With a striking newfound assurance that effortlessly blends pop and rock, this unapologetic artist, BIZZY, is quickly becoming a rising sensation. Growing up in Maryland, the American artist looked up to her “cooler”, older sister who listened to the likes of Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift. Empowering women like this have influenced BIZZY’s sense of music style.
Similarly to her idols, BIZZY has mastered the art of raw storytelling. Voicing what’s on everyone’s mind, she has been able to form a sense of community, where listeners can resonate with her lyrics. Her latest single “Hotter Than Your Ex” speaks with disarming honesty. As authentic as it is relatable, this artist’s ability to express complex emotions while undertaking a personal journey invites listeners to embark on their own paths of self-reflection and discovery.
BIZZYS introduction to the music industry sets her apart from the quintessential artist. With a background in Olympic sports, music was always on the sidelines. This all changed when Bizzy established herself as a songwriter for other artists which gave her a closer look into what to expect before becoming a singer-songwriter in her own right. Plucking up the courage, BIZZY flawlessly took the reins of her career and became a solo artist.
The rebirth of BIZZY’s distinctive sound was prompted by the breakdown of a past relationship where she unexpectedly lost herself in an attempt to feel loved. After losing sight of what makes her feel like her truest and upmost self, BIZZY went on a self-love journey to repair her relationship with herself. Over the course of three years, she rediscovered her interests and focused on what made her happy. Subsequently, her empowering single “Hotter Than Your Ex” was formed. Not only has BIZZY gained outward confidence, but her song reflects more than just a shift in physical appearances, it highlights her growth and inner evolution as well. The ultimate glow-up!
1883 Magazine sits down with BIZZY to delve into the story behind her thrilling new single “Hotter Than Your Ex”, her whirlwind experience touring the US with indie-pop duo FRENSHIP and her skyrocketing TikTok virality in her early career.
Your latest and most fierce single yet, “Hotter Than Your Ex”, reflects your relatable journey of discovering your authentic self. Could you share what prompted this desire of self-discovery? And what is one fundamental truth that you have uncovered about yourself?
Ooo fierce! I love that adjective!! The song was prompted by a breakup I went through. In this relationship I really lost myself, my voice, and really everything that made me, me. When I finally got out of the relationship, I was a shell of myself. It took me about three
years to start finding me again and regain confidence in who I was and what I love. I wrote this song as a realization and kind of a take back of the person I am. Stating that I’m so much “hotter” has so manymeanings. On the surface level, I found my style and confidence again, but really the biggest thing was finding myself on the mental and emotional level. I was able to say what I liked and didn’t like. I was finally confident in who I was again, and that was the purest form of freedom. That’s what I really wanted to capture in this song.
How did your upbringing in Maryland influence your taste in music and what role did your hometown have on your path towards pop-rock music?
I don’t think Maryland influenced my taste in music as much as the people around me did. Growing up, I listened to whatever my older sisters were into, wanting to be “cool” like them. This meant a lot of Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, Backstreet Boys, and Taylor Swift—all of whom, I believe, have shaped my music style today.
Starting out as a songwriter for other artists, how did this introduction to the music industry shape the way you create music for yourself? And did seeing your songs come to life through other artists’ performances help you overcome your initial fear of performing to a crowd?
Being a pure writer first shaped SO much for me. I didn’t realize it at the time, but writing for other artists gave me the ability to be the “little sister” in music. It allowed me to get a front row seat of what it’s like being an artist without having to be one. I saw the mistakes, the wins, the lows and the highs. I think subconsciously I was making note of what I liked and didn’t like about each choice, so when I finally got the courage to put music out, I had a really good base to stand on. The journey of overcoming my stage fright was a whole other story. I had to learn how to reset my consciousness to be in my own body on stage and not be thinking about the thoughts of the people in the crowd. Once I learned how to do that, I started to have SO much fun, because it became about what I want and how I could have fun.
You refer to your past self in your latest single as, “I’m so much hotter than your ex was”. How has this newfound bold and daring mindset influenced your distinctive sound and songwriting? And do you feel it has boosted your confidence?
Haha yes, saying I’m “hotter” in a song definitely boosts the confidence a bit, but it really is so much more than just physically hot. I wanted this song to be fun and bold and upbeat, but also have a very real underlying message of finding your confidence again. I hope people can chant it, feel invigorated and empowered, or even just enjoy it as a feel-good bop while getting ready with friends.
