Acorn
Interview conducted on December 23, 20020
By Dan Locke
Acornis a rising pop artist in Nashville under the name ACORN. The first single off of my project, “Bitch” dropped on Friday & has already gained momentum on Spotify. I really admire your content and I think you may be interested in taking a listen to it. POP HEARTS TV described the song as a bolder, more unapologetic version of “Dua Lipa meets Halsey”. I’ve attached a link below for you to listen, and would love to be considered for a feature. Thank you for your time and consideration!
You are from Hartford NY. What is your upbringing?
New Hartford is a small town in Upstate NY. To me, my upbringing was normal, but that’s all I knew. My parents were divorced when I turned 2. I spent my childhood switching back and forth from my mom’s house to my dad’s house every week. A lot of kids that I grew up with, seemed to have a perfect family- both parents were together, they lived in big houses; everything seemed like that All American dream. But I wouldn’t have my childhood any other way. Both of my parents are incredible and did whatever they could to make sure my sister and I were cared for and loved. I spent a lot of my teen years in my school’s theatre, bouncing around to voice lessons and rehearsals, traveling a lot- It was amazing.
What was the first concert you went to?
My first few concerts included Black Eyed Peas, Joan Jett, and the Pussycat Dolls. Strange mix- I know (LOL)
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My dad bought me my first acoustic guitar went I turned 16. It was the only thing I wanted for my birthday. I still have it and it’s actually in amazing condition. We use it when we play acoustic shows in LA and Nashville.
How was it to get a Golden Ticket on American Idol?
I remember shaking and running across the stadium to find my mom. I was screaming. I was 16. That’s huge for a 16-year-old to feel these types of emotions. I thought my life was going to change. Being so young, i didn’t know a thing about the music industry.
What makes a good songwriter?
Someone who can make a song so conversational with the listener. When I like a song, it’s because I feel the connection. I feel like I am going through the same thing they are writing/singing about.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My very first original song ever was called “Remember When.” It was the first time I was ever in a studio recording ‘original’ material. I laugh thinking back on it because it was a break up song! HAHA, I can’t believe I thought I had actually gone through some real heartbreak at that age!
Tell me about the creation of your first single “Say It Again”?
– “Say It Again” was written over a Skype session which was very new to me at the time. I wrote it with Jillian Farrar from Nashville. The title came from my Skype session glitching and she couldn’t hear me so she kept saying “wait, say it again.” And it just stuck! I love how creative you can get just by listening to someone.
How was it to be a part of Maddie Poppe video “Going Going Gone” video?
SO MUCH FUN! My boyfriend was assigned to be the musical director of that shoot and to basically “hire” her band. So of course, he threw me in there. We actually have been in two of her music videos now as her band. She’s a very sweet person!!
You played Shipkicker, Stagecoach and Country Fest all the same year. How was that?
Crazy. overwhelming. The BEST year of my life. I feel like I didn’t sleep that year. At all. It’s almost like a blur to me. My band became my best friends, which made it even more fun. We spent days rehearsing for these shows, trying to get everything perfect & a whole lot of traveling. We spent nights playing and there was a lot of partying after! Playing festivals is my absolute favorite kind of show- the energy really takes you on a ride- it’s very soul-satisfying. I got a real good taste of it that year.
Why did you decide to change your name to Acorn?
ACORN birthed during Covid. I have always been an artist who hates being put in a box. I have to constantly evolve and change, or I get bored VERY easily. For years, I was making Country music, and I loved it. I really did. But last year, it dawned on me that I didn’t feel like myself anymore. The music I was creating wasn’t really who I was. I tried pushing it, I tried writing with new writers, I tried playing my music out around town, and I felt uninspired and stuck. I called my best friend who is an amazing Pop songwriter in Nashville and told her about an idea that I had for a Pop project. My nickname has been ACORN for as long as I can remember. And I’ve always wanted to use that name for something because for me, it’s so marketable. It comes so easy. It really is who I am.
You were about to go on tour with Eli Young Band then the virus hit. Did you think the lockdown would last that long?
I was. I really didn’t think it would last longer than a month. And now here we are, almost a year later.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Creating and writing all of the new ACORN music. I’ve finally felt so inspired and focused with this project, that it just feels natural. I want this music to feel easy. I don’t want someone to listen to it and think that it sounds forced, or doesn’t seem like me. Because it is 100 percent me!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Cooking a lot. I have made some yummy dishes that I had no idea I could. I mean I know what you’re thinking. Anyone can cook if you follow the directions. Well, I have never been one to follow directions very well. So, coming from someone who burns pancakes and can’t even make a cup of coffee without it being 90 prevents water, I’m doing better.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Netflix and chill baby.
How is your TikTok account doing?
I released a video of me singing about 5 seconds of a Miley Cyrus song and it sort of blew up overnight so I guess that’s how TikTok works now? LOL
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Barrel racing. I’m a huge equestrian nerd. I’ve been riding since I was a tiny baby girl. My first few jobs in Los Angeles, I was a Horse Back Riding trail guide where I would give trail rides up to the Hollywood Sign and up through the hills of LA. Cool right?
How is your shark fishing?
I did catch a baby shark when I was in Wilmington, NC! Sharks are one of my biggest fears, but it was a little baby. Pretty cool experience.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I have a brand-new single coming out on January 29th called ’SPACE.’ You will be able to find it on all the major streaming platforms and iTunes.
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