If you’re looking for the next indie-folk singer-songwriter to fall in love with, look no further than one of our long-time favorites, Gatlin!
Gatlin is currently gearing up to release her debut (!!!!) album, The Eldest Daughter, and from what we have heard so far, there is no doubt in our minds it will be her best work yet. After hearing this leading track for the album, we knew we had to pick Gatlin’s brain about the record. Let’s jump in!
Pre-save The Eldest Daughter here!
Hi Gatlin! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time?
I would say it’s evolved a lot from when I started releasing music (as a 21-year-old to now 26), but the through line is relatable, with honest lyricism and songs that feel sparkly. It’s all over the place genre-wise but mostly in the pop/folk/indie space. My new record I think I definitely pulled in a lot more rock and folk than my older stuff has.
‘If She Was A Boy’ has been out for a few months, since its release it’s been so clear that so many people have seen themselves, and their stories in the lyrics, what is processing that as the songwriter like?
Oh, it’s so exciting! Growing up in a religious environment, the thought that I would be queer never crossed my mind so when I was faced with it head-on… it was extremely confusing and anxiety-inducing. I think the fact that that feeling is a part of many LGBTQ+ people’s stories feels very communal and destigmatizing.
On a similar note, ‘If She Was A Boy’ is a deeply personal song, how does a writing session for a song like that come about? And do you find those writing sessions more difficult, or do they often flow more easily when it’s coming from such a personal place?
I think the fact that I wrote it in a room with two other queer women just made it feel extremely safe. And the fact that those were emotions and feelings I felt six years ago – I’m now secure in my queerness and identity. It was therapeutic and healing to go back and write from the perspective of baby gay Gat.
As we’re writing this you’re gearing up to release your debut album, The Eldest Daughter, what can you tell us about this project?
I’ve been waiting foreverrrrrr to make and release my first album so this is SO EXCITING to me. I’m actually really glad I waited until I was older and had a few years in this career under my belt because this process was so beautiful and empowering. I’m at a stage in life now where I feel confident being honest with myself privately and publicly about who I am and what I’ve gone through. Growing up in Florida, in the household/community I was in, I was always taught to keep up appearances and act like everything was perfect. It took a long long time for me to unlearn everything that was drilled into me for 18 years. Making these songs and putting them out feels like the ultimate act of freedom and autonomy.
And speaking of the album, ‘Jesus Christ & Country Clubs,’ the current single from The Eldest Daughter is out now, where did the inspiration for this song, and its visuals come from?
It’s my little revolution song. It’s a song where I could finally stand up for myself and be a little angry… a little apathetic… a little silly. 👉🏼👈🏼 No, but on the real I think it was my way of using my story and my art to comment on the hypocrisy of MAGA and religion. The character from all the visuals is a hyperbolic version of who my family/community is… and who my parents would want me to be. I named her Miss Amanda Grace Anne and I kind of love her even though I hate her.
Leading up to the release of your debut album, is there a song you are most looking forward to seeing fans experience for the first time?
There are truly so many I want them to hear! That’s why it’s so exciting that it’s a whole ass album. I’m excited for them to hear ‘ LOVE ME’ and ‘Soho House Valet’ because those two are the most vulnerable and deeply sad.
You’re about to tour with Noah Floersch! How do you go about crafting a setlist for a live show? Do you focus solely on your new record? Or is there a mix of new and old?
There’s definitely a mix! I still enjoy those old songs and it’s what people who know me coming to the shows know! So I love honoring that.
‘What If I Love You’ was such a huge moment for you! How has your relationship to that song changed over the last four years?
I’ve honestly had mixed feelings about that song over the years. I think lots of artists who’ve had a song that kind of surpasses all others maybe have felt similarly. Honestly, it’s brought up a lot of insecurity in me as I’ve gotten older and had more distance from it. Feeling like I peaked at 22, yanno? But I just kind of hit a point where I’m really grateful for it. And I love honoring that 22-year-old version of me and that moment in time (I kind of simulate it to an old tattoo).
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025?
The Eldest Daughter out October 3! Hopefully more and more shows <3 Thank you for everything!
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We would love to hear from you! What track on Gatlin’s upcoming album, The Eldest Daughter are you claiming? Let us know by commenting down below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
