Exclusive Interview: Autumn Corin Talks About Her New Single, “Soundproof”

Autumn Corin is a rising young artist who is quickly making her mark on the industry. She’s created a signature sound that blends ’90s and ’00s R&B with modern-day pop, Latin, and hip-hop influences. With hit singles like “On Your Mind” and “Unbothered,” Autumn has connected with listeners around the world with her vulnerability and craft. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Autumn about her latest release “Soundproof,” musical inspirations, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Autumn: I’ve been singing my whole life. But I really started pursuing it seriously around fourth grade when I got my first solo. It was Sister Act’s “Joyful, Joyful.” I remember getting on the stage and thinking, “This is going to be really horrible or really good.” Thankfully, it turned out really well. I was like, “This is when I’m going to take this seriously now.”

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Autumn: Beyoncé has been an idol of mine. I’ve always looked up to her. I remember when Dreamgirls came out. I was like five years old, and I remember my eyes being glued to the TV. I was like, “Oh my gosh. I want to do exactly what she’s doing.” Personally, my biggest inspiration was my parents. My dad was an aspiring musician and my mom was always super encouraging.

PC: You’ve been really outspoken about the challenges of this industry. During those more challenging times, how were you able to persevere?
Autumn: It’s about the mentality for me. I do struggle with anxiety, and I’ve had depression. For me, it’s about centering myself and remembering why I started. Sometimes that even means scrolling through my page to go through my oldest videos and see how excited I was to get started. That’s one of the things I use to cope. It’s about remembering why I started.

PC: You’ve also had a lot of success. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Autumn: When I first started recording in the studio, it was actually with a group of guys back in Colorado. Their name is Anthem Music Enterprises. It was my first time in the studio. I had never heard myself through earphones. I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh. This is what real artists actually do.” I remember singing into the mic for the first time. I was like, “Oh my gosh. I sound horrible.” [laughs] But then as time progressed, I learned more about recording and my voice. That was a big moment for me.

PC: Tell us about “Soundproof.”
Autumn: “Soundproof” was actually a record that I wrote about a year and a half ago. I was in the studio with my engineer Julian. He’s great by the way. I remember thinking, “How can I take this record to the next level?” Because I feel like you can tell my writing from someone else’s. It was a really big accomplishment for me as far as writing goes.

PC: You’ve steadily been releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick a song that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Autumn: I would say “Unbothered.” This song feels like, “This is Autumn Corin. This is who I am and this is my sound.” It’s an R&B record. It encompasses the modern aspect of pop today and has a bit of hip-hop in there as well. I feel like that’s me at my core.

PC: As you look ahead to 2023, what can fans expect from you?
Autumn: I have a lot of projects dropping. I just dropped a four-song EP. It’s about the tales of a twenty-year-old woman navigating through life, relationships, and things like that. It’s definitely on the sadder side.

PC: I imagine as an artist you’ve written tons of different songs. What is the process like deciding what gets released and when?
Autumn: I literally just did this for three hours with my manager. It was ridiculous. It’s really hard because as an artist every time you make a new song you feel like that one trumps anything you’ve done in the past. But you really have to sit there and listen and be like, “Okay, this one is actually good.” It’s really about what songs are going to tell a cohesive story, especially if it’s going on a larger project.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Autumn: I’m really into country music. I love the storytelling aspect of it.

PC: First album you bought?
Autumn: I got my first iPod Nano when I was seven. I think it was Rihanna’s Good Girl Gone Bad album. That and a Chris Brown album.

PC: First concert you attended?
Autumn: It was Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On the Run. It was amazing. I cried.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Autumn: I’d say Beyoncé’s B’Day album. It really encompasses all the facets of R&B. There’s a lot of funk and soul, but it’s also pop and modern. It felt like she was speaking to me. I really want to emulate that in my career.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Autumn: Wembley in London.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Autumn: Smartfood popcorn. That’s my favorite snack. It’s a comfort food.

To keep up with Autumn, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.