Nessa Barrett is back, and she's feeling ambitiously empowered, and daringly wicked. The alt-pop artist's new album AFTERCARE is a thrilling exploration of sex and confidence through the eyes of a fearless young woman.

AFTERCARE, with its dark, dance-powered sound, marks a new exciting era for Barrett. "I want this album to empower women and whomever needs it, to feel confident and comfortable with themselves and sex,” Nessa says. “Sex is something that has always been taboo and uncomfortable for me, but making this album healed that and I hope it does the same for the listener." We spoke to the artist about creating the album and navigating being a young woman in the music industry:

Tell us about the catalyst for this album. When did you decide on the concept, and what sparked exploring this idea of aftercare and aftermath?

I’ve typically always written songs from the perspective of what I was going through in the moment, focusing on mental health and struggles I’d been facing. But when I started writing this album, there wasn’t much darkness in my life. The concept of “AFTERCARE” came from me wanting to explore what the confident, empowered version of myself sounds like in my music which was very different from how I used to write. Sex has always been taboo + uncomfortable for me, so I was able to really become this character of an empowered woman who owned her sexuality, as I was still navigating my own personal discomfort with the topic. Writing the album from that perspective was truly healing and empowering for myself, so I hope it does the same for the listener‍

You have released such consistently great music and we have loved following your journey. How do you think you have evolved as an artist and writer from listening to this album?

I feel like this album is the most mature, and elevated my sound has been thus far. Working with new producers and creatives on AFTERCARE, really pushed me to explore different genres and references in a new and exciting way, specifically more dance and dark electronic influences which exist throughout the album. I feel like my writing on this album is a lot more fun and cinematic, telling a story not only through my lyrics but also all of the sounds and production + transitions on the album.

‍Who did you work with on the songs that helped to shape the world of Aftercare?‍

I’ve been really lucky to get to work with an incredible group of producers and writers on this album, specifically CJ Baran and Arthur Besna. CJ executive produced this album and was so crucial in bringing the whole world together in a way that made sense, he helped make it so cinematic with his production and we even made transitions in between each track to really tie it all together. I also worked with some amazing other producers and writers from my world like Evan Blair, Madi Yanofsky, Jesse Fink, Kev White and so many more talented people.

What did you learn about yourself from making this album?

I feel like I really learned how to have fun and own who I am through the process of making “AFTERCARE”. This music is definitely the most fun and dancey music I’ve ever made, and I’m really grateful I was able to explore new sounds, themes, and parts of myself that I hadn’t necessarily known before making this project. I learned that I can be confident and empowered, feel hot + sexy, and own that truly for the first time it feels like.

You have great features. Tommy and Artemas so perfectly fit into this world you are crafting on the album. Tell us about choosing them and what it was like working with them? What did they bring to the project?

I’m so excited to have Tommy and Artemas as part of this album, I truly couldn’t have found more perfect features. I actually met Tommy earlier this year when we were both guest performing with Lana Del Rey at her Hangout Fest headline show in Alabama. We just instantly clicked (we are both Leo’s) and when we were looking for a rap feature for DISCO, Tommy was the perfect fit. She really embodies the confidence and empowerment that I want this album to represent. Artemas and I also met earlier this year - he is such a talented producer and artist and really fit within the sonic/thematic world that I was building. He actually co-produced “Mustang Baby” and was able to really bring the sultry energy of the song to life.

Is there a song you’re particularly proud of writing and creating? We love the dance tracks on the album, and how they still lend to that darkness and thrill throughout the album.

My favourite song at the moment is probably Glitter & Violence. I really wanted to make a song representing the experience of strippers on this album, because of how much I admire their strength and beauty in an industry that also has a lot of darkness and danger around it. The song perfectly encapsulates the energy of femininity in darkness that they represent, while bringing to light some more serious themes of what we as women experience in society in general. 

You're a young woman in the music industry and this album touches on female empowerment. What would you like to see shift or change in the industry? 

I feel like women in the industry are often overlooked or underestimated because of the way society views women in positions of power. Building the album was such an empowering experience for me, to feel truly safe in owning my femininity and power without the fear of being judged or underestimated. I’m lucky to have an almost all-female team to support me through the industry, who are all just as empowered as I am to make an impact. I hope that with time, more women feel empowered to be loud, be hot, and be successful all at the same time, without feeling the need to shrink themselves for the society perceiving them. 

What’s inspiring you right now?

I’ve been really inspired by a lot of other artists in the industry who are just shining right now. Music feels like it’s in such an exciting place, with true art and creativity coming through above all else. It’s been a really fun year to experience music, visuals, concerts as a fan and to find inspiration to translate that back to the “AFTERCARE” world.

Which artists are you excited about?

Ever since I went to Coachella this year, I’ve been really into Gesaffelstein. It was one of the best sets of the weekend, and really inspired a lot of the darker dance tracks on my album. I’m planning on seeing his show when he’s in LA on tour this month and get to experience that world again.

What’s next?

You’ll see ;)

Listen to Aftercare HERE.

@nessabarrett