by sara welden
photo by wrenne evans
With a headline tour and a brand new EP on the horizon, LA-based singer-songwriter Gatlin is moving along full speed ahead. After studying songwriting in Nashville, Gatlin released her debut solo music back in 2019 and has been releasing emotionally captivating songs ever since. Learn more about Gatlin in our interview with the artist below!
Hi Gatlin! Thank you so much for chatting with us. You just made a really exciting announcement: your new EP I Sleep Fine Now is coming out September 15th! You’ve mentioned that it is a collection of seven songs that walk through the stages of grief, so how did you go about sequencing this project?
Gatlin: “I wanted it to feel like an emotional journey when listening through it. A true rollercoaster that hits climax on the sixth track and the final track is an outstretched arm.”
How are you feeling in anticipation of its release? Is there a certain track that you’re most excited to have out into the world?
Gatlin: “I’m so excited — all of the songs/visuals that go along with this project feel so authentic and elevated from any other thing I’ve done. I’m honestly most excited about having vinyl for this project.”
You also recently released your new single, “Paris,” which we love! How do you go about choosing which tracks to release as singles? Is there something about “Paris” that made you feel like you needed to put it out before some of the other tracks?
Gatlin: “The songs that feel most able to stand alone are the ones I like to put as singles. The songs that I think will get everyone the most excited to hear the other ones.”
Where would you say that you draw most of your inspiration from when it comes to songwriting and production?
Gatlin: “I really love the 70s and 80s — trying to put a modern twist on them though! The artists that inspire me most that are ‘today’s’ artists all seem to be inspired by those decades as well.”
You are about to embark on your first ever headline tour, congratulations! Is there a song that you’re most looking forward to playing live?
Gatlin: “I’m looking forward to playing ‘How Do You Sleep At Night!’ I can’t wait for the drama of it all.”
I want to also acknowledge that I LOVE your sense of fashion and your style! Would you say that besides music, fashion is another creative outlet for you?
Gatlin: “Thank you so much, that is so nice, this is definitely going to my head. Fashion and aesthetic are definitely outlets for me. I’ll spend hours going to estate sales trying to find vintage clothing pieces or vintage furniture/knick knacks/art. It is very very fun for me!”
You’ve mentioned growing up on incredible artists like Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift, how did having those influences from a young age help shape the artist that you have become?
Gatlin: “I realized this recently when I was at The Eras show… Taylor has allowed me to be me… all of my dramatics, all of my feelings, and she has validated all of them. Stevie too! These women have big feelings and are incredibly melodramatic and they are insanely successful. I’ve always been told I’m too much, annoying, crazy, etc (all adjectives rooted in misogyny [laughs]). These women and several other female artists give me permission and inspiration to be me to the fullest extent.”
Since releasing your first solo music in 2019, what have you learned about yourself as an artist? Has your creative process changed and evolved overtime?
Gatlin: “I was twenty when I started releasing music and I’m turning 25 in a couple weeks. So I’ve changed an insane amount as a human since I started releasing music. I process things differently and through a wiser, more grown up lens. I also have a lot more confidence in my songwriting ability and ear in production. I just think I not only know what I’m doing, but know that I know what I’m doing and that makes a huge difference.”
Thanks so much for your time and congratulations on this upcoming new release! You’ve got lots of exciting things lined up, but after a headline tour and a new EP, what can we expect next from Gatlin?
Gatlin: “Whew! More music hopefully! I’m currently writing the next stuff, so hopefully more music will be coming ASAP! :)”