Exclusive Interview: Catie Turner Talks Her Creative Process, New Music, and More

Catie Turner is quickly becoming one of the most compelling voices of her generation—an artist unafraid to turn discomfort into art, vulnerability into strength, and fleeting thoughts into unforgettable lyrics. Each line she writes lands with intention, stripped of pretense and full of purpose.

With new music on the horizon, she’s leaning even further into that raw honesty. Her upcoming single, “I Might,” confronts the complicated relationship between safety, intimacy, and self-worth. It’s a song born from reflection but delivered with instinct—what Catie describes as the moment her voice finally caught up to her lyrics.

In our conversation, she opens up about that creative breakthrough, the balance between clarity and spontaneity, and the freedom that comes from writing without needing permission. She also shares the songs that have earned a permanent spot in her setlist—and the ones that are staying in the vault.

PC: You’re gearing up for your next release, “I Might.” Can you tell us about the song and the inspiration behind it?
Catie: “I Might” is about liberation—about discovering your body and feeling safe enough to do so. In the past, I saw intimacy as something I dreaded but felt obligated to do to satisfy someone else. I thought I was broken—or a robot, or maybe even a broken robot. “I Might” came from realizing that none of that was true.

PC: There’s such vividness to your writing. What do you think has played the biggest role in shaping that part of your artistry?
Catie: Thank you so much! I’ve never really thought about it—because it feels almost imperceptible, like one blink and you miss where it all started. I think learning how to listen and observe has played the biggest role in my writing, and honestly, it’s something I’m still actively working on. But there’s something I love about capturing the smallest details and tying them to bigger ideas—it feels like painting.

PC: The way you use your voice in this role is incredibly compelling—it never overpowers, but it lingers. How intentional was that approach, and what helped guide you in finding that tone?
Catie: That approach wasn’t exactly intentional—but it wasn’t unintentional either, if that makes sense. When I write music, I start with the lyrics and let my voice follow. “I Might” is the best example of that: one of those rare moments when my conscious and subconscious minds seem to merge and finally work in my favor.

PC: Your catalog has steadily grown over the years. If you had to choose one song that best captures who you are as an artist, which would it be—and why?
Catie: These are such great—but tough—questions! I know my answer might change with time, but right now, my heart is telling me it’s “Comedy & Tragedy.” That song proves I won’t hold anything back, no matter how uncomfortable it is for me to write—or for someone else to hear. I wrote it during one of the worst times in my life, when I desperately needed an outlet. It reminded me of the magic that lives in songwriting.

PC: You’re an artist who truly thrives on stage. How often do you use that environment to test out new material?
Catie: I love testing out new material on stage—especially during intimate acoustic shows. It feels so personal, like you’re at a party with a hundred friends who also happen to be part-time A&R reps.

PC: As your catalog continues to grow, is there a song that will always have a place on your set list—and one that never will?
Catie: “Stepmom” is always going to make the set list—at least until I’ve got a few more uptempo songs under my belt (which could be never), so for now, she’s staying! It’s hard to say never about a song, but I think “Party!” from The Sad Vegan is safely locked in the vault… and only I have the code.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Catie: Twice.

PC: First album you bought?
Catie: High School Musical 2: The Soundtrack.

PC: First concert you attended?
Catie: Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Tour.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Catie: Catfish and the Bottlemen’s debut album, The Balcony. Every song felt like a masterpiece, and to this day, it still ranks as my number one.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Catie: Red Rocks!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Catie: Protein bars and headphones.

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

Photo Credit: Julian Daniel