The year 2025 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bailey Spinn. Embracing her edgy pop-punk stardom, she has amassed millions of fans and followers across social media. Her latest single, Cheap Motel, is a deeply personal track that delves into the emotions and reflections surrounding a past relationship.
Offering a glimpse of what’s to come, the song sets the stage for her highly anticipated debut album, Loser, to be released this month. In this interview with XS Noize, Bailey shares what fans can expect from the album.
Please describe yourself and your sound in 10 words or less for anyone unfamiliar with you and your music.
I’m a pop-rock lover who’s also a little sad!
Where did the idea for your new single, “Cheap Motel,” come from? Can you walk me through the writing and recording process?
Usually, when writing a new song, I like to come into the studio with an idea or feeling in mind. On the day I wrote “Cheap Motel”, I was going through some relationship struggles where I didn’t feel like they took me seriously or knew my worth. I worked with my producer to develop a hook based on my feelings, and “Cheap Motel” fit well. Many cheap motels are worn down, and customers don’t always take the best care of the rooms since they’re inexpensive. The room means nothing to them, similar to how I felt in my relationship.
Writing it came easily since we were going off of personal experiences where I felt worthless or was treated poorly. We built out some of the track after, going for an earlier 2000s rock-type feel. Then, we brainstormed some catchy melodies for the chorus and tracked them to see how they would sound. Going for the chorus first can help me build the storyline after we work on the verses. We always have to test out some different vocals: some belting, some shouting, and even softer, more melodic takes. Once we get the perfect take, it’s on to the harmonies, and sometimes ad-libs, then we’re done!
What made you think the song was the right track to go with as the first single from your upcoming debut album, ‘Loser’?
I connected to the lyrics and melodies of “Cheap Motel” the first time I got back a demo. I usually immediately know if I like a song or not based on the first listen, and I was in love with “Cheap Motel” because of the strong melodies and imagery. I love telling a story through my music, and I believe “Cheap Motel” does that. Plus, I knew others could relate to being put down in their relationships. I wanted to show that this album is about growing up, learning, heartbreak, and staying true to your character. “Cheap Motel” felt like the best combination of all these topics for me!
What can you tease about ‘Loser’? Is there one particular song you’re perhaps incredibly proud of in the collection?
‘Loser’ is a wild ride of emotions and a broad representation of the music I love, with a few different rock music genres in there. One song I am particularly proud of is “Front Row Psycho.” I wrote this song while rebranding online to a more alternative aesthetic; many people didn’t support my music or the new aesthetic, so I took all my frustration into the studio and turned it into a song. I wanted to prove that music was one of my passions and I would always believe in my artistic project even when others didn’t. This song takes all the power back from haters who told me my music wasn’t something they would listen to. “Front Row Psycho” is a representation of my future as an artist and manifesting the growth I hope is soon to come.
How would you say both “Cheap Motel” and ‘Loser’ showcase your growth as an artist and an individual?
This entire album showcases the struggles I’ve gone through over the past year in relationships and even trying to find my sound while making music. While creating this, I wanted to represent my love for the rock genre, hitting a few heavier tracks and some lighter, orchestrated songs similar to Evanescence. While writing this album, I discovered where my strengths were in creation: writing songs that tell a story and pull you in. My songs are still true to things that have happened in my life, but they better reflect my creativity and writing ability. I’ve gone through many changes as a person throughout writing this album, and you get a sense of that as you listen to the project all the way through.
What does a Bailey Spinn show look and sound like for anyone who hasn’t seen you live?
To start, it looks like a lot of fun, and that’s because it is for the audience and for me! My favorite color is pink, so my sets always show a hint of femininity mixed with my music’s darker, more alternative sides. I’m an emo kid at heart, and usually, my outfits reflect that, rocking Doc Martens, knee-high Converse, and darker color palettes. I love to engage the audience by making them sing back to me, talking to fans between songs, and sharing the real meaning behind some of my songs. The performance always sounds like a high-energy, exciting rock show!
Which venue, anywhere in the world, would you most like to play and why?
I would love to play Madison Square Garden one day. It’s a gorgeous venue that has hosted many iconic artists. I love the city, and it would be a dream come true to fill such a huge venue with my fans and rock with them.
You have amassed a HUGE online following, with over 15 million followers on TikTok, over a million on Instagram, and just shy of 5 million subscribers on YouTube. What do you think it is about you and your music that has drawn so many people from all over the world to you?
I think authenticity has helped me to draw in such a large audience; I always like to stay true to my character, even if others think I’m weird or cringe. I write all of my songs based on personal experience, and I believe my audience relates to the struggles I’ve been through in relationships and friendships over the years. My audience has also had the chance to grow up with me over the years as I’ve been creating full-time since 2021; many of them have watched me grow into an adult. Comedy and relatability have always been my strong suits, and I think my fans connect with my originality!
How do you handle the pressure and responsibility of having such a vast audience and platform?
I always try to be a good example for my followers since I have a young fanbase. I always wanted to be a creator when I was younger, and I look forward to creating content every day, so it never really feels like a task or struggle. I also have learned over the years to give myself grace and time when I need it; if I’m feeling overwhelmed, I always like to take a step back to think. If anything, I put the most pressure on myself to constantly improve and keep fans and myself happy. If I’m ever feeling stuck with what to post, I try to look to other things that inspire me, such as movies, music, or working out.
How do you feel about the boom in social media sites over the last few years, and do you think – in this day and age – it is or would be possible for a new artist to achieve success without being connected to the world through multiple platforms?
It would be pretty challenging to be an artist in this day and age with no social media. It’s crazy to see the progression of how music has been found over the years, and recently, it relies heavily on the power of the internet. Social media is also a great way to stay connected to your fans and see what they might want from you next, whether it be more music or a tour. It could be possible to achieve success without being connected, but maintaining it would be not easy without something for people to check in on you with.
Parasocial relationships mean a lot to fans now, and I know so many people out there feel as though I’m their friend, even if we have never met. Social media has given us amazing opportunities to connect with the rest of the world in a way we couldn’t before.
With “Cheap Motel” out now, have you started thinking about which song you might release next?
The album is next up after “Cheap Motel”! “Loser is the first track and lead single for it. My fans have been waiting long for the full project, so I was eager to give it to them!
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