. What inspired the lyrics in “Cleveland,” especially the line: “Who am I? Who am I supposed to be when I've got everybody's eyes on me?”
maryjo: Sometimes I worry people think it’s an ego thing, like, “Oh, everyone’s watching me,” but it’s not that. It’s more about feeling pressure when everyone around you is looking for you to make a decision. When I had to move from Cleveland to LA, everyone was so supportive, but I felt this huge internal pressure. It wasn’t coming from them, it was me putting it on myself. I wasn’t ready for such a big change, but now I love California. At the time, though, it felt overwhelming.

8. What does your perfect day look like?
maryjo: I usually wake up, go for a walk, then head to the beach. That’s literally it! I love sitting at the beach, writing there, and then coming home with my dog.

9. What’s your dog’s name?
maryjo: Bo.

10. What’s one thing you never leave home without?
maryjo: My phone.

11. Your favorite social media challenge?
maryjo: I don’t really know! Maybe those TikTok filter questions where it tells you your red flags. That’s fun.

12. Are there any fashion trends you think should die for good?
maryjo: High socks and sandals. But honestly, that’s more of a personality thing. Stripes, though—I’m not a fan.

13. If you had to describe yourself as a landscape, what would it be?
maryjo: A beach with some hills and mountains.
PF: Sounds like California?
maryjo: Yeah! Also, my family lives in Brazil, and they have a beach with hills there, so that’s my favorite place to be.

14. What single or album do you currently have on repeat?
maryjo: Chappell Roan and Zach Bryan—which is funny because I don’t really listen to country.

15. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
maryjo: Elvis Presley.

16. What’s your current cellphone background?
maryjo: My dog!

17. What was your first job ever?
maryjo: Babysitting.

18. What’s your favorite place to write music?
maryjo: By my piano.

19. What’s been the most memorable performance of your career so far?
maryjo: Boston, when I opened for Knox. It just clicked, and I knew how I wanted to perform for the rest of the tour after that. The people were amazing. I love Boston now—they’re just awesome.

20. What’s a piece of advice that’s stuck with you throughout your career?
maryjo: Be patient.

We have a closing tradition here at PopFiltr, where our current guest leaves a question for the next guest without knowing who it’s for. The question that was left for you is: If you weren’t a musician or artist, what career path would you choose and why?

maryjo: I’d be an interior designer. I love decorating!

PF: And what would you like to ask our next guest?‍

maryjo: How do you know your job is right for you?

PF: Any final words?

‍maryjo: Thank you for your support! This has been so much fun, and I’m glad I get to do this.

If you haven’t yet checked out our full interview with maryjo, where she dives deeper into her creative process, heartbreak, and newfound confidence in Nothing to Lose, make sure to read it here.

peaking from her home in Los Angeles, maryjo appeared relaxed on the call, dressed in an oversized hoodie, with natural makeup and flowing beach waves matching the laid-back vibes of her daily routine. “I usually wake up, go for a walk, then head to the beach. I love sitting there, writing, and then coming home with my dog,” she shared with a smile.

Reflecting on the start of her musical career, maryjo explained: "My family has always been into music and singing, but I was very private about it." It was only with TikTok’s anonymity that she found the confidence to share her voice with the world. "I thought, 'Oh, I can sing and nobody has to know,' so I did it, and TikTok started growing. Eventually, I told my mom, and that's what led me to pursue it as a career. But it was really TikTok that made it happen.” Her decision to post covers during the COVID-19 pandemic proved life-changing, as her renditions of popular songs attracted millions of views and eventually led her to audition for American Idol in 2021.

“ I can sing and nobody has to know”

Like many young artists, maryjo grew up listening to pop icons. When asked about her musical inspirations, she quickly cited Kelly Clarkson as a major influence. “I listened to her all the time,” she said. Despite this admiration, her journey to a music talent show wasn’t part of a grand plan. “Honestly, I was terrified to do it at first,” she admitted, referring to her American Idol audition. “I didn’t want to, but now that I think about it, it’s kind of cool how Kelly did the same thing. I hadn’t really made that connection before.”

Her experience on American Idol, however, turned out to be transformative. “Even though it wasn’t my best vocally, it taught me so much. I’m not nervous about singing in front of people anymore. Once you do a show like that and you're under so much pressure, everything else seems easier,” she explained.

Her newfound confidence has carried into her music, especially in live performances. “Now I just appreciate going out and doing concerts instead of being terrified.” With no hesitation, maryjo recalled her most memorable performance: “Boston, when I opened for Knox. It just clicked, and I knew how I wanted to perform for the rest of the tour after that. The people were amazing. I love Boston now—they’re just awesome.”

With each new release, maryjo continues to grow as an artist. Following successful tracks like Cleveland, Should It Be Us (featuring Michael Gerow), and Traffic, comes her newest single, Nothing to Lose.

The song tells the story of a toxic relationship and the realization that walking away was the best decision. It blends emotional depth with sharp, witty lyrics, capturing the liberation that comes from letting go of someone who wasn’t good for you. But as she revealed to PopFiltr, the relationship behind the song wasn’t quite as dramatic as it appears. “At the time, I was seeing someone just for fun, and I realized, ‘Wow, this isn’t a great person.’ I dramatized the song a bit—he’s not actually that bad, we’re friends now. We’ve talked about it, and he knows it was about him, but he’s not offended, we’re cool,” she laughed. “I made the story 10 times crazier for the song.”

