NXTSTYLE’s 2020 Songs of the Summer: Gillian Heidi “static”
INTRODUCING NXTSTYLE’S ‘SONGS OF THE SUMMER,’ HIGHLIGHTING OUR FAVORITE TRACKS WE’VE DISCOVERED THIS SUMMER. OVER 70 SONGS FROM NEW AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS FORM OUR SUMMER 2020 SOUNDTRACK. TODAY WE FEATURE SINGER/SONGWRITER GILLIAN HEIDI. THE BOSTON NATIVE CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION THIS SUMMER WITH THE EMOTIONALLY-FILLED SINGLE “STATIC.” AT ONLY 16-YEARS-OLD WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HER CAREER UNFOLD. LEARN MORE ABOUT GILLIAN HEIDI IN OUR FEATURED INTERVIEW.
“STATIC” IS A VULNERABLE SONG THAT DEALS WITH INNER CHALLENGES THAT I’M SURE MANY CAN RELATE TO. TAKE US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CREATING THIS TRACK AND THE CONNECTION YOU HAVE TO IT.
“static” is actually very close to my heart. It conveys emotions that I had been trying to write in a song for a long time. When going out, I’ve experienced feelings of social anxiety frequently, and it has been really hard for me to overcome at times. I also felt like I hadn’t heard many songs about what I was experiencing, so I was really excited when I wrote “static.”
IN RESPECT TO “STATIC” WAS IT DIFFICULT TO BE TRANSPARENT WITH YOUR INNER FEELINGS? OBVIOUSLY MUSIC HAS IT’S PLACE IN HEALING ESPECIALLY WHEN ARTISTS TALK ABOUT REAL SUBJECTS. WHERE DO YOU FEEL YOUR PURPOSE IS AS AN ARTIST?
“static” definetly contains some of my most vulnerable feelings, but I’ve gotten a lot better at sharing those emotions through music. Music has always helped me get through my most difficult times, and I think that my purpose as an artist is to provide that for others with the vulnerability in my music and writing.
LYRICALLY AND SONICALLY “STATIC” REALLY PAINTS A PICTURE THAT WOULD FIT SO WELL IN A MOVIE OR TV SHOW. IF YOU HAD YOUR CHOICE WHAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE SYNC PLACEMENT FOR FOR THIS SONG?
I would definitely choose Euphoria. I think that a more acoustic and chill version of the song could really fit, and Euphoria is absolutely my favorite show. It also has an amazing soundtrack, which would be a dream to be a part of.
LISTEN ON
FOLLOW GILLIAN HEIDI
GILLIAN HEIDI
OF THE TALENTED ARTISTS, SONGWRITERS, AND PRODUCERS OUT THERE IS THERE SOMEONE YOU WOULD REALLY LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?
I have always been inspired by Taylor Swift, and it would be a dream to write with her. Recently, though, I’ve been loving Doja Cat and would love to work with her.
WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC HAS IT ALTERED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS? DO YOU SEE IT IMPACTING WHAT YOU WRITE ABOUT?
I think that I’ve realized who my true closest friends are. The people that I’ve really stayed in contact with are truly the most important people in my life, and I cherish them deeply. I think that the pandemic has definitely helped me become more creative with my writing. Since nothing super exciting has been happening in my personal life recently, I’ve had to learn how to write from a perspective that isn’t my own, almost like writing a story.
WITH MORE DOWN TIME THIS YEAR DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, PEOPLE HAVE PLACED THEIR ENERGY ON THINGS THEY PREVIOUSLY DIDN’T HAVE TIME TO FOCUS ON. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THAT YOU WOULDN’T NORMALLY HAVE TIME FOR OR EVEN THINK ABOUT?
Recently I’ve been trying to get better at sewing. Sustainability is really important to me, so I’ve recently tried to thrift or make all of my clothing so that I don’t contribute to the waste of the fashion industry. During quarantine, I’ve had a lot of time to pursue this passion of mine.
FAST FORWARD SEVERAL MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD. THE VACCINE IS HERE, AMERICA HAS FULLY OPENED! WHAT’S FIRST ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I wanna start performing again! I miss open mics and crowds so much. I also miss going to concerts so much, so I will definitely be attending a lot of those when I’m able to.
AS WE HEAD INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOU FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020?
I have two more singles coming up soon, and, by the end of 2020, I’ll have released my upcoming album, 3AM! I absolutely can’t wait and I’m so proud of the finished album. I also have some super fun things coming up in early next year that I can’t wait to talk about.
IS THERE A CHARITY THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU THAT YOU URGE OTHERS TO LOOK INTO? ANY PARTICULAR CONNECTION YOU HAVE TO IT?
Ever since I was little, I have loved the ocean and, as I mentioned above, I take sustainability very seriously. The Ocean conservancy is an amazing organization supporting the protection of our oceans. I also love the Human Rights Campaign and all of the amazing things that they do for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
GILLIAN HEIDI’S
SONGS OF THE SUMMER
- 1) The Growlers “Night Ride”
- 2) Doja Cat “Rules”
- 3) girl in red “Girls”
- 4) Jonas Brothers “Year 3000” (this song is ALWAYS a good song and it always will be, under any circumstances)
- 5) Artic Monkeys “505”
Listen to all of our featured artist’s favorite songs of the summer on our special Spotify playlist.
Discover New Music
THE ‘NEXT IN MUSIC’ PLAYLIST
Discover a wide range of new music we love from artists located all across the world. Follow the ‘NEXT in Music’ playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
MUSIC IN 2020 INTERVIEW SERIES
WE INTERVIEWED MUSIC PROS AND TASTEMAKERS TO GET THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE MUSIC IS HEADED AND TO DISCOVER WHAT NEW MUSIC THEY’RE LISTENING TO.
