Molly Cottrell: "Back To Life (What Happened to the Poets?)" (Exclusive Interview)
What inspires your music?
I've always been fascinated with the juxtapositions in life, specifically the contradictions that exist within each of us as people. There are so many women within me; so many different versions of myself exist simultaneously, and this is what keeps my music evolving. I read a quote one time by Joan Didion that has always stuck with me because, until then, I had never been able to articulate exactly what the songwriting process is for me. She said, "Had I been blessed with even limited access to my own mind there would have been no reason to write. I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking". I'm inspired by poetry in music, and it is very important to me that my songs have an elevated message or tell a raw, unadulterated story.
How did you start your professional recording career?
I have known that I was going to be a musician as far back as I can remember. When I was about to graduate college and move to LA to pursue this dream, I recorded my first EP. I had already been performing live and writing my own music for many years, but had never professionally recorded anything. This EP is what I took with me to LA when I packed up my car and drove across the country. I didn't have a job or apartment lined up, nor the slightest clue how to make this dream a reality...but I had no doubt that it was my purpose, and therefore no other choice. I had no idea how valuable that EP would be, because just 5 months into living in LA, I linked up with one of my favorite artist's managers and was in the studio recording an album with Grammy Award-winning producer Kelvin Wooten. Kelvin was the first true mentor of sorts for me in this industry, and working with him fueled my fire even more. Without my time spent learning from and creating with him, I would not be the artist I am today. From there I began working with legendary vocalist, producer, & Grammy Award winner Kip Blackshire. Working with Kip is where I really came into my own as an artist and began to truly master my vocals. My latest project "The Ripening" is a collection of work all produced by Kip and myself.
How did you come up with your single?
"Back To Life (What Happened to the Poets?)” is a song drenched in nostalgia for a time in the music industry when mainstream music contained a much higher level of lyricism in particular. While there are many incredible mainstream artists out today, I really miss the time when every genre was SAYING something. A time when each artist was their own unique being and everyone didn't sound the same and look the same. A time when artists really honed their crafts and weren't consumed the way it is now with TikTok and all social media platforms. This single is about bringing the industry back to life.
What is your genre of music?
I am an R&B artist, although today's genre lines are fainter and fainter by the minute. I have R&B melodies, hip hop beats, neo-soul elements, classic soul elements, and so much more infused into my tracks.
Who are your influences?
I grew up exposed to just about every kind of music under the sun, from Sade, The Police, Aretha Franklin, Anjelique Kidjo, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and more. The biggest influences in my own music would have to be... vocals/melodies, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Anderson Paak, and Snoh Aalegra. Some of my favorite lyricists are Andre 3000, Royce da 5'9", Tobe Nwigwe, and Kendrick Lamar. As for what I listen to, it's mostly Afro Beats, R&B, and rap. Throw in Sade, Angelique Kidjo, and Otis Redding and you've got my perfect playlists all combined!
How do you define success?
Success to me is something that is constantly evolving as I evolve myself. I can think of nothing more torturous or depressing than getting to the end of my days on this planet and wondering "what if". What IF I had pursued my biggest passions in this life instead of playing small to feel safe or comfortable? What IF I hadn't let fear hold me back from creating the life I dream of? To me, success is getting to the end of my days without the "what if". Knowing that I did exactly what I was put here to do. And that is the greatest honor & privilege I could imagine.
What can we expect from you in 2022?
I have so much coming up through the rest of 2022 and into 2023 when it comes to my project The Ripening. The next single will be out in a few short weeks! I have incredible visuals lined up for this year as well, so please stay tuned to my IG @mollycottrell for all the latest updates! As independent artists, I don't think people really understand how much the smallest gestures mean - following our IG, using our songs in your IG stories, tagging us when you're listening to a track of ours, sharing links to our music...these are all free and go a surprisingly long way! I'm so grateful for every bit of support I receive and find so much fulfillment in growing a community around my music.
