We recently connected with Caitlin Murphy and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I think the project I am currently working on is the most meaningful project I’ve worked on to date. I could make some great arguments for my debut EP “Soft”, but there is something that feels a little bit more transformative about my life and the music I am making right now. I am in love for the first time so there is plenty to write about. We are also in a long-distance relationship, so there’s even more the write about. I’m producing the project primarily by myself, which is intimidating but also really exhilarating. I am constantly learning new things and expanding my tool belt as an artist which makes the process really rewarding. I’m super lucky to have an amazing team at Not-So-Sad guiding and mentoring me through the process. I can’t wait until it’s officially out in the ether.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

According to my parents, I was humming before I could speak…which could be in part thanks to them for attaching a cassette player to my crib and playing classical music, albums like Selena’s “Dreaming of You,” and Led Zeppelin. As a result, I grew up around music from a young age and started singing in the choir at church around age 5. I spent the bulk of my childhood studying voice, dance, and acting, performing in local and professional theaters in the OC/LA area. As I grew older and began journalling, writing poetry, and performing with a band…songwriting and recording called to me.

As my artistry and skills have grown over the years, I primarily enjoy toplining and co-writing with artists and writers. As a vocal coach, I love being able to guide vocalists and help them gain control over their instrument…I think this is where my love for vocal production comes into play.

If the isolation during the pandemic taught me anything, it’s that I can’t stand working alone musically. Having an echo chamber and imposter syndrome in the studio is super discouraging when working on new skills and toward new goals. I love collaborating with other artists, producers, and songwriters in person more than anything in the world. Having someone else’s creative energy in the room really aids my creative flow. I’m always looking to meet new creatives and hop in the studio.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The book “The Artist’s Way” really shifted my perspective on my relationship to craft. I think it’s very easy for creatives to be really hard on themselves when it comes to productivity and work-life balance. I am currently working on finding that balance between creative time, personal time, and free time. Since reading “The Artist’s Way” I have been a little bit more patient with myself and have found some tools to manage all of my time more efficiently…so it feeds my soul and not just my drive for productivity.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think many non-creatives may not fully understand the extent to which most creatives are going to pursue their prospective careers. Many up-coming /semi-professional creatives are working a full-time ‘day job’ and then coming home and working the equivalent of another full-time job to reach their creative goals. When we ask for support, whether it be on social media, attending gigs, streaming, buying merch, etc. …it goes much further than people think. All creatives want the same thing – to eventually quit that ‘day job’ and work on their art full-time. If you’re a non-creative, please don’t underestimate or undermine the work that your creative friends/family are putting in. Support them in whatever way you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/annabla.now
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annabla.now/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnablaMusicOfficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-murphy-annabla/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thecaitlinmmusic
• Other: Spotify – > https://open.spotify.com/artist/29v54kzO4C5paDHxUkj0mf?si=rs5XXOd7ReCaHOxv_lJIeQ Apple Music – > https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ann%C3%A1bla/1496420962 TikTok – > https://www.tiktok.com/@annabla.now?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc