The thing about teen artists is they’re usually as unrefined as they are exciting. It’s rare to find one who starts their career fully formed.
By Graeme Smith
Rare but not impossible, and fifteen-year-old Phoenix-born and Los Angeles-based American alt pop artist Piper Connolly is about as close as you can get. Her new EP she’s too much! defies her limited years through refined wit and a mature sound.
It’s a familiar story – bright, vibrant, catchy pop with edge and a little darkness, channelling ’00s energy and aesthetic along with modern day sentiments. There’s been a long line of solo female artists like this in recent years, but that doesn’t make what Connolly is doing any less interesting.
The title and lyrics allude to the idea that young women are often instructed to be less than they are. They must be quiet and demure, not cause too much trouble or state their point of view. Connolly rebels against this across six distinct tracks.
The EP punches right from the off with the romantic anthem beautiful life. The charm of the vocals steals the show, and the chorus sticks with you, proving an ability to pen a strong hook. Bubblegum with razorblades is cutting and defiant. It rumbles through the verse before getting explosive in the chorus. Better than this is wistful and throwback. The self-effacing lyrics make it a highlight.
Joyride is suitably dynamic, conjuring the feeling of a late night drive with the windows down. Body bag is bass-y, bluesy, and macabre in its lyrics. Unapologetic gives us some final acoustic emo rock a la Avril Lavigne. It brings that ‘00s sound to the fore by even referencing it in the outro.
She’s too much! strikes a balance between making a statement and being a fun listen, a feat that isn’t easy to pull off. It’s a record that proves why Connolly deserves the attention she’s getting. We’re not her only fans. She’s had editorial support from Apple Music, and a six-week run on South Africa’s 5FM Top 40. If that weren’t enough, she’s also received a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination and recognition as Meta’s Artist of the Day. She’s the definition of one to watch.
If you want to keep up to date with all she’s doing, you can by heading to her website and by following her on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
She’s too much! is out now and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator