Stephanie Poetri Talks Crushes and Those Times We’ve All Felt ‘Selfish’

Indonesian singer Stephanie Poetri is one young artist that should be on everyone's radars.

And she's had a very successful 2020, with her original songs and covers consistently racking up millions of listens. From "I Love You 3000" to "Straight to You," every one has been phenomenally catchy yet powerfully relatable, and her latest release, "Selfish," is no different.

We don't know about you, but we've all felt a bit selfish when it comes to a person who isn't really ours to covet. Curious? Stephanie told us all about her take on the song and exactly how it came to be.

Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "Selfish"?

Stephanie Poetri: I was sent an unfinished track of "Selfish," but the chorus and the way there was a pause really caught my attention. I went on a Zoom call with the producers and went to finish the song together!

 

SH: Was the track inspired by a real experience or relationship?

SP: Maybe not necessarily a past relationship, but I do feel like we have all been in a similar situation where we have a crush on someone or are close to someone but not in a romantic way, and when we see them with someone else we feel jealous but we also feel like we don't have the right to be. This song talks about that feeling of being selfish when you don't know if you really can be.

 

SH: Do you have any advice for young women who might find themselves in the situation you describe in the track?

SP: Just shoot your shot, babes! It's better to do something and fail than to never try at all 'cause you will keep thinking about the "what if" so if you think you want something more official, then just let them know!

 

SH: What themes and ideas were important for you to get across in the music video for the track?

SP: I wanted to show the dark, moody and sassy vibes of the song, especially with the lights and colors and makeup!

 

SH: Were there any particularly memorable moments from the filming of the music video?

SP: Riding a bike at 1 a.m. in the middle of a closed road…it was kinda scary!

 

SH: How has the pandemic changed the way you make music, if at all? Has it been a challenge?

SP: Now, I do a lot of songwriting sessions through Zoom, and at first it was hard due to latency issues, but I found ways around it. Also the time difference is really hard to get used to since I am usually hours ahead of my producers!

 

SH: Are there any artists that are particularly inspiring you during these unusual times?

SP: I just found this amazing singer-songwriter, Lizzy McAlpine. Her music is so well-written and I feel like I've been listening to her every day now.

 

SH: Anything you can tease about your upcoming EP?

SP: It is divided into two vibes! It's called AM:PM, one focusing on morning feelings and the other the moodiness of the night.

 

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

SP: I hope you are all doing well and finding new hobbies! I just started a Twitch channel that I am on pretty often, if any of my supporters want to converse with me or just say hi through chat!

 

If you adore Stephanie as much as we do, click HERE to learn what Stephanie revealed to us as our Woman Crush Wednesday.