“At the time, I was seeing someone just for fun, and I realized, ‘Wow, this isn’t a great person.”

This ability to transform real-life experiences for emotional impact is key to maryjo’s creative process. In Nothing to Lose, she focuses on specific details—like the scent of her ex’s “cologne floating in the air” or the sight of his “silver Honda Civic”—that ground the story in reality but also give it universal appeal: “There’s gotta be a million others with the same kind of hair / I swear.” When asked how she balances keeping her writing personal while making it relatable for fans, she explained: “I think about what I relate to and then break it down to something more universal. For example, if I notice something specific like curly brown hair, I think, ‘Okay, people pay attention to the hair.’ That way, the song connects with anyone listening.”

Her songwriting journey, however, wasn’t something she originally envisioned. “When I first signed with Atlantic, I thought singers sang, writers wrote, and producers produced. I didn’t know I was allowed to write,” she confessed. It wasn’t until a producer encouraged her to continue contributing lyrics during a session that she began to see herself as a songwriter. “It’s been a slow process, but now I feel confident in my writing,” she reflected.

While earlier tracks often focused on toxic relationships, maryjo feels that Nothing to Lose marks a shift in her songwriting. “When I first started writing, I was 21 and surrounded by my girlfriends in college. We all had those ‘stupid’ boyfriends,” she said, recounting the inspiration behind much of her earlier music. But now, she feels she’s in a different place emotionally. “I don’t feel the need to write about toxic relationships as much. It’s more about finding the core of why those things happen and what we can do better,” she added, hinting at a more positive direction for her future work.

Maryjo's upcoming music is likely to reflect this mindset, with a shift toward happiness and self-empowerment. “Now, my music will probably be a lot happier,” she said, laughing, adding that she’s excited to explore a broader sound. “Honestly, kind of like Sabrina Carpenter—a modern pop, but with a little Dolly Parton vibe. I’m interested in going in that direction.”

As for what’s on the horizon, maryjo has plenty of plans. “I’m working on a bunch of singles, and hopefully, it’ll wrap up as an EP,” she revealed. “I’m also planning more tours in the spring.”

While fans might hope for an EP by the end of the year, maryjo remains cautiously optimistic. “I’d love to manifest that, but it’ll probably be next year,” she said, smiling.

For now, Nothing to Lose is the anthem of the moment, capturing maryjo’s shift from bad relationships to embracing a more empowered and confident version of herself. And as she continues to grow both as a writer and performer, her fans can look forward to hearing more from the artist who started off with nothing to lose—and now has everything to gain.

Stay tuned for 20 Questions with maryjo for more exclusive content, and visit the artist's official website for the latest updates and information.

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maryjo, 'Nothing To Lose' (lyric video): 

e are thrilled to have the incredibly talented Lauren Presley join us today at PopFiltr! Lauren is a rising pop artist hailing from Redwater, Texas, now making waves in the Nashville music scene. With her powerful vocals and authentic, straightforward approach to music, Lauren has quickly garnered attention and a loyal fan base. Inspired by artists like Tate McRae, Halsey, Fletcher, and Nessa Barrett, Lauren's music is a captivating blend of alt-pop and dark pop, deeply rooted in her personal life experiences.

Lauren's debut single "A Little Longer" was a significant milestone, amassing over 1 million streams on Spotify and 5.6 million views on YouTube. Her subsequent releases, such as "White Noise" and "Tiptoe," highlight her ability to blend catchy melodies with clever and touching lyrics, solidifying her place in pop.

Join us as we dive deeper into Lauren Presley's journey, discussing the challenges of being a female artist in a male-dominated industry, her resilience in the face of rejection, and the inspiration behind her powerful new single, "Americas Sweethearts."

Lauren, thank you for joining us today.

‍Thank you so much for having me.

Let's start by getting to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into music and how you got started?

Yeah, I have kind of just always wanted to be an artist. I started singing when I was probably 5 years old. When I turned 12, I recorded some cover songs at a studio in Texas, where I grew up, and uploaded them on YouTube. One of them just kind of blew up. I think it's got like 5 million views now or something crazy on YouTube. Then, "Chasing Nashville" reached out to me, and I ended up getting cast in it. It was a reality TV show about a couple of girls trying to make it in the music industry. We filmed a lot in Nashville, so my mom quit her job, and we left Texas to film and just never went back. We settled here, and I started trying to get into writing music. I took a couple of years off because I was so young and in school, but I really started getting into it seriously when I was about 17 or 18. I also used to do country music when I was in Texas, and then around 17, I switched to pop. I've been doing pop ever since. The last couple of years have been a journey, focusing on honing my craft and getting better at writing and singing, and just leveling up in all areas to make this my career.

