FEATURE: Spotlight: Revisited: UPSAHL

FEATURE:

Spotlight: Revisited

UPSAHL

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THIS artist is someone…

whose music I have huge respect and affection for. I last wrote about UPSHAL in 2023. Even if she has not put out new music for a little while, there are questions from fans around a new album. UPSAHL has assured them that she is working on new stuff. Taylor Cameron Upsahl is an Arizona-born artist who released Lady Jesus in 2021. An amazing debut album released during the pandemic. I am going to get to some interviews from last year with Arizona. The twenty-seven-year-old is someone I feel everyone should connect with. This is a moment where she is building the foundations for a new album. Putting stuff together. There is a lot of demand on artists. That idea of putting stuff out consistently. Not enough time to allow them to breathe and work on albums. A gap of five years or so might seem like a very long time, though artists like UPSAHL have been releasing singles and touring. She put out a live album on 2022 called This Is My First Live Album. In 2023, UPSAHL PRESENTS: THE PHX TAPES came out. She has played here in the U.K. a fair bit, and I do hope she comes back at some point. I have never seen her live, though she is an electrifying and phenomenal live performer. I shall bring in a live review. This is such a uniquely talented and vital voice in modern music. It is a transition period where she is building songs or looking ahead to her second studio album. If you have not heard of her or need a bit more information, then I hope that this feature is of benefit. She is someone who might not garner the same focus and adulation as mainstream artists. However, UPSAHL’s work and live shows, tied to her aesthetic, story and personality, are up there with the most incredible and distinct artists. She will be in the music industry for many years to come.

Before getting to a few great interviews, this live review from 2023 reacted to UPSAHL playing at Roadrunner in Boston. I am sad I missed her when she last played in London. I will try and correct that if she comes back here at any point. I love all the music she has put out to date, and I am looking forward to what comes next. We need to give this artist space to create an album in her own vision in her own time. Being UPSAHL, whatever does come is going to be truly magnificent and memorable:

“On Sept. 12, Taylor Cameron Upsahl, better known for her on-stage mononym UPSAHL, arrived at Roadrunner in support of Swedish dance-pop star Tove Lo for the North American leg of her “Dirt Femme” tour. UPSAHL has been writing and producing music since her early teens, garnering a small following in her hometown of Phoenix through a collection of self-released projects. In 2019, UPSAHL shot to TikTok notoriety with her single “Drugs,” which remains her most listened-to track with over 100 million streams. She then released her debut album “Lady Jesus” in 2021, followed by a series of EPs titled “The PHX Tapes.” One could only describe her style as provocative and outrageous, with selections like “WET WHITE TEE SHIRT” and “Lunatic” as some of the standouts from her more recent releases.

UPSAHL’s performance at Roadrunner was nothing short of electrifying, matching the fiery shock of her red hair. After drenching her white tee shirt in water to begin her set, it was clear from the get-go that UPSAHL was there to make a statement. The crowd’s energy seemed to embolden her as she confidently strutted across the stage, making a name for herself with any audience members unfamiliar with her music.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly her viral hit “Drugs,” which turned into a thrilling call and response between UPSAHL and the audience. Supported by two members of her band decked out in bubblegum pink coveralls, UPSAHL managed to connect with the packed venue effortlessly, encouraging them to groove and sing along.

Throughout the performance, UPSAHL wasn’t afraid to experiment with the work of other established artists. Interpolating a cover of The Ting-Tings’ “That’s Not My Name” into her song “GOOD GIRL ERA,” UPSAHL not only welcomed new listeners into the fold, but also commanded the attention of her own fans in the crowd.

Throughout the performance, UPSAHL’s stage presence was undeniably exhilarating, reflecting the edgy nature of her music. She fearlessly interacted with the crowd, at times even running down from the stage to sing directly to audience members. It was this close connection with her listeners that made the concert feel intimate despite the large venue.

Adding to this intimacy were the song choices she made, like the inclusion of her song “Toast,” co-written with Tove Lo. In contrast to her cool-girl affect on “Drugs” or “WET WHITE TEE SHIRT,” “Toast” was a heartfelt and desperate plea to an ex, adding a touch of vulnerability to an otherwise explosive set.

