Having had her music featured as an official song for the ‘Register To Vote’ campaigns run by Facebook and Instagram last year, and with support behind her from the likes of American Songwriter, Popdust and The Line of Best Fit, Teddi Gold is an artist who knows what it takes to be noticed. She’s also an individual who uses her platforms for good; speaking out about causes and events that matter to her and donating proceeds from her Pride Month release “Boom Boom” to the ACLU. Today, she’s released her ‘Vol. 2’ EP and PopWrapped caught up with her to find out all about it.

What does Teddi Gold sound like for first-time listeners? 

Colorful, vibrant, interstellar, heartfelt, uplifting, sweet and spicy.

What major themes can listeners expect to hear on Vol.2? What was your goal with this project? 

I talk a lot about your relationship to yourself, self-love, self-sabotage, how you get in your own way, and self-reflection. I also find myself wanting to encourage and uplift others to live the life they really want. I know what it’s like to struggle with depression, but I also know what it’s like to be on the other side of it. I just want my listeners to feel they aren’t alone, and they don’t have to be stuck in a situation or state of mind that they don’t want to be in. There is hope.

The video for “Pineapple Piñata” is pretty epic. On the song, there are sounds of pineapples being smashed in the bridge so we’re wondering, are there any other unique ‘easter egg’ sound bites on Vol.2 that you can elaborate on? 

Thank you! I loved filming that video. One of my favorite things is creating the visual elements for each song. I used to be an actress so I have a deep appreciation for film. I also used to study advertising and love how visual elements can communicate or deepen a message. I would say that one of my “signatures” is that I create my own sounds, whether I am using my own voice or using things in the studio or even in my own home. On the song “Wink Wink,” in the very end where the song falls apart, I am screaming the whole way through it. I used my voice as a synth. In the song “Thought Bubbles,” the bubble sounds are actually my co-producer Teddy Roxpin beat boxing. In “Popcorn,” the opening is a recording of my microwave being slammed. Creating my own sounds is a lot more fun for me than digging around on Splice. While I love doing that too, I like creating my own little signature sonic moments. It’s an injection of more of my personality and I think gives it a more authentic feeling.

“Popcorn” sounds like an insane interstellar ballad; full of eclectic sonics and sound bites like much of the EP. What was your approach to crafting the sound of this track? How do you use sounds to channel energy? 

I like that you used the word interstellar. I went back and added that word to question 1. I am obsessed with space, the universe, etc. The fact that we are all just floating on a giant rock blows my mind. The idea for the song came from a Brene Brown special that I watched on Netflix. The idea was that you shouldn’t listen or pay attention to critics who aren’t in the arena with you, who aren’t doing the work, who aren’t being vulnerable themselves. I think that is huge for a creative person to implement into their lives I mean huge for anyone. If some random person thinks I suck or has mean things to say, and that person isn’t in my field of work, or has no musical knowledge, or no understanding of themselves, then I am not going to pay attention. However, if one of my friends, my producer, my label has some thoughts on a song and they come to me and say “Teddi, this could be better.” because I trust the person giving me the critique, I will take in what they have to say since I trust and value their opinion and because they are in the arena with me. They are doing the work.

So, that’s the idea – don’t let the haters get you down. If they are on the sidelines just boo-ing you then pay no attention. Let them sit on the bleachers and eat their popcorn while you are brave and put yourself out there. It’s really an anthem for people to go for their own dreams. Pay no attention to the nay-sayers. If I would have paid attention, I wouldn’t be here today. I know what it feels like to have people saying mean things about you, it doesn’t feel good. It’s a song so others don’t feel alone in their own personal journeys.

Why do you think it’s important now more than ever to have messages of self-love and kindness in your music?  

Because the world is so divided. There is so much anger, so much rage. We are living in an outrage culture. No room for mistakes. No room for conversations, forgiveness, compassion. It’s palpable. I really do believe we are much more united than we think we are. It’s hard to see because we all live in our little echo chambers, but when we start creating room to talk to and understand people, even if we may not agree with them, to open our hearts, to find compassion, I think we will see that we are more similar than we think we are. We are all human. We share common feelings and experiences. We all love someone. We have all felt sad, happy, lonely. When we can empathize with each other more, we can diffuse the hate. It is my deepest desire that we can collectively thrive. 

Across your work, you sing of a desire for real connection – how do you connect with your listeners and fans? 

Well I hope to play live shows soon. I love connecting with people in person. I like talking to people after the show and learning more about them. I also am fairly active on social media so I try and connect with people there. I respond to a lot of my DMs and comments. 

Does your long lineage of performers and artists create expectations for yourself and your art?  

I do come from a long line of performers! My great-grandma, Betty Burgess, was a Paramount actress in the ‘30s and my great-grandpa, Sonny LaMont, was a tap dancer who danced with Fred Astaire and Betty Grable. His family were traveling circus performers. I believe it was my great-great grandpa who was the first to do a trapeze in Madison Square Garden without a net. It’s wild to think about. I was very close to my great-grandma. She passed away when I was in high school and she left me a lot of her Hollywood memorabilia which I cherish. To answer your question, no, I don’t think it creates expectations, I am just inspired by them. My great-grandma inspires me. She lived a daring life. She lived outside the box and didn’t let the outside world define her. I just want to do the same.

Who is your biggest fan or supporter? 

My dad. He is very proud of me.

What is your key takeaway from Vol.2 since you wrote and recorded it, and listening to it now upon release? How have you grown? 

I have grown so much and in so many ways since finishing this EP. When I listen to it I just get excited because I know how much I have grown since recording all these songs. It feels like a younger version of myself. With each project, I have a clearer understanding of who I am and what I want to say.

Finally then, what’s next for Teddi Gold? Is there a Vol. 3 in the works already? 

OHHHH HELL YEAH!

Give “Vol. 2” a listen below and for more information on Teddi Gold, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo credit: Anisha Sisodia.