Emerging Artists Featured Interviews Music

Bailey Coats Shares Music Experiences & Road To 100K Streams

March 21, 2022

Bailey Coats is an Alabama native pop artist who knew she was born to perform from a very young age.

Ever since she was a little girl, Bailey knew music was going to be a central part of her life.

Bailey Coats has been working to perfect her craft alongside other talented artists. In 2020, she released her debut single titled “Stranger Things” with Grammy-award-winning producer Khris Riddick-Tynes that has gone on to amass over 100K streams on Spotify. One of her more recent releases “FOMO” was also written and produced by Riddick-Tynes.

In this release, Bailey opens up about her experiences of feeling pressured about making decisions regarding her passion for music and her love life.

We interviewed Bailey Coats about her experiences, struggles and successes within the music world.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into music.

Music has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My mom gave me my baby diary a few years ago and in it, she referenced how she knew I would be a performer since the age of 3. Let’s just say it has been a part of me and my soul for as long as I can remember.

Where is your artistic home? What city, neighborhood or country helped inspire and inform your art?

While I am an Alabama girl at heart, I had the opportunity to live in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 7 years during my stage as a young teenager. Because of the wonderful exposure to the multicultural environment that St. Pete had to offer, my artistic inspiration is a culmination of music from all over the world rather than one central place.

Has music always been your career plan?

I am convinced that in life, deep, deep, deep down, we secretly know what we are meant to do. Some of us recognize our purposes and talents early on while others take some time to discover their greatest and truest passions. Music is how I communicate with people. It is how I authentically live out my truth and express my perspectives on life and people. To not be able to wake up every day and do what makes me feel alive for a living, was never a question. Music and entertainment have always been my destined career path.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most when creating music?

People inspire me. As cliché as that sounds, people are truly my greatest inspiration. You never know what exciting or moving story you will hear from a complete stranger unless you ask. I believe that the best kind of music comes from relatability and what is better to relate to than another human being experiencing life from another perspective than your own.

What was the inspiration behind your new single, FOMO?

“FOMO” started off as an ode to the fear of missing out on life; however, that quickly changed when the writing took a much more personal turn and became the catalyst for my looming break-up with my then partner at the time.

I had heavily resisted writing so personally because A) I didn’t want to fully acknowledge these doubtful feelings and B) everyone writes about breakups, why should I? After some much-needed reassurance from my producer and co-writer, “FOMO” ended up becoming one of my most authentic and favorite records to date because of its honesty, vulnerability, and truth.

How does the music style of FOMO compare to your other work?

“FOMO” is the first ‘slow’ song that I ever created with my producer, Khristopher Riddick-Tynes. Previously, Khris and I had only worked on mid-tempo, upbeat, and lively records. But this song was the first that challenged my honesty as a writer as well as my ability to convey real emotions without relying so heavily on production to carry the weight of the song. “FOMO” has acted as the confidence booster I desperately needed to become more vulnerable in writing music.

Besides pop music, what is another music genre that you would like to do?

The cool thing about the industry today is that there are truly no barriers to genre-defining anymore. If you look on Spotify there are at least 20 different genres of pop – crazy?!?! With that in mind, I am excited to dip my toes into styles that have a more alternative/rock base as well as maybe a little country. I know, I know, I’m from Alabama, probably should pay some homage to my roots 🙂

How do you handle comparisons between you and other artists? What sets you apart from other artists?

When it comes to stylistic comparisons, I take it as a compliment that someone would say that I remind them of one of their favorite artists. But in all actuality, as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized that despite any sonic similarity or branding, every artist possesses a unique quality that sets them apart from other artists no matter what similarities can be drawn.

For me, it is my personality that I believe sets me apart from others. It is my personality that drives how I act, how I write and make music, and the goals that I possess for not only myself but the inclusive community that we are building together with this music.

As an emerging artist today, what would you say are some of the challenges you face?

As an independent, emerging artist, there are several challenges that I face. Massive distribution, large marketing budgets, a saturation of the market, the list could go on, believe me. But rather than looking at the obstacles as massive challenges, I think the beauty of being an emerging artist is the freedom in creativity, genuine audience interaction, and a journey unlike any other as you become your own boss and brand leader.

What are some ways that you keep your music authentic as an emerging artist?

I act like myself and create for my enjoyment, not for the pleasure of others. There is nothing worse than creating a record that you know deep down does not reflect you in any capacity and that you have written hoping desperately that fans will love it and it will pop off instantly. I did that early on in my career by not speaking up in-studio sessions and placing unnecessary pressure on myself. Now, I know that if I do not create to simply express myself and communicate, then the music I make will not be authentic in any way, shape, or form.

What are some goals that you have with your music and how do you plan on reaching them?

I have a lot of goals for my career. Some that are personal, some that are public. But they all can be reached by the same methods: dedication, faith, hard work, and unwavering confidence.

Music is all about expression, what do you like expressing in your work?

Growing up, I always had a hard time feeling like I could adequately express myself and connect with my peers. Socially, I can be very awkward and have difficulty fully sharing my heart and perspective with people. In my music, I like expressing ‘me’ in my music. As vague as that sounds, music is the one medium that allows me to perfectly convey my thoughts, feelings, attitude, and so on without any confusion or pause for clarification.

What’s your best advice for aspiring musicians?

Trust yourself and your art. Early on in my career, I based my worth on the opinions of others rather than trusting the fact that my art was fulfilling the purpose it was intended to. Everyone will have something to say about everything you do. At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with it- trust yourself and the art that you create.