“Wonder if I am still on your mind,” she crooned to a swaying crowd. “How didn’t I know it was coming to an end?”

As the evening drew to a close, it became readily apparent that UPSAHL’s performance was not just thrilling but also profoundly memorable. Her ability to blend the provocative with the authentic, all while maintaining an infectious energy, solidified her as one-to-watch in the indie pop scene. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a night filled with unforgettable music and a powerful connection between artist and listener. UPSAHL’s star is on the rise, and her performance in Boston left no doubt that she’s a force to be reckoned with”.

Before a couple of interviews from last year, I want to go back to 2024 and this interview. I love the fact that UPSAHL gets such a buzz from touring. It can be exhausting for artists to tour quite a lot. However, it is clear the audiences show such love for UPSAHL and there must be this incredible energy when she performs:

“When it comes to your stage/artist persona, is “UPSAHL” a reflection of who you are, or is your persona something opposite?

Everything I do for my artist project feels super authentic to me as a person, but I like to think that UPSAHL is just the most confident, badass version of myself that I get to embody whenever I go on stage. Whenever I’m feeling down or insecure, “UPSAHL” kind of saves me from those feelings.

You have mentioned before in other interviews/posts that you’d be on tour 365 days a year if possible - what is it about the transitory lifestyle that you love?

I just love how connected I feel to my fans when I’m on tour. To be in the same room, getting to engage with them every night, makes the craziness of this job worth it to me - the energy I feel from these shows every night is unmatched. And honestly, I feel like I have the most stability and sense of routine when I’m on the road - Even though it’s a lot of travel, it really is just the same shit in a different city every day, which I love.

In your songs, you mention and discuss things such as your struggles with depression and anxiety - how honest do you get with your work? Are there things you feel like you can’t talk about still with your fanbase?

The honesty and vulnerability that makes its way into my songs kind of happen by accident - I feel grateful for my collaborators that create such a safe space for me in the studio to talk about how I’m feeling, but that means I sometimes write songs and realize the next day like “Oh fuck, is this embarrassing to say/does everyone need to know that this is how I’m feeling?” But I think that’s the point of music. If I’m feeling some type of way, odds are at least one other person feels that way, so why not put the music out into the world? There are still parts of my life that I haven’t shared in the music I’ve released yet, but that doesn’t mean those songs haven’t been written… I feel like I’m a pretty open book when it comes to my music, especially with my fans, so it’s just a matter of time until those songs come out.

When you aren’t on tour, what would a regular day look like for you?

When I’m not on tour, I’m usually in the studio every day, working on new music. I love a sweaty morning workout/sauna and an overpriced coffee down the street from my house in LA, and then I usually will spend some time filming content for social media, staying connected with my fans online. Then, I head to the studio for a session. Usually, my sessions go until about 10 pm, and my day ends with me half asleep cheffing it up in my kitchen. No complaints!

In your song “People I Don’t Like,” you express a great deal of apathy and disconnection - it resonated with our generation a lot, the exhaustion with it all. Yet you are still here, on tour, doing interviews which I’m sure can feel tedious and similarly plastic. How do you keep going with it all? What is it about you that you think allows you to push forward?

Yesssss, love this question! When I wrote “People I Don’t Like,” I was feeling so frustrated with the surface-level conversations that I felt like I had a lot within the industry… and I easily blamed this on everyone else rather than recognizing myself as a part of the problem. In order to continue touring and doing interviews and constantly having social interactions, most people would think you have to sort of dissociate so that you don’t completely drain yourself emotionally. But for me, over time, I’ve found that bringing my full self and finding a way to be as present and authentically myself as possible for all of this makes it feel the most rewarding and real for me”.

The Luna Collective spoke with UPSAHL last year. Maybe she would not see herself as a rising artist anymore. However, it is clear that she is only just getting started. I do think we will be talking about this artist for many years to come. I think I first heard in 2020. It is amazing what she has achieved so far and how many fans she has behind her. That will only grow:

“UPSAHL has quickly become a rising force in the pop and alternative scene. As she embarks on her Melt me down headline tour, there’s a palpable excitement — and it’s not just about the music. From intricate visuals that tease her forthcoming album to a community of die-hard fans who have been with her from the beginning, UPSAHL’s world is one of transformation, growth, and fierce artistic vision.

