Beth Crowley- Writing songs about books, being friend zoned, Sheldon Cooper, and whatever else tickles my fancy
Interview conducted on June 2, 2021
By Dan Locke
Nashville Singer-Songwriter Beth Crowley Releases New Hit Summer Single “YOU”RE EXHAUSTING
What is your upbringing?
I’m originally from Georgia and grew up with my mom, dad, and younger sister. I had a really great childhood and my family has always been close, which I am incredibly grateful for.
How did you discover music?
My dad plays keyboard and is a songwriter himself, so I definitely got the music gene from him!
You are a book nerd. How many books do you have in your collections?
So many! I definitely add books faster than I can read them.
Describe your music.
I usually call it cinematic pop. Some of the songs are dark and feel like they could be in a movie soundtrack, and others tell entire stories within the song.
What was your first performance like?
The very first singing performance that I can remember was when I was in the 1st grade and sang “Devil With The Blue Dress On” for my school talent show. I remember thinking I could have done better.
Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I’m a member of SESAC!
What makes a good songwriter?
For me, it’s about finding the connection with the listener because you were able to describe exactly how they feel.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I wrote it when I was a freshman in high school and it was called “I Am Fine (Ben & Jerry’s).” It was about a break-up with a boyfriend that I definitely didn’t actually have. Just a guy I had a crush on that I am pretty sure didn’t know that I existed.
What is the process of writing your music?
It’s different each time, but my starting point is usually coming up with a concept or a little melody and lyric that I work to flesh out into a whole song.
In “You’re Exhausting”, what did you mean “There’s no prize for who’s been hurt the worst”?
I think sometimes people wear their pain like a badge of honor, but there’s no “winning” or “losing” when it comes to who has been through the most.
How has it been to be working with Daniel Dennis for so long?
I am so lucky to have such a great collaborator that I can also call my friend. Having worked together for so long, we really have a rhythm and I think it shows in the music.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I think overall it’s a positive thing, but I would love to see the people who contribute to the song compensated more fairly.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think live music is coming back in a big way now that it seems like we are coming out of the pandemic. I do feel like artists are going to re-evaluate how they put out music to make sure that they aren’t just depending on one source of income.
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career?
I’m sure it’s different for each person. I think artists tend to be in their emotions more intensely sometimes than the everyday person, so from a mental health standpoint, it’s been hard for them just the same as everyone else.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I’ve still continued to make music, though I did watch a lot of Netflix as well.
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I made a point to work out regularly, and I just tried to be really aware of how I was feeling and talk to my support system if I was feeling particularly down or overwhelmed.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I did SO many puzzles!
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
I think putting out music regularly and engaging with fans on social media goes a long way.
In the past if a musician stops doing music, they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice-over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you can’t do music, what would you like to be doing?
I would go back to school and get a degree in school psychology to be a school counselor.
What is your happy place?
Sitting and watching TV in bed.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
Right now, I enjoy using TikTok as a consumer more than as a creator, but I know that it’s really important for artists to have a presence on there, so I need to be better about that.
What YA book character do you what to be?
Tessa Gray from Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices series!
