Gatlin's new EP begins with the lyric "Why'd you have to go and break my heart again?" It's the question that echoes throughout the seven-song project titled I Sleep Fine Now, as the LA-based singer-songwriter moves through the motions of a brutal breakup. Inspired by the likes of Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift and The 1975, her lyrics are inevitably diaristic, intimate and clever. We simply love every song. We took a deep dive into the new EP with Gatlin:

The EP is so raw and personal. Tell us about writing it, what was inspiring you?

Thank you so much! I was just writing what was going on in my life - most of the EP (besides the last track) is about the same relationship. It just really tells the story of that relationship and the grief of the breakup.

What did you hope to achieve on this project? How do you hope people feel listening to it?

I think my songwriting chops really shine on this project in a way they haven’t before. I hope people just feel moved by this EP and it can be cathartic for those going through similar situations.

How do you think you’ve evolved both personally and sonically?

I just turned 25! I’m a big ole adult now and I think I have a much more confident approach to music - I finally truly believe in myself and my choices. It’s such an empowering feeling! I think sonically I’ve started to push boundaries and experiment much more.

What did you learn about yourself through creating and recording this EP?

I learned that I’m really done writing breakup songs for a while. I feel content in writing really good breakup songs.

Who were you working with on these songs that helped shape the sonic world of Gatlin?

Everyone who worked on this project helped shape the sound and were so involved! I’m so thankful to work with such amazing people that I get to call friends!

Is there a song you are most proud of on the record?

How Do You Sleep at Night…. It’s so vulnerable and very different from anything I’ve done. I’m also just proud because the day we wrote it was extremely hard and my co-writers Liza and Ethan really pushed me and I’m so thankful for that.

How have you been crafting the visuals? What’s been inspiring you on that side of things? We looove the artwork!

Oooo thank you! I love the artwork too! I’ve always been a little witchy gal and this was me just really getting to fully dive into that. Stevie Nicks is my mother. The record just feels very nighttime so I wanted sleepy visuals.

Is there something about the making of this EP that no one yet knows… any exclusive anecdotes?!

I sent it to the person all the songs are about !!! The drama!!!! I didn’t get a response but you know that’s okay hahaha.

What was on your playlist while you were creating this project? Or were there any films, books, places etc that were particularly influential?

Lots of Queen! This was also my first LA batch of music - I feel like I’ve always been enamored with Laurel Canyon and all the music that came out of the 70s in that time.

What’s next?

I’m super excited for my first headline tour in October and then to get back to my guitar and write my next project. I have a lot to say… been going through some major spiritual and internal changes that I desperately need to write about! :)

Listen to Gatlin HERE.

@gatlin