We've discovered many artists in 2023, but one that we've been hitting play on every day has been Katelyn Tarver. The LA-based artist has been dropping introspective hit after hit in the lead up to her sophomore album, due in February 2024. Quitter is the latest single to be released - and the title track of the album. It's an honest, vulnerable release - in the spiritual sense - with a perfect pace. We caught up with Katelyn while she's been touring North America to talk about the new song and the upcoming album that we are counting down the days for:

We have had all your singles on repeat this year. They’re so good, we can’t wait for this album! You’ve just released the title track, Quitter. Tell us about the process behind creating this song, and why it was the perfect album title?

Thank you so much! A lot of these songs are dealing with big, existential questions. My attempt to make sense of my life and what I want out of it. Quitter felt like this moment of surrender. Of releasing my own expectations and the pressure to “figure it out” and instead trying to embrace the mentality of not having the answers and that being a good thing. Which is also why I loved it as an album title and just kind of overall umbrella for the themes of these songs. 

The singles so far have been very thoughtful. What shifts do you think happened in your life in recent times for you to write such poignant songs?

I’m a naturally introspective person. I like to talk and think and ponder life. I’ve been in consistent therapy for years. I’ve lost a lot of old beliefs I used to hold. I entered my 30’s. So I think all of that mixed together makes for a phase of life that is pretty reflective, and I just decided to lean in and put it all in the music. 

What did you learn about yourself through making this album?

That I can trust myself. 

Who did you work with on Quitter that helped to influence the sound and direction?

I worked with a producer named Chad Copelin on the majority of the album. We listened to a lot of 90’s, guitar driven, grungier music. Tried to evolve my sound sonically, while holding on to the goal of making the lyrics be the focus. 

Were there any direct inspirations behind this album, like books, films, etc..?

There’s a book called Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed. It’s a book (that was also turned into a series on Hulu) that is basically a collection of essays from an advice column she used to write called Dear Sugar. It’s people writing in for advice on various life questions and struggles. I found it very healing and moving and a reminder that we all face so much of the same stuff yet still feel alone when we are the ones dealing with it. And I found her responses so beautiful and human and comforting. It was a big inspiration to me just in my life but also in pushing me to keep being open and vulnerable with my lyrics because it can be life saving. 

Is there a song you’re most proud of on the album? We haven’t stopped listening to Starting to Scare Me and Parallel Universe.

Aw thank you! I’m probably most proud of Parallel Universe. I like that I let go of any song “rules” and made every chorus different and how it explores a bunch of different perspectives all in one song… almost like it’s a little short story. I don’t know. It’s one I’m very proud of. 

You’ve been touring a lot - how has it felt to play these new songs live?

Being on stage is where I feel the most like me. It’s been a dream come true to share these songs live, and I can’t wait to keep doing it.

We love the visuals that you’ve been creating. Tell us about your process behind creating the single artworks and videos for this LP.

I’m very hands on with creating the visual worlds around my songs. I like to hire people who I admire and collaborate with them and come up with intentional choices that help further the feelings and the vibe around the songs. Down to the fonts and the styling and the colors… it’s all a part of it and helps create the mood around my different musical chapters. 

Who are you excited about in music right now?

I’m loving the latest Japanese House record and am also very recently obsessed with Stephen Wilson Jr. He’s a little bit outside of what I would normally gravitate toward but the songwriting and production is so good and inspiring. 

What’s next?

I’m touring the UK and Europe in November! My first time! I’m so excited. And then the album is coming Feb 9th next year!

Listen to Quitter HERE.

@katelyntarver