Piper Connolly Discusses Ziggy Stardust, Heartache, and “Pop Girl Summer”
Interview via Kenzie Gay - @kenzwrites
Piper Connolly is a budding artist in the world of alternative pop music. Starting out in the rich city of Phoenix, Arizona, Connolly has become a force within her local scene over the last seven years. 2024 in particular has been a big year for her, as she’s made her first official releases with singles Twisted Play, Muse, Kiss Like Me, and most recently, Welcome Back Girl. In lieu of this sudden uptick of success within her career, I sat down (via email) with Miss Connolly to discuss her music and artist evolution.
Piper Connolly photographed by Patty Powers
How did your childhood environment shape your interest in music? Were there any specific people or experiences that sparked your passion?
I grew up in a very musical household. Both of my parents are musicians, my oldest brother is a touring musician, and my other older brother is really into hip-hop and jazz so I’ve been around music my entire life. There always was and always is music playing in the house. I grew up listening to everything from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Beck and The Foo Fighters, to Britney Spears and Beastie Boys. It was never a conscious choice to become a musician, I just always “was”. I knew I would be an entertainer of some sort and I’ve been really fortunate to be able to pursue that. My first taste of that was at 5 years old, my first performance in front of about 150 people belting out Ziggy Stardust… and I was totally hooked.
What role do you believe music plays in healing and personal growth, both for yourself and for your audience?
Music is universal when it comes to healing. For me, having people listen to and respond to my music has been really moving. You know, when you write something– in the beginning– it’s just for you. Whether it be for healing, cleansing, whatever…. But when you release it to the world, it becomes something special for each person who listens to it and vibes with it. And that’s really cool. I like to think that my music will appeal to anyone who has experienced love and heartache…. Especially people that are just going through all of that for the first time…and help them find some healing or, at least, community in that. There is power and peace in that.
How did your family and friends react to your decision to pursue music? Were there any challenges or support that stood out to you?
My family has always been super supportive. Some of my friends find it hard to relate to what I do, and that’s been challenging. I’ve dealt with bullying and have lost some friends along the way. Today, I have a wonderful tight-knit group of friends that “get me” and my family.
Can you pinpoint a specific album or song that had a significant impact on your
development as a musician? What was it about that piece that resonated with you?
I would definitely say, album wise, that “Everybody Wants” by The Struts marked a change in me. I knew from that point on that they would inspire my music, and my stage presence. Song wise, probably “Bohemian Rhapsody”. When I was younger, at my first performance ever, the ‘Queen’ tribute show was playing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. My friend was jamming, and loved it. I asked what the song was, and she was shocked to find that had never heard it. I went home,
listened to it, and something changed in my 5 year old mind. I realized, in that moment, that music really is art.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure song or artist that might surprise your fans?
Probably any rap music- not many people expect that from me. Specifically, Childish Gambino, and Tyler, The Creator.
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self when you were just starting out in music?
“Enjoy every step of the process”. I am super impatient with myself, and I always feel like I should be doing more or doing things faster. I have to remind myself of my age and celebrate what I have accomplished versus chasing the next thing and beating myself up when I don’t get there “fast enough”.
How has being a woman influenced your experience in the music industry, both in terms of opportunities and challenges?
I have not had any problems as a woman in the music industry at this point. In fact, I feel that right now is a great time to be a woman in music. There are so many great female pop artists, and so many amazing female rock stars- all of them paving the way for the next generation. Pop wise, look at Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter taking over the world right now. Female rock stars or alt pop, think Alanis Morrissette, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks… and more contemporary
- Olivia Rodrigo. I think it’s great to be grouped with these strong female artists.
Can you describe the creative process behind your song “Kiss Like Me”? Were there any new approaches or techniques you experimented with?
‘kiss like me’ is a very tongue-in-cheek, “the grass is greener on THIS side” song about a romantic rival. I’m basically telling the object of my affection, “yeah, he might be great and have all these wonderful attributes, but he doesn’t kiss like me”. My songwriting process differs from song to song…sometimes it starts as a voice memo on my phone that gets built out…sometimes it’s a riff on a guitar or something on the piano. Sometimes it’s a journal entry that gets music added to it later. ‘kiss like me’ was a poem turned song. Genre-wise, it’s the poppiest song I’ve released so far - so that was a nice departure from the more rock-
bent music.
What is your opinion on the current pop music sector of the industry, especially with the recent “Pop Girl Summer” wave in pop culture?
I love it! I feel like ‘Fun Summer Pop’ is making a comeback like what we saw in the early 2010s. I think it’s awesome seeing super fun pop artists like Chappell, Charli XCX, Sabrina (I could go on), having their moment!
How do you envision your music evolving over the next five years? Are there any new directions or projects you’re excited about?
I think I ultimately just want to span almost every genre! Rock, Pop, Jazz; I want to take my voice and my music in every direction I can. I want to be an artist that can’t be defined by any one genre. I want to be an artist from whom everyone can find a song they like. I am so excited about the genre blending.
