In an exclusive interview with rising star Bailey Spinn, we delve into her remarkable transition from a social media sensation with millions of followers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube to a promising artist in the music industry. With her debut TV performance on the prestigious Tamron Hall Show and a growing fan base, Bailey’s authenticity and unique blend of pop-punk influences from the early 2000s, infused with her Gen-Z twist, has captivated audiences worldwide.
From her personal challenges as a closeted pansexual to overcoming cyberbullying and finding solace in her online community, Bailey shares the empowering story behind her music and the significant role social media has played in shaping her career.
Q&A with Bailey Spinn
Unfinished Man: What was your first thought when you found out you had booked the Tamron Hall Show for your debut TV performance, and how did it feel to perform on such a prestigious platform?
Bailey Spinn: I was extremely excited when I found out I was going to be performing on TV. It didn’t really process in my mind until the day it was happening. I wasn’t nervous in the sound check or anytime leading up to the performance, but once I saw the audience and the big cameras, I freaked a little. I was shaking during the entire performance because I was so nervous. I had barely ever sung in front of crowds and never had my own music before. You could definitely hear the shaking in my voice too, but I am so honored that I had the opportunity to perform. There’s always room for improvement, but I can’t believe I worked up the courage to do that! Once I finished singing, I felt such a relief; it was such a dream.
With millions of followers on TikTok and YouTube, what made you decide to transition into the music industry?
I have always loved music since I was a kid. I played many instruments growing up, including the flute, ukulele, trombone, viola, and now the electric guitar. I am a huge fan of Broadway musicals and the story behind them. Every day when I would come home from school, I would sing karaoke in the basement for hours on end. It was something that I was too afraid to show my audience out of fear of not being good enough for them. When 2022 came around, I decided it was finally time to overcome my fear of singing in front of people. Something at the time just felt right, and once I started to create music, I realized it was definitely the correct path for me. I love the process and story behind creating music and being able to express myself fully. Once I had fully gained my confidence back, it felt like my music dream was in my hands for the first time.
Can you tell us about the story and inspiration behind your debut single and music video, “Romance is Dead”?
Romance is Dead came from a personal time in my life. I have been single for going on 3 years straight without even a hint of romance. People today don’t have much of a standard when it comes to relationships, and I see so much disrespect firsthand. I was done with meaningless flings or people who didn’t have the best intentions in mind. One day I realized that I was not the problem, but it was the society around me and the way we view relationships. Romance is Dead tells my story and asks for respect in relationships. I point out key things that create a stable relationship, like going on dates, communicating, and getting to know someone before jumping into things. I wanted my video to capture the power I was taking back while still including my 2000s style. The luxurious house represents my success while being alone. The ghost of my past relationships follows me around to remind me of all the failures I’ve faced.
Your upcoming single, “Runner Up,” is generating a lot of anticipation. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect from this new track?
Runner Up talks about feeling like a second-place person. Whether it be in friendships or relationships, we have all been there. Seeing friends hang out without you, losing the person you like to someone else, or even just being left out entirely. My inspiration came from feeling like I wasn’t good enough for anyone. Somehow I would always end up on my own, wondering why I wasn’t their first choice. Runner Up is a relatable pop-rock anthem, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear the full thing!
As a content creator who has conquered multiple social media platforms, what challenges did you face while venturing into the music industry, and how did you overcome them?
People didn’t want to accept my passion, which I figured was going to happen. The hate comments on my song covers on TikTok were horrendous, and I definitely cried over them a few times. I hadn’t told my story, so no one understood why I suddenly started singing. Many told me that I was bad and I should stop entirely, but I continued pushing the covers anyway. It was my first time ever in a studio, so, of course, I was going to be nervous. As time went on I started to get better, but the comments did not. I overcame these kinds of comments by taking them with a grain of salt. I was trying something new and putting myself out there while they hated on me from behind their phone screens. Music is my dream job, and I wasn’t going to let some hate comments stop me from pursuing it.
You’ve mentioned being influenced by artists like Avril Lavigne, Hayley Williams, and the Pop-Punk sound of the early/mid-2000s. How have you incorporated these influences into your music while adding your unique Gen Z twist?
I’ve taken a lot of storytelling elements from the pop-punk sound of the 2000s and put that into my music. While listening to Avril’s music, I feel like I’m being told a story, and I wanted that in mine as well. I love upbeat drums with some simple guitar, just like all the best used to do. I fell in love with Hayley Williams because of Paramore, and I take a lot of inspiration from her vocals. I love to explore with my voice, trying mixing and belting to create the perfect song. I incorporate a lot of Gen-Z Elements through my lyrics. I’ve talked about texting, being left on read, and so many other things we all relate to today!
Your journey as a closeted pansexual in conservative Virginia must have been challenging. How did you find the courage to embrace your true identity, and how does it influence your music and career?
I actually did not discover my sexuality until I had fully moved out of Virginia. When I was younger, there were some tell tale signs that I was queer, but it never clicked in my mind. I had seen the way my friends were bullied ruthlessly for being gay by our peers, and the thought of them bullying me too kept me far in the closet. Once I moved to college, everything changed for me. I started to make new friends and got into an accepting environment, allowing me to explore myself more. During that time, I originally came out as Bisexual, but as time went on I realized that label didn’t fully fit me. About a year later, I started to identify as Pansexual.
My identity had been repressed for so long that I needed to learn about what my personal interests were, and what kind of people I truly liked. My sexuality directly influences my music. One thing I like to keep in mind is inclusivity. I know how it feels to be excluded or judged for being yourself, and I want everyone to relate to my music. In 4/5 of the songs on my EP there are 0 pronouns of any kind. The only pronoun that appears is in one line in Runner up. No matter what someone identifies as I want them to listen to my music and be able to relate. In the future, I plan on creating more music about discovering my sexuality and becoming more confident in myself.
Social media played a significant role in your life, particularly during your high school years. Could you elaborate on how it helped you overcome bullying and find your voice?
When I started social media, my mental health was at an all-time low. Covid was at its peak, so I spent all my time isolated in my room without anyone to talk to. I didn’t have many hobbies, meaning too much free time to think. When I was scrolling on TikTok one day, I found a comedic skit that made me laugh, and I decided to make one too. Quickly this became an everyday occurrence, and it felt right for me. People online were accepting of me and wanted to see the content that I was putting out. Posting online made me feel loved, which is not what I was getting from my peers before. Which all my free time, I fully immersed myself in TikTok, as it was always my dream to be in some kind of spotlight. I realized that if I had the confidence to post myself online every day, I should apply that to my real life too. It made me realize that the world is bigger than just the part of town I lived in. There were people all around the world supporting me, and it warmed my heart. I was excited to build my fan base, and finally feel welcomed by a community.
With your vast online following, how do you balance staying connected with your fans while focusing on your music and personal growth?
At times it becomes difficult to balance it all. I’m in a transitional period where I’m a full-time musician and content creator. Whenever I’m not in a session or creating content, I love reading replies and comments on my videos to get feedback while connecting with my audience. I try to post interactive content on all platforms, allowing my followers to ask me questions or vote on a poll! I’m always sharing what I do on socials, too; if I’m in the studio, I always share some behind-the-scenes photos!
Closing Thoughts
As Bailey Spinn continues to make waves in the music industry, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and individuals striving to embrace their true identities. With the upcoming release of her highly anticipated single, “Runner Up,” we eagerly anticipate the relatable pop-rock anthem that promises to resonate with listeners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bailey for her candid insights and wish her continued success on her path of self-discovery, artistic expression, and connecting with fans who have found solace in her music.
You’ll find Bailey on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