What a journey. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

I think the biggest challenge would be honestly just hearing "no" a lot. Pretty much all artists probably experience this, but being an artist means you hear "no" a lot from several different types of people. That can be hard to brush off and just keep going when it's something you hear so much. It's about learning to push that aside, know who you are, know your talent, and what you're doing, and just try to push past it.

You recently shared with your audience your experience of being rejected by a label. Oftentimes, we only see picture-perfect accounts on social media, and it was very brave of you to share the full story, including discouraging news. What was your driver to share not just the high highs?

Yeah, it's definitely a scary thing to put yourself out there, not in a negative light, but in a light where you got rejected. It's super vulnerable and scary. I'll be honest, I was kind of iffy about posting that. But I just feel like vulnerability is one of our main strengths as human beings, especially as artists. I wanted to be honest with my fans and people who follow me about the real things I go through in my life. I have a lot of songs that are more upbeat and fun, but that's not my life all the time. There are a lot of things that go on behind closed doors that are hard and just suck. I wanted to be honest and upfront about that. I feel like there's too much of this false picture online of what our lives look like. That can be dangerous because it might make other people feel like they're not doing enough or not doing well enough in their lives because they think mine is completely perfect, which is not the case. So, I wanted to be clear and vulnerable about it.

Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing this part of your journey as well. What drives you to keep creating music, even after hearing "no"?

Music is really my outlet. It's the only thing where I can truly let my emotions flow out of me. When I'm in the studio writing music, it's often about past experiences or things I'm currently going through. There's no better way for me to express myself. That's what keeps me going despite all the hard things and all the "no's." I love it, and all I can do is continue to do it and hope that other people love it too. If they don't, that's out of my control. I'm just going to keep doing it for me.

So now let's talk about "America Sweetheart." What was the inspiration behind your single?

Well, I watched the Barbie movie, and it didn't open my eyes to everything, but as a woman, I've experienced things that felt sexist. Watching that movie made me think about it more and put it at the forefront of my mind. We went into a session a couple of weeks after that, and I had all these ideas from my life experiences and the movie that I wanted to build on and see if we could make it into a song. I thought it would be a really cool concept. So, I came up with "Americas Sweetheart." The chorus is almost like a checklist of how to be America's sweetheart, which is pretty cool. I really like the way it turned out.

I was a little hesitant to release the song because it's a bit controversial. I didn't want to make some people mad, but I also think it's a message that needs to be heard. So, I'm excited to get it out there.

Some of the lines that caught my attention: "Can’t be right but do no wrong / Stand up straight but not too tall / Can’t be too pretty, can’t be too smart / Gotta dream big but don’t go too far." What was going through your mind when writing them?

Yeah, we were trying to think of double standards between men and women. Obviously, we came up with several. It feels like you have to be pretty to meet society's standards but not too pretty, or you could be intimidating or distracting. Be brave and strong but not too strong, or you might come off as masculine, which isn't what some men want either. Sometimes, it just feels like as a woman, you can't win.

And, "At the kitchen sink / Watered down dreams in the dishes"—that just cut through my heart. How does it feel to be a female artist in the music industry? And what do you think should change to create a more supportive environment?

I think we need to encourage more female producers, writers, and artists because it is mostly a male-dominated industry. I've been in sessions before with only men, and it's not a very comfortable place to be, especially when you hear men talking about women in a derogatory way. Being the only girl in the room, it's uncomfortable and borderline scary. If we could bring more women together in the music industry, working with more women, that would create a more comfortable and supportive place.

Couldn't agree more. Before we wrap up, we have a tradition here at Popfiltr, where our current guest asks a question for the next artist without knowing who they are leaving a question for. What would you like to ask our next guest?

It might be cool to ask them what keeps them going to be an artist because I know it's hard. So, like what keeps them going?

Fantastic! Thanks so much for joining us today, Lauren. It’s been a pleasure talking with you. Any final words for your fans?

Thank you for all the love and support! I hope you enjoy "Americas Sweethearts" as much as I enjoyed creating it. "Americas Sweethearts" is out July 12th on all streaming platforms.

It’s been wonderful chatting with you. Thanks for joining us, and make sure to catch our next interview where we’ll be asking your question to our next special guest!

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

ARBZ are in for a treat this Christmas! Not only did Nicki reveal her interview with Funny Marco earlier today, but the highly anticipated interview between Nicki Minaj and media personality Joe Budden is now available on YouTube.

The interview was originally released on December 22 on Joe Budden's members-only Patreon, and the announcement of it set the Internet on fire. The conversation delved into the process of 'Pink Friday 2'. Nicki talked about the significance of "Are You Gone Already" and the events of the night that took her father away. Nicki then expressed her admiration for Biggie and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, revealing that many of the melodies from their groundbreaking track "Notorious Thugs" were carried beyond her rendition in "Barbie Dangerous" and throughout the entire album: 'I knew that everybody, no matter what age, was going to have an emotional connection to that second song. Because it feels timeless.'

Of course, the conversation would not be complete if Joe and Nicki did not touch on the current state of rap. "The rap scene is now at 40%," she said. She also expressed her frustration with the lack of "Gatekeepers," claiming the rap scene is watered down because new players don't take it seriously. Though she admitted she likes some new rappers.

Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden, Watch Full Interview Free:

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