Growing up as an aspiring Olympic swimmer, do you think that the sports competitive spirit influenced the way you approach your music career?
Oh, for sure. I think sports gave me such an amazing background and taught me so much about discipline and how to be a good winner and loser. If you’re in the industry, you know it’s more losses than wins.
Your early career as a solo artist came with the virality of your song “Anybody”, which garnered over 10 million TikTok views and 30 thousand pre-saves in 2022. Evidently, this song resonated with a lot of listeners. How did this significant moment impact the creative process for your following singles and projects?
Yeah, that was WILD. I don’t know if it impacted the creative process as much as it kind of solidified it. It allowed me to realize that people resonate with people. I wrote “Anybody” completely for me and about how I was feeling at that moment. The song’s success allowed me to keep running down that path. It gave me more fuel and excitement to push the boundaries of myself and be more vulnerable and honest in the writer’s room.
You mention on your website that you went to Ed Sheeran’s Divide tour. How did watching Ed Sheeran live shift your perspective on making music your career, rather than just a passion? And what advice do you have for others wanting to take that frightening leap?
That was such a pivotal moment for me. I think what really struck me was how many people he was able to reach with one singular song. Music is so incredibly powerful and if I can do what he did in the venue, even at a 10th of the level, I will call that a win. My advice is to literally “just do it,” not to quote Nike lol, but it’s true. It doesn’t mean you have to put music out tomorrow, it just means start. Push yourself to do what makes you uncomfortable, because my guess is that’s what will get you to the next step. Whether that’s singing in front of people, or co-writing, or just learning guitar, it will all make a difference.
Your stripped-down and unfiltered lyrics beautifully reflect a glimpse into your personal and vulnerable experiences. For example, the opening lyrics of “Hotter Than Your Ex” mention, “I wore clothes that I hate, and I changed what I ate”. Could you tell us what it was like to break away from certain insecurities, and what it was like to do this for the first time?
Thank you! Writing those lyrics made me nervous because they were so personal. Letting go of the toxic traits and habits I picked up just to be loved by someone was incredibly hard. I still struggle today. I find myself having to make sure I’m doing things for the right reason, not just to please someone. But the feeling I got when I really started breaking away from those habits was SO freeing and empowering. It was terrifying, but when I did it, I just felt so connected in my own body and to who I am as a person. After not feeling like myself for so long, that was such an incredible feeling.
Your new song “Hotter Than Your Ex”, savagely highlights your progress from being a people-pleaser to a self-assured individual. How do you navigate a balance between these two attitudes in your day-to-day life, and what guides your decision to lean into one or the other when faced with challenging situations?
Oooo I love this question. I still struggle with people-pleasing to this day. I struggle to find a balance of being understanding but not a pushover. I think what helps me most is to stop and think in those situations. I try to really assess what I want and what is the best outcome for the situation. It allows me to think clearly rather than thinking out of fear.
Your ability to embrace authenticity and let go of your former people-pleasing habits has been truly eye-opening. Who would you consider as your biggest inspirations for living unapologetically and passionately, both inside and outside of music?
Funnily enough, I would say my little sister. She has such a way of being so compassionate and caring while also not giving a fuck about what anyone thinks. She is so authentically herself. I look up to her a lot.
You have supported and toured the US with the pop duo FRENSHIP. What has been your favourite memory while touring and performing your music live? And do you have any upcoming plans of visiting or performing in the UK?
Oh my gosh, yes. That tour was truly so amazing. I don’t think I have just one favorite memory, but two of my favorite things from that tour was first seeing people actually show up for my set and KNOWING THE WORDS…like HUH?! It blew me away every single night to go to different cities and have people I don’t know sing my lyrics back to me. It was truly a dream. Also, the FRENSHIP boys really took me under their wing and were such amazing hosts on the tour. I just love them and respect them so much.
How do you feel that your empowering new anthem “Hotter Than Your Ex” either differs or compliments the rest of your discography? And what can we expect from your music in the future?
I think it differs and compliments. It differs because like you said it is my most “bold” song on my discography. But I think it fits in with the narrative of my story line (because I’m literally just writing the story of my life). So it feels like the natural next chapter.
And you can expect LOTS of new music 🙂
Hotter Than Your Ex is out now
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