How Katelyn Tarver Explored a Million ‘What If’s’ for New Single, ‘Parallel Universe’
If you've ever laid awake at night and wondered how life might be different if you'd made different choices, we think you'll relate to singer-songwriter Katelyn Tarver's "Parallel Universe" as deeply as we have.
The dreamy pop ballad is both introspective and bittersweet as Katelyn discovers alternate universes and the branching paths her life could have taken if she'd lived differently. It's about looking back on life, as well as outward, and what happens when we stop wondering "what if" and just embrace the reality we're living in today. Katelyn has some very big things on the horizon, including an upcoming album and a massive 21-date North American headlining tour starting Sep. 6, but first, we got the chance to speak with Katelyn all about the story of "Parallel Universe" and why it's one of her favorites she's ever written.
The Story Behind 'Parallel Universe'
KT: When you're in a phase of re-evaluation, it's easy for your mind to wander over to "what if's." What if I had taken that job? What if I had taken more risks when I was young? What if I had pursued that relationship instead of letting it go? Would I be more successful? Would I be happier? Would I not wonder what if? I think it's so human to ask these questions and to wonder about where our lives might be had we done something different. What if we could talk to that different version of ourselves? What would they say? Would it make things clearer or would they have the same questions for us? This song is an exploration of that idea, and ultimately coming to the conclusion that I, of course, can't know for sure the answers to these questions, but that through asking them, I'm learning to make peace with where I have ended up and where I am going.
What 'Parallel Universe' Means
KT: This song means a lot to me! I like that every chorus is different. I like that it tells a story and explores both sides of the coin. I love to ponder life and meaning and purpose, so it is exciting for me as a writer when I can find ways to string words together in a song and articulate exactly what I am feeling. I hope listeners can find themselves in the song, and I hope it leaves them with a sense of gratitude and a freedom to embrace questions and curiosity.
(Photo credit: Irida Mete)
Also read about: Katelyn Tarver Reveals the Meaning Behind 'Nicer' and Her Debut Album, Subject to Change
Katelyn's Favorite Lyric
KT: My favorite lyric is the last line of the song —"It's probably better and it's probably kinda worse, in a parallel universe." I like it because that's really what the truth of the song is. Maybe all the paths we didn't take are better in some ways, but maybe they're worse in others! I like that I was able to wrap the song up on that note. It feels weirdly hopeful to me.
On Her Upcoming Album
KT: This album is me diving deep into my mind. When I was writing it, I was asking a lot of questions about life—meaning, identity, happiness, purpose, confusion—so it all just went into the music. "Parallel Universe" is one of my favorite songs I've ever written, and it's definitely in line with what a lot of the other songs are exploring.
(Photo credit: Irida Mete)
Also read about: Alex Sampson on Wanting What's Bad for Him in New Single 'WANT YOU!'
On Musical Growth
KT: I think I've just continued to trust my instincts more and more. I made this album with such a small select group of people who I felt safe to be myself with. I'm so grateful for collaborators that help me tell my story and cheer me on. I continue to fall in love with lyrics and the craft of songwriting, and I think this track and this album is representative of that journey for me.
Final Thoughts
KT: I'll be playing it on my tour this fall!!! Come out to a show!
(Photo credit: Irida Mete)
For more on our favorite new music out today, click HERE to read our interview with Mckenna Grace on the new single, "Casual Kisser."