Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Eliza Bennett

Last year, actress and singer-songwriter Eliza Bennett stole our hearts with her debut single. It was the first glimpse at the original music that she’s been working on in the studio while splitting her time on the set of ABC’s The Conners. Recently, with the film and television industry on hold, it was the perfect time for Eliza to dive back into music. She’s recorded not one, not two, but three new singles. Pop Culturalist caught up with Eliza to learn more about “Do You Think About Me,” this next body of work, and the message she hopes to get across as an artist.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Do You Think About Me.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
Eliza: “Do You Think About Me” was inspired by a time where I was post-breakup, desperately trying to get into a better place and yet incessantly obsessing about being back with said guy and fantasizing about whether he was still thinking about me. It was a bug bite that I couldn’t stop itching. Sometimes, I would have better days where I felt distracted, but then whenever I was about to go to sleep, I’d find myself in that same pattern again: reliving moments together and almost glorifying what was actually a very unhealthy relationship at the time. So yeah, the song is about that. Anyone else been there?

PC: You’re gearing up to release a few singles in upcoming months. What can fans expect?
Eliza: I am! I’m excited to have some consistent music coming out that I feel very proud of. I have three singles coming once a month, starting with “Do You Think About Me” this September, which has a music video—that I’m very excited about—following close behind. With releasing music consistently, I’m definitely adding another string to my bow so as most of my following is from my acting career, I’m hoping that my music will translate and resonate with them too.

PC: How does this next body of work differentiate itself from your debut single, “Stole Me”?
Eliza: “Stole Me” was a really great learning experience for me, as it was my first time in a studio with one of my own songs and it was great for me to realize that I truly had no idea what I was doing. I had a lot to learn. With every song I do, I’m learning so much. Whether that’s about how to capture my voice in a studio or how to translate a song I wrote on my old upright piano in my bedroom into a slick fully produced track. I think this next body of work has a much stronger identity to it and sound-wise, it’s a little sexier, a little more vulnerable, and walks with a little more confidence.

PC: Of all the singles you have coming out, if you had to choose one that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
Eliza: Oh wow, that is such a difficult question! I feel like these three singles all hold a little slice of my personality. They say that your favorite song is always the last one you wrote, probably because it feels the freshest and the most exciting to you. So on that note, I’ll have to say “Metal Heart,” that comes out in October. It’s very vulnerable lyrically but then packs a punch in the production that I could not have done without my amazing producer, Thom Macken. I’m excited for people to hear it.

PC: The last time that we spoke, you were filming The Conners. How have you been able to balance both of your passions in life? Is it ever a challenge?
Eliza: I was! I had a lovely time on that show—truly a wonderful cast and crew. And because it was a multicam sitcom shooting at Warner Bros LA, I had a very easygoing schedule, and it never presented any conflicts. It’s also difficult to say whether it will ever become a real challenge because I made so much of my music in 2020, where acting was dry for obvious reasons. In many ways, it’s been a beautiful silver lining being able to be fully indulged in music this year. I love acting so much that I don’t think that it will ever stop being a priority, but art and storytelling overlap so much that it never feels like I have to choose.

PC: Actors-musicians have often said that there’s a different level of vulnerability that you have to tap into when you’re releasing your own music. Do you feel similarly? Is that ever a scary proposition?
Eliza: Honestly, yes, I do feel nervous. Acting takes putting yourself into others’ shoes to try and do justice to someone else’s writing or story. This obviously requires vulnerability, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility to honor the work.

Music does feel different to me—more isolated for sure. I feel like I’m turning the inside of my own brain out for everyone to look at, and with how brutal the internet is these days, I’d be lying if that doesn’t feel scary. However, art is so subjective, so even if you make a “perfect song,” at least fifty percent of people will probably hate it anyway. I mean there are people that don’t like the Beatles! Once you look at it that way, you just have to make the music you love and the right people will find it. And if they don’t? Make sure you have a great time making it.

PC: What do you hope to say through your music?
Eliza: Firstly, I just hope people like listening to it. I hope people turn it up in their car when they are driving somewhere epic. That’s where all my best memories of listening to music are. And personally, I of course hope that some of it resonates with people, especially the more vulnerable tracks coming this year. I’m just trying to tell stories that have stayed with me, so I hope that some of it stays with the listener.

To keep up with Eliza, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Do You Think About Me” today.