How Actress and Singer-Songwriter Kylie Cantrall Wrote New Single ‘Texts Go Green’ in Just 10 Minutes
With its shimmering pop sound and irresistible lyrics, you'd never guess that Kylie Cantrall's new single, "Texts Go Green" was written in just 10 minutes, but Kylie is anything but your average artist.
The multitalented High School Musical: The Musical: The Series actress and singer-songwriter is also a TikTok sensation, and the new track came from her "10 minute song" series on the platform. Inspired by a three-word prompt from a fan, it only took 10 minutes for Kylie to bring the song to life, and it's destined to be a hit. Kylie will also be releasing her highly anticipated debut album in early 2024, but first, we got the chance to catch up with Kylie to learn all about the new song and precisely what its lyrics mean to her.
On the 10-Minute Song Series
Kylie Cantrall: My 10-minute song series really started as a "challenge." I was wondering, "What would happen if I wrote a song with the camera rolling?" I guess I thought it would be a great writing exercise that would push me to get words on the page. Plus, I've found that I get a lot done when I'm under a time restraint. That's why I need to film myself in a new series called "Can I clean my room in two minutes?" Haha.
Once I added the "I'll be using three words suggested to me by my fans to write the song" idea, things really took off. I knew the concept was connecting when I was over a million views by the third video.
(Photo credit: Xkylar, Courtesy of Artist Partner Group)
On 'Texts Go Green'
KC: If it hadn't been for the fan who commented the words "green," "block" and "bed frame," I don't think I would've ever written this song. The truth is whenever I start filming one of these videos, I never really know how it's going to turn out, and thankfully this one just kind of came together. It just seemed obvious that it needed to be turned into a full song.
Also read about: How Katelyn Tarver Explored a Million 'What If's' for New Single, 'Parallel Universe'
What 'Texts Go Green' Means
KC: Although it's kind of a "breakup song," in a sense, it also feels fun and a little silly. That's kind of my attitude in life. Even when relationships get tough, I've never been the type of girl who doesn't eat anything for days after a breakup. Maybe it's because I don't want to give boys that much power or maybe it's because I like food too much!
Kylie's Favorite Lyric
KC: My favorite lyric in the song is definitely, "He was deadweight, had no bed frame," because it actually came from a story one of my friends told me about the time she went to a guy's house and all he had in his room was one poster on the wall and a mattress on the floor. Looking back, I remember telling her "Wait, he didn't have a bed frame? That should have been your cue to run!"
(Photo credit: Xkylar, Courtesy of Artist Partner Group)
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What's Next
KC: I have two more singles coming out this year followed by an EP at the top of next year. So, I'm really using this year to figure out what songs I want on the EP, how long the EP should be, what the EP should be called and so on. You know, just all the small "career-defining" decisions!
And this may be super random, but it looks like I'll be releasing a holiday song this year. Hehe. xoxo gossip girl.
For more on our favorite rising stars, click HERE to read our interview with Marley Bleu on her new single, "unintentional."