It’s no secret that here at The Honey POP, we love being the first to introduce our honeybees to their next favorite artist! Which is why today, we’re buzzing for you to get to know our latest obsession, Penny Bored. The Dallas-based pop rocker recently released their sophomore EP, I’M BORED!, and we have not taken it off repeat since.
You can stream I’M BORED! here!
Penny Bored is one of those artists that you can’t get enough of. Whether it is because you feel drawn to the upbeat sound of their music, their incredible and quirky sense of style, or how they’re nothing shy of authentic online – we’re sure there’s something to love about Penny Bored for everyone! We were lucky enough to sit down with the rising star and talk about all things inspiration, hobbies, and of course–the I’M BORED! EP.
Starting off with something fun and playing off of your name, what’s your favorite thing to do when you’re bored?
You can’t go wrong with a movie night! I absolutely love diving into a list of movies that I’ve been wanting to watch or rewatch some of my favs. I’m usually pretty busy so I will cherish any time I get to just have a cozy day of watching movies!
Having an art exhibit at a release party is definitely unique (and SO fun!). What made you decide to include this element in the celebration of I’M BORED!?
We really wanted to showcase the artwork for each of the singles. From there, we started brainstorming all of these ideas and decided to develop the full idea of the pop-up event!
Your music has never shied away from being transparent about mental health and personal struggles. Why is it important for you to create a space where listeners can feel understood and connected?
I always turn to music if I need an escape or even need to cry or feel something. Music has always been there for me. There’s certain songs that remind me of good times and some songs that got me through the worst times. I try to write with honesty, and hopefully, these songs can help others along the way.
You draw inspiration from early 2000s Pop Rock! How do you blend those nostalgic sounds with your own contemporary style? Additionally, is there an artist from that era that you would love to collab with?
Hilary Duff… if you see this and if you ever return to music, I’d love to work with you!
I grew up listening to that kind of music and having all my favorite artists’ posters on my wall. I would dance around my room and just listen to music. The sound has stuck with me for sooo long that it kind of just makes its way into my music now!
You’ve been extremely outspoken about being a queer person in the scene. How has your identity influenced your creative process and the way you navigate your career? Have you encountered any unique challenges or opportunities as a result?
I didn’t come out as pansexual until I was 18? 19? Even then, I really stayed quiet and didn’t embrace my queerness. But since I started Penny Bored, it’s really been helping me to be more confident and proud of who I am. I listen to a ton of queer artists and they all inspire me so much. Artistically of course, but their confidence as well. The way they aren’t afraid to unapologetically be themselves.
I wish I was like that earlier, but I’m growing each day and proud of myself and my progress. Queer journeys look different for everyone, and I think that’s so important to talk about. For now, I’m just gonna keep being myself and the opportunities will present themselves along the way. I’ve been so lucky to perform for a handful of LGBTQ+ audiences in the past and hope to do so more in the future. It’s where I feel the most safe and confident.
A big part of growing your audience and community has been through TikTok! What has that experience looked like for you? How would this journey have been for you without that platform?
TikTok is such a rollercoaster! Sometimes videos do great, other times they don’t. But I try to not let those numbers affect me. It’s been very cool to connect with a lot of new people, and I’ve even met some of my closest friends and people I’ve collaborated with on that app. It’s definitely changed the trajectory of my music career. I’m still in shock every time someone comes to a show and says they found me from TikTok!
Recently you tweeted about how much your life has changed since you filmed the ‘gossip’ music video. What were the most noticeable changes that made you think, “wow this is my life now?”
I had been longing for a larger queer community by my side. I’m really shy, and I don’t go out much, so learning to make friends as an adult can be difficult. I met so many new people through that music video and even reconnected with old acquaintances. From there, I was introduced to more people, and then Emma (the choreographer) and I created Girly Pop Hours (a queer pop dance party). I started going to dance classes again. It’s all just been a domino effect, and I’ve met so many new people this year. Probably the most social I’ve been in years too. It’s changed my life for the better, and everyone I’ve met has inspired me so much and are just genuinely some of the kindest people I’ve met. They’ve made me feel so safe to be myself and more confident!
I’M BORED! is obviously such a personal project. When in the process of going through something does writing occur for you? Do you have to have space from a situation in order to write about it? Or are you able to write about it in the moment as you’re having the experience?
A lot of times, I’ll start writing in the moment to cope with the situation, but it’s very rare I will finish the song. A lot of times, I do need to step away from the situation and reminisce with a clear mind and fresh understanding of the situation to completely finish writing a song about it. Otherwise, the song will be a jumbled mess of words and feelings.
Out of all the songs on I’M BORED!, which would you say resonates with you the most?
It changes all the time, but currently ‘Disconnected.’
You recently listed which fictional TV and movie characters would listen to your music, and as Twilight nerds ourselves, we’re obsessed with you including Bella! Her favorite track of yours is obviously ‘think of me.’ But can you go more into this for us? Which tracks do you think the others would love?
Lisa from Lisa Frankenstein, Nana, and Ramona Flowers would probably all like ‘think of me’ because they all are lowkey a little unhinged, much like the song. They long for love and hope that who they love are thinking about them. Plus the song takes an angsty turn during the chorus, which seems to fit their vibes very well.
Red seems an integral part of your wardrobe, from the bows tied in your hair to your ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ merch shirt and even the gloves in your ‘dance in hell’ music video. What draws you to the color?
It was time for a change and a stark contrast from the green I had been sporting for a while. When you wear red, you almost always have to wear it with confidence. It’s such a bold color!
At the beginning of the year, you posted some of your 2024 ‘ins,’ and we’re honestly curious on how they’re going! So…have you read any good books lately? How are your dance classes going? And can you tell us a little something about I’M BORED! in Spanish?
Oh no, I had to go back and see what I picked! Let’s see.. definitely have had more picnics this year. Probably need to prioritize rest more. Writing fun music I can dance to has definitely happened! Dance classes have been a blast. I FINALLY learned how to use my sewing machine and hoping to dive into projects soon. Sadly behind on my reading goal, but my faves this year are Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh, If He Had Been With Me, and Everything I Know About Love. My Spanish still needs a little more practice lol. I’m shy about it! !Un día!
Once again, a huge thank you to Penny Bored for taking the time to sit down and chat with us! Let us know if you have any more questions for the rising star and what you’re most excited to see from them by commenting down below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PENNY BORED:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER
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