Interview & Live Show with UPSAHL
22-year old alt-pop stunner UPSAHL is the cool girl next door who instantly becomes even cooler once you find out she’s as genuine as they come. Crafting music for every recklessly wonderful life scenario, UPSAHL brings an endearing authenticity to your favorite hard-hitting pop/rock tracks. Her recent debut album “Lady Jesus” is an impressive display of artistic growth and utmost badassery as UPSAHL continues to carve out an exceptional path for herself in the music industry.
I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the glowing starlet before her show at The Cannery Ballroom in Nashville, TN this past week, where we caught up on the release of UPSAHL’s brand new album “Lady Jesus”, her creative drive during months of COVID quarantine, and her unmatched ability to push the “typical” boundaries of a young woman in the turbulent music scene.
Photo by Aubree Estrella
Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, UPSAHL always seemed to be drawn to creative outlets. With the intense passion of a music industry veteran, UPSAHL had already written and produced her first body of work, a self-titled EP, at only 14 years old. As a graduate of Arizona School for the Arts, UPSAHL made a name for herself around the Phoenix music scene, playing local shows and releasing music throughout her teen years.
After signing to Arista Records in 2018, UPSAHL continued to shape her sound with songs like “Rough”, “Kiss Me Now”, and “The Other Team”. The artist’s overwhelming breakthrough came with the release of her 2019 single “Drugs” which has since cycled through a number of impressive collaborations and remixes. For many new listeners, “Drugs” put UPSAHL on the industry’s radar as a young, stand-out creator who effortlessly combines the grunge of alternative rock and the magnetic energy of earworm pop melodies.
If you’ve listened to UPSAHL’s music before, then you already know her lyrics are deeply-rooted in brutally honest, intentionally head-turning life experiences. For fans of songwriting pop powerhouses like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, UPSAHL will elevate your experiences with stinging realizations, sharp remarks, and punchy choruses that feel just as good as they sound.
The only thing better than listening to UPSAHL’s punch-in-the-gut and strut-your-stuff music, is hearing it live and in-person. After an awesome opening set by drumaq, the crowd in Nashville, TN was buzzing with suspense as UPSAHL prepares to take the stage. When her band members (adorned in the coolest orange jumpsuits I have ever seen) settle beside their respective instruments, the lights drop and the room shakes with overwhelming cheers. Fans eagerly lean towards the stage, now lit up in gorgeous green hues, as UPSAHL steps out onto the stage with a coy smile.
In some concert settings, the opener may have to fight to hold onto the audience’s attention during their set. This was most definitely not the case for Miss UPSAHL. In fact, I watched multiple people abandon their freshly purchased concessions in order to run into the bouncing crowd and get the full ‘UPSAHL experience’. The energy she creates in a room is simply contagious. Within seconds, this rising starlet had hundreds of fans in the palm of her hand. As a fellow 22-year old, I felt such a sense of pride and awe watching UPSAHL completely takeover the room with her art. It was such a special scene to watch fans connect with her musically, but also on a very personal level as well.
Paired with stunning, colorful lighting, UPSAHL threw her soul into each and every song on the setlist. Fans were beyond excited to dance, sing, and scream along to gritty pop anthems like “Last Supper”, “Notorious”, and my personal favorite, “Lady Jesus”.
Before the show, I chatted with UPSAHL about the creative journey behind her debut full length album which, funny enough, was born out of a Nashville writing trip last year.
“I’m absolutely stoked to be back in Nashville because the last time I was here was when I was writing the album in 2020. At the beginning of quarantine, I kind of had that moment of ‘If I’m not constantly being creative, I’m going to go insane!’ And that moment of realization really pushed me to keep writing and making music even when there were times of pure frustration.”
Photo by Aubree Estrella
UPSAHL possesses the uncanny ability to express the utter chaos of your early 20s with raging red melodies and shimmering pop vocals. Her debut full-length album “Lady Jesus” puts her stand out alt-pop talents on full display. Throughout her set, UPSAHL encouraged new and old fans alike to cut negative relationships and superficial behavior out of their lives. Not only does this young artist perform with stunning confidence, she also instills that confidence in others.
At 19 years old, UPSAHL relocated from Arizona to Los Angeles to continue her music endeavors. Dealing with cutthroat, competitive personalities only propelled UPSAHL further in her artistry as she fought to keep making music that came from her own personal experiences. Forget the overly-glamourized parties, the constant social climbing, and the people-pleasing; UPSAHL is only interested in surrounding herself with the people that push her forward and making music that expresses her true sense of self.
“The best advice I have ever gotten is from my publisher. Years ago, he said ‘Stay in your lane and stop comparing yourself to others. Only compare yourself to where you were a year ago, a month ago, whatever it is!’ and that is what has kept me sane for the last 4 years. Focus on your own growth, your own journey, and it will never lead you wrong.”
There is something so effortlessly captivating about an artist who can command a room’s full attention with the power of good music and a killer attitude. UPSAHL set The Cannery Ballroom ablaze with her confident prowess, engaging energy, and her incredible band. Nothing makes a show better than watching every person onstage (and off!) having the absolute time of their lives rocking out to music that says what words cannot.
In the least dramatic way possible, UPSAHL is the alt-pop act that is going to blow you out of the water. If you haven’t gotten a chance to see this natural-born performer live in concert, you’re missing out! Check out UPSAHL’s live performance of “Time of my Life” to get just a taste of the magic that only this singer/songwriter can provide.
Never one to slow down, UPSAHL already has her sights set on 2022. Riding off the high of her ridiculously impressive debut album “Lady Jesus”, UPSAHL is itching to get back into the studio and release even more new music for her loyal fans. Her most recent single release “Scream” with G Flip is a lustful, teasing track that only fuels our impatience for more music from UPSAHL.
Luckily, there is still plenty of time to catch UPSAHL’s live performances as she continues opening for Olivia O’Brien on the highly-anticipated “The Olivia O’Brien Show'' tour. Itching to see UPSAHL live in concert? Grab tickets to her next show on her website here.
UPSAHL is a rising artist who encapsulates everything it means to create art from within. There is no beating around the bush when it comes to this music. With a determination like no other, UPSAHL continues on her upward trajectory to absolute stardom with songs that connect fans across the globe. Despite her impressive levels of success thus far, UPSAHL is a humbling, confident presence that takes everything in stride. In only a few short years, she has already proved herself as a force to be reckoned with in this industry, and we are so excited to watch her artistic growth in the coming months.
You can stream UPSAHL’s debut album “Lady Jesus” on Spotify and Apple Music. Be sure to follow the stunning alt-pop starlet on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook for all the latest music release updates.
Interview by Kelly Carrazzone