With a balance of icy new vibes and the fiery energy fans love, UPSAHL gives us a glimpse into the next chapter of her career — and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Ahead of her Austin show we got a chance to chat about the evolution of her live performances, the journey of working on her upcoming album, and how she's merging the concept of "fire and ice" into a cohesive artistic experience. She opens up about the emotional layers of her creative process, the incredible team of badass women behind her visuals, and how she’s pulling early 2000s pop inspiration into her modern sound.

LUNA: How has your live show evolved since you first started performing?

UPSAHL: It’s changed a lot. A fan recently tweeted me a video of one of my first-ever performances, and then they stitched it with a video from a recent show. The growth is crazy. With this tour specifically, I really wanted to elevate everything. A lot of fans come to multiple shows, so I wanted to make it feel fresh each time by adding old songs, unreleased stuff, and new covers. I want it to feel brand new for everyone.

LUNA: It feels like you’re in a new era, musically and with your live performances. How has your creative process changed to reflect that?

UPSAHL I've been working on an album for the past nine months, which is coming soon. I wanted the album to live in this cohesive world, and I wanted the live show to hint at what’s to come, which is why the tour is called the *Melt Me Down* tour. It’s a blend of fire and ice, which ties into the album’s themes.

I’ve been able to roll out little easter eggs throughout the shows that will make more sense when the album drops. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve been able to do something like this, and it’s been really fun.

LUNA: You mentioned the album earlier, so without giving too much away, can you share any themes or narratives you're exploring? Is it a concept album?

UPSAHL: Yes, it’s a concept album. I wanted it to feel icy, hard, and cold-hearted. A lot of my previous projects have centered around fire, which resonates with me because I’m a Sagittarius—such a fiery sign. My brand has always been fiery, and I’ve connected with that. But after seven years in the music industry, with all its highs and challenges, I’ve developed this hardness to myself that I’ve always admired in others. I wanted the album to reflect that—this icy, cold-bitch energy. Musically, it’s inspired by a lot of early 2000s pop, like what Gwen Stefani did with Pharrell or Nelly Furtado with Timbaland. That era is back in style, and I’m pulling from that energy—badass, hot baddie vibes”.

I am finishing off with Lucire and their interview from last year. Based out of L.A., I am curious whether UPSAHL will base herself there full-time in the future. It does seem like the landscape and the people suites her music and lifestyle. If a new album does arrive this year, it will see UPSAHL travelling the world:

“Are you usually in LA these days and what has been the vibe there recently? Do you still get to travel around at all?

Whenever I’m not on the road or visiting family back in Phoenix, I’m at my place in LA doing sessions every day and working on new music. Right now, I’m in full self-discovery–album mode, so I’ve been writing a lot for my project, as well as working with a lot of other artists on their projects. I’ve spent the past couple years touring a bunch, so it’s been nice to just lock in on writing for a bit.

There's a large visual component to Upsahl with photo shoots, videos and social media. Where do you get your inspiration and does your look and fashion sense reflect the music you’re making at the time?

I love the visual component to being an artist. When I’m working on music in the studio, I’m already dreaming up music video ideas, or what the song “looks” like, and I’m constantly saving a bunch of weird visual ideas to my own mood boards to reference later. So when it comes time to do a photo shoot, or make a video, even if it’s just for social media, I have a well of inspiration to pull from. It just feels like I’m constantly collecting little visual ideas. I always want my look and my fashion choices to reflect the music that I’m making at the time. It allows me to fully dive into the world of the music and live and breath the music I’m making.

Do your sound and look change over time naturally or do you consciously plan out new looks and sounds?

I feel like I naturally notice when I’ve outgrown a sound or a look. Once that happens, I’m pretty intentional about planning what’s next for me. I’m in that phase of my life right now, and it involves a lot of soul searching, mood boarding, listening to a lot of music, journalling, consuming a lot of art, and a lot of solitude. It makes me feel so inspired going into creating a new world”.

Go and follow the brilliant UPSAHL. Check out her music so far. It is an excited period. How she is working on new stuff and we will get that revealed in time. I am looking forward to seeing what comes from her, as UPSAHL is a truly awesome person and artist. Someone who I feel is…