Interview with Indy: A Songstress of Summery Pop Perfection

Walking the streets of New York City with feelings on her mind, Indy returned to the world of music by flawlessly crafting one of 2024’s ultimate songs of the summer.

After debuting with her first project just last year, the New Zealand singer-songwriter is already back and gracing fans with a brand-new era of music.

In 2023, Indy’s EP titled “Threads” received high praises as an introduction to her immense artistry and talent, with tracks like “Killer” and “Hometown” showing vastly different facets to who she is as a creative force.

“East Coast” is the first single Indy’s dropped in 2024, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, we’re in store for a glittery and summery catalog of pop perfection. Knowing Indy, though, a few heartfelt and gut-wrenching ballads are also probably on the way.

While Indy’s latest track is filled with dance-inducing beats, fun melodies, and the catchiest chorus one can muster, “East Coast” is also deeply personal to her journeys in love, travel, and finding personal peace after a break-up. No matter what one is going through, there’s something everyone can take away from this new summer anthem. The song truly feels like the embodiment of someone strolling through a massive city with headphones on, the sunshine glistening, and a refreshing beverage in-hand. It’s an absolutely delightful listen that’s sure to be on constant repeat in your AirPods.

Indy chatted with The New Nine about all things “East Coast,” her plans to start doing live performances, and her deep love for New York City and Lola from “Shark Tale.” Keep reading for the full interview!

Hey Indy, it’s so nice to be speaking with you! Congratulations on your brand-new single, “East Coast.” This is the start of a new era for you, so how would you say this new era differs from your last project with the “Threads” EP?

Indy: That’s a good question! I think that this era is different just because I’m 25. I think that I have a bit more clarity of who I am. “East Coast” is a break-up song, so “single summer” is the vibe! I think it’s just more about me now instead of compartmentalizing a career and somebody else.

“East Coast” is 100% my favorite song from you now. For those who haven’t heard it yet, how would you describe the song and what it personally means to you?

Indy: I would say that it’s fast-paced, very synth and vocal heavy, and surprisingly kind of sad. I think what it means to me is figuring out that a really important relationship in my life no longer served me. It’s coming to terms with that loss and coming to terms with what it means to be alone after being with someone for so long, and how the world looks around you. It’s melancholic but also cathartic, especially for the summer.

If you had to choose, what’s your favorite lyric from “East Coast”?

Indy: “Talking back with the TV on / So obvious we're ten years apart / I'm the one to blame / 'Cause I'm not your age / you're the leading man.” I really liked that, because I really liked the idea of this image where the TV was on, right? Full TV, and I was the one that was trying to avoid the argument. They were talking back to me, I was talking back to them, the TV was on, everything was blaring, and I just thought it really shows how young I am and how much older that person was. I just thought it was visually quite interesting.

I know you definitely prefer NYC to LA! What do you think is in the magic sauce of New York City that keeps it separated and special from other places like Los Angeles or even New Zealand?

Indy: I think the fact that it’s a walkable city and that it’s very spontaneous. You’re not parking your car. You can see your friends or find friends, and just show up to the bar or the restaurant. There’s a lot of things to do outside. You’re always walking. I actually think if you’re walking all day, you have the time to process your life. I think you get a bit of a sense of self. There’s a lot of magic in spontaneity. It’s just the different places you go and the energy. You’re not stuck in a parking garage; you’re literally on your two feet walking around all day. That’s really special, I think. That’s the magic.

“East Coast” is a lot about sacrificing your personal peace for the benefit of someone or something else. Since writing this song, what are some small ways you’ve worked toward gaining more personal peace within your own life?

Indy: Not everything has to be dealt with right away. You can take 30 minutes to react to something. I was working on eight different mixes of the song. I was really frustrated and couldn’t get it, and so I just took a really long walk outside. I think with not being so rushed to get something done, you can take something at your own pace. Nothing’s going to go wrong if you just get off your phone for 30 minutes and turn your phone off. Personal peace would definitely be choosing how you respond to something, especially work-related. It makes for a better outcome if you really take a second to think about it.

The cover art for “East Coast” is gorgeous! Could you tell me a little bit about how the cover art came to be and the inspiration behind it?

Indy: Yes, I was shooting with this really lovely photographer who’s really good. Her name’s Elinor Kry. She was shooting on film, so we didn’t shoot digitally. With film, you have a little bit less shots, so you need to be more specific. I was wearing this crazy tutu that was kind of like the Carrie Bradshaw tutu, and then this big blazer. We were walking around my neighborhood in the East Village, we were walking around Tompkins Square Park, we walked to this little garden that I organize, and we were sitting in the grass. I took a second to eat a snack and she was like, “You should actually just sit down with your shoes on with this big tutu and take that photo, because it looks like you’re your truest self.” Especially because I’m from New Zealand, we grew up with cricket fields and soccer fields, and it’s just all grass everywhere. I guess it was just the truest essence of me. It was one of those random little days where I just wanted it to be shot where I spend most of my time. I didn’t really have any expectations, and it just ended up working out like that!

I’d personally love to see a festival debut from you! Is that in the cards this year to maybe start with some live performances?

Indy: 100%! 100%! I actually just confirmed a little something today. I can’t really say much more, but definitely! I have some dream venues. I’d love to do Bowery Ballroom and things like that, but 100%. 100%, I’ll be doing performances this year.

I’ve seen your obsession with Lola from “Shark Tale” online. You have been leading the campaign on making her this summer’s it-girl. What is it about Lola that speaks to you?

Indy: Well, she’s actually the villain in “Shark Tale,” and I think it’s kind of iconic. She’s really hot and has big lips. When I was a kid, people would always say I have fish lips. 10 years later, it’s iconic to have big lips. I just think she’s sassy and fun. She’s the villain in the story, which I probably am a little bit — I can own that… I just think she’s kind of hot and cool. She’s just doing her thing. It’s funny to me, and I just think it’s iconic!

Are there any new music discoveries you’ve made recently that you’d love to give a shoutout to?

Indy: This doesn’t need a shoutout from me because he’s doing huge things, but I love Mk.Gee! His album “Two Star & the Dream Police” is just so incredible! I quite like Grace Enger. She opened for Maisie Peters, and she’s really cool. I like her. She has a song called “The Neighborhood,” and that song is sick. And I really like Jensen McRae. She’s cool!

What’s a movie or TV show that is currently inspiring you right now?

Indy: “Gossip Girl.” Like, the OG. I’m actually going to the Hamptons for two weeks, and I’ve never really done that kind of thing. I’m just really excited to feel like Blair. Not Serena. Like Blair. I feel like the soundtrack is really iconic. Everyone’s really hot, everyone’s kind of sassy, and it just eats. It’s definitely inspired me. It’s the best.

Have you seen the “Gossip Girl” reboot?

Indy: Yeah, I actually liked it! I mean, it’s okay, but I’m kind of sad that they canceled it. I liked it!

Final question! Is there anything you can tease about what fans can expect from Indy for the rest of 2024?

Indy: I’ll say that I’m ready to break people’s hearts with some slower, darker songs that I love. I think people think that I just make fast songs, but I have three songs that are just annihilating. I’m ready to show that. I’m ready for my acoustic moment too.

Keep up with Indy on Instagram and Spotify.