Q&A: blondestandard's Triumphant Return with "FREAKIN OUT"
IN THE VIBRANT AND EVER EVOLVING LANDSCAPE of the Los Angeles' indie pop scene, blondestandard, also known as Caroline Grace Vein, has emerged as a formidable force. Her latest single, "FREAKIN OUT," marks a significant comeback after a two-year battle with cancer, encapsulating a powerful journey of personal and artistic reclamation. This track is more than just music; it is a testament to her resilience, exploring the intense emotional complexities of love, loss, hope, and despair, especially through the lens of falling for a musician.
"FREAKIN OUT" is an empowering anthem that delves deep into the turbulent experiences of human emotions. With its dynamic blend of alternative rock, pop, and funk, the song stands out for its raw honesty and captivating energy. Inspired by her own battles and triumphs, Caroline has crafted a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced life's unpredictable challenges. The track not only highlights her unique sound influenced by icons like Blondie and Gwen Stefani but also underscores her ability to transform personal struggles into universal themes of strength and self-empowerment.
Read below to learn more abot the inspiration behind "FREAKIN OUT" and how her profound experiences have shaped her music and her message to the world.
LUNA: The song " FREAKIN OUT" explores the emotional complexities of falling for a musician. Did you draw inspiration from a specific experience, or is it a fictional narrative?
BLONDESTANDARD: As a musician myself, working in the industry, and going out with a few artists here and there, I crafted a story. Call it a patchwork story, inspirations taken from different people and experiences to create this fictional guy. Based on somewhat of a true story?
LUNA: "FREAKIN OUT" is your comeback single after battling cancer. Can you share how your experience with illness influenced the song's themes and message?
BLONDESTANDARD: Going through any traumatic or life altering experience whether that is loss, illness, injury can change your perspective tremendously. FREAKIN OUT has a message behind it that leads with empowerment, realizing you don’t need anyone else to fulfill your dreams or happiness. One big lesson I learned going through illness is comfortability in my own skin, in who I am, and not let others' opinions or actions shape or steer me away from that.
LUNA: "FREAKIN OUT" feels like more than just a new song; it's a reclamation of your artistry. How did music serve as a source of strength and resilience during your battle?
BLONDESTANDARD: My music to me has a core meaning and a crust, the crust is the story at first glance which here seems like a love story gone wrong and reclaiming your power. The core is the underlying message, the real meaning of the story. In this case, it really has to do with self empowerment, loving yourself and all the little Unrelatable things that make you who are. I joined a music course during my treatments in order to keep myself in a creative space, and simultaneously picked up journaling - something I always steered away from for whatever reason. Joining producer duo Stargate’s online course LAAMP, and getting a Contemporary Pop Music, Songwriting, Production Certification was exciting to say the least. Getting to learn from people that I was inspired by, connecting with other writers and producers all over the world and getting to tap into my artistry all the while keeping this secret of my health journey.
Thankfully, the course was online so I did not have to disclose the details, but I ended up getting close with a few of my peers and they were very supportive of that journey. I ended up finishing up the course after my treatment cycle, as I readjusted into the “real world” and got back to work. Being almost forced and committed to a weekly creative course helped me stay in touch with myself, learn more about myself, and stay committed to being an artist.
LUNA: What artists have been most influential to your sound, and how do you see yourself fitting into the alt-pop landscape?
BLONDESTANDARD: Some of the artists that have been most influential to my sound are Mark Ronson, Gwen Stefani, Brooks Nielsen, Blondie, and Joan Jett.
I create music that drives me, fuels the fire, and help me say the things I want to say. The genre of alt-pop speaks to me the most, and has always had a bit of a hold on me as a music lover. In terms of where I fit into all of it, I truly want to just share my ideas, stories, music, and vulnerability with the world! I want to speak to the people the same way the artists that have inspired me have spoken to me, helped me through rough times, good times, and all the in between. I enjoy creating and storytelling and hope that my stories resonate with other people!
LUNA: "FREAKIN OUT" showcases a dynamic blend of alternative rock, pop, and funk. Can we expect this genre-bending sound to continue in your future music?
BLONDESTANDARD: I think over the last two years since my initial first two single releases, I have really found my sound. This genre-bending sound of alternative, rock, pop and funk is definitely that sound!
LUNA: Is there a specific message you hope listeners will take away from "FREAKIN OUT"?
BLONDESTANDARD: Just like in a museum there isn’t much explanation for a painting or sculpture, the artist (usually) isn’t there to tell someone how or what to feel when looking at their work. I want the audience to have their own take on the song. Obviously I have my intent as the creator, but art is meant to be experienced and interpreted in it’s own way. I hope that the song resonates with people in their own way. However, I also hope that the track itself can empower people, and make them feel like that bitch!
LUNA: What can you share with us in regards to additional new music?
BLONDESTANDARD: Like I said, I really have been leaning into and finding my sound. I am really excited to continue creating and sharing my sound with the world - which I can say is ready to be shared!
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
BLONDESTANDARD: Really continue working on self confidence, learning to accept the flaws and things that make me Caroline. Continue doing what I love: creating music, working on creative projects, and building creative relationships with others.
