Caitlyn Scarlett reveals new track 'Happy When' - premiere

New music to listen to this week

A while back we featured Caitlyn Scarlett and her fantastic acoustic version of "Rust".

This year she signed a publishing deal with BMG, and has unveiled a new track: "Happy When."

You can listen to the song first via The Independent, check it out below:

Q&A with Caitlyn Scarlett

What are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I’m having a bit of a Classic Hip Hop/Rap revival, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Biggie Smalls, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep.. that kinda thing. As for something modern I’m absolutely obsessed with Smino, a rapper/singer from St Louis, I think his album Blkswn is one of the best things I’ve come across this year, I’ve been converting all my mates too. Also loving Kate Bush as I’ve gone through some personal ups and downs recently and her lyrics always resonate with and guide me.

Can you tell us a few highlights of your year so far?

Singing my publishing deal with BMG was a huge milestone in my life. I put the pen to paper in the Natural History Museum, in front of a T-Rex which may seem random but I chose to do it there because that museum is where I felt most inspired by the world as a child (if not for music I probably would have been a palaeontologist or archaeologist).

I felt like I was giving something back to 'little Caitlyn', and my mother was right there too which was just awesome. Having that kind of business exchange is so rewarding because until now I had always been totally independent and worked a job as well as doing 3 studio days a week. Signing a deal and actually being paid for all the work finally made me think “Yes, I’m not crazy. I can actually do this for a living and other people believe in me.” Plus I really don’t miss having my phone cut off because the bill payment bounced, haha.

Writing for one of the biggest pop stars in the world was an awesome experience. I won’t name any names because I’m a believer in keeping cards close to my chest, but I was working with some of the best in the biz and it was very cool. I was honoured to have seat at the table, so to speak.

Regarding my own material, just last night actually a fan sent me a video of his 8 year old daughter (unaware she’s being filmed) in her bedroom singing along to my song 'Heart For Rent' and I almost sobbed like a maniac. That really touched me because she’s from the other side of the world and she reminded me of myself a bit. Moments like that make everything I’ve done to get my music out there totally worth it.

What was the first gig you ever played and what’s been the best so far?

The first gig I ever played was a short acoustic set in my village pub to about 30 people, I was age 15 I think and I remember two dudes who had once gotten through to judges houses on X Factor coming up and speaking to me after, offering me advice.

I was elated at the time, I’d never met anyone even remotely successful in the music industry. I’d say the best was Proud in Camden after the release of my first EP, my band were awesome and all my nearest and dearest came to watch.

What have you got lined up for 2018?

I have the last 2 installations of my 3-volume project ‘The Red Tapes’ to come, as well as music videos!

Live performances which I’m both terrified and pumped for. I get really bad anxiety right before a show, but I also cannot wait to deliver the material in person and make a connection with my supporters. As I mentioned before, I also write music for lots of other acts, it’s almost half of what I do.

So there should be some really cool cuts and collaborations on the horizon as well. Oh yeah, and everyone tells me I should start a Youtube channel, because I’ve harboured a quiet passion for making little films and music videos all my life, so I’m doing that too. Lots to share, lots of work to be done. I hope it’s going to be a great year.

"Happy When", the new single from Caitlyn Scarlett, is out on 27 October