Sadie Jean Talks Simple Like 17 and Returning for Its Deluxe Version Before Her Next Big Move

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Sadie Jean has had quite the career so far, and before she embarked on the next era as an artist, she had one last story to finish.

The freshly 22-year-old star released her debut EP, Simple Like 17, last year, featuring 7 raw and emotional tracks, including her viral singles "WYD Now?" and "Locksmith," to critical acclaim. Now, she's rounding out the story with three more tracks—"Aisle 6," "You Don't" and "Shut Up About It"—to complete the EP's narrative and prepare herself for the big thing in her musical career. Ahead of today's release, we got the chance to catch up with Sadie and find out more about the extended version of her EP and why this collection of songs means to much to her.

Sweety High: What does the EP title Simple Like 17 mean to you? Why did that title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

Sadie Jean: Most of these songs on this EP were inspired by my first love and heartbreak. As I get older, that relationship symbolizes something so much bigger than what it was. I wrote "Simple Like 17" almost two years after the break up, it was my first time writing about it with that kind of perspective. This song is me closing the chapter by holding space to mourn the relationship and my youth forever.

(Photo credit: Dillon Matthew)

 

SH:  What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it, and how do you feel the deluxe tracks build on those themes?

SJ: The main overarching themes of the EP are the passing of time and heartbreak. The first song on this project was written when I was 19, and the last few on the deluxe were written at 21. Writing these songs really helped me process all of the complex emotions that come with breakups and the transition from teens to 20s.

 

Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'WYD Now?' Singer-Songwriter Sadie Jean

 

SH: Why did you decide to create a deluxe version of the EP with these extra songs?

SJ: I felt like i needed these last few songs thematically to be a part of this project for me to fully move on to the next thing. I also wanted to have some more music out before my first headline tour so it just really worked out.

 

SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

SJ: Me and my neighbor/friend/producer Griff Clawson spent so much time bringing these songs to life. We focused on the songwriting, so the production is nothing crazy or distracting more just building around the vocal and a few fun and fresh sounds from Griff to keep it interesting.

 

SH: How do you feel that this collection of songs represents where you all are in life right now?

SJ: I'm writing this on tour where I get to sing some of these songs for the first time ever and it's bringing a whole new life to the project for me. It's all still very relatable. Tomorrow [May 15] I turn 22 and I'm just freaking out about it. Also all my friends are graduating this week and it's definitely taking me back to the place I was when writing some of these songs. It's really helpful to be processing all of these milestones and simultaneously getting to singing such relevant songs with people who love them like I do every night.

 

Also read about: Sadie Jean Keeps Hope for Her Lost First Love in Stunning Single 'Locksmith'

 

SH: Of the deluxe tracks, which one is your favorite? Why?

SJ: I really love them all. It depends on the day. I think today "Aisle 6" might be my favorite since it's the only song on this project that isn't about love or a breakup at all. It's strictly about entering adulthood and feeling weird about it. Which I'm really relating to right now, lol.

 

SH: Were these new songs recorded during the initial EP production process or afterward? How did it all come together?

SJ: "You Don't" was actually written two years ago right before "Locksmith" came out. I wasn't gonna put it out, but I just kept having this feeling like it needed to be in the project. Other than that song, the whole project is out in chronological order. So "Aisle 6" and "Shut Up" were both written after "Simple Like 17"—which was originally the last track on the project.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much to anyone who listens to the project. It means so much to me!

(Photo credit: Deanie Chen)

 

For more on our favorite new music out this week, click HERE to read our interview with Sasha Alex Sloan on her latest album, Me Again.