Pop-Culturalist.com

There was a period in Kylie Rothfield’s life when she thought she’d be only a songwriter. But after her experience pitching an original to Ben Platt on NBC’s Songland, Kylie gained a newfound confidence and came to the realization that she also wanted to be the artist who performed the words she wrote (and we’re glad she did).

This June, she released her new single, “Too Late,” which finds the singer and songwriter reminiscing about the good ole days when she first discovered her love for the craft.

Pop Culturalist had the chance to speak with Kylie about the song, her journey, and how she’s using the song to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Kylie: When I was really, really young before I could even speak, I would sing. I would get really, really upset if music was ever turned off or the radio wasn’t on when I was in the car. I was obsessed with it from a young age, and I really enjoyed listening to my dad’s records. I was always trying to sing and perform for groups of people whenever I could.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Kylie: That’s a really good question. Man, that’s tough. I would say this camp that I went to when I was a kid called Summer Drama Camp. I went when I was eleven, and that was where I discovered my true love for playing in a band and performing and writing music. I got placed into a situation where I had to sing for the first time in a band. We ended up doing a song that I had written, and that camp was such a huge influence. The counselors were the first people to tell me that they felt something when I performed, and they thought it was something that I should try and pursue. I guess I owe a lot of my love of performing and realization that I could do it for a living to that camp.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Kylie: I would say making my first record when I was fourteen years old. It wasn’t anything super special. But getting to record things that I had written and being in a studio for the first time was life-changing.

PC: You recently got to pitch one of your original songs to Ben Platt on Songland. When you look back at the experience, what was the biggest takeaway?
Kylie: Ben and some of the other songwriters encouraged me to use my own voice. Even though I was pitching a song to Ben, I remember him telling me that he hopes that I get to record the song or that I get to make records as an artist and not just be a songwriter. Sometimes I think it’s easier for me to not be as vulnerable and to pitch music to someone else so that they can express the emotions instead of facing the fear of being the artist and being the one saying those things. I think that experience encouraged me to continue to try and pursue a career as an artist rather than just a songwriter for other people.

PC: Was there a particular moment in your life where that clicked in?
Kylie: It’s interesting when I was younger that’s all I thought was possible. I thought if you write this song, you have to sing it. I wanted to hold on to these songs, and I was like, “I wouldn’t want to give this song to anyone else.” Then it changed in the opposite direction. I went into the background a bit for a few years, interesting enough. That Songland experience brought me back to being a kid again and wanting to be the person singing the songs that I wrote.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Too Late.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
Kylie: “Too Late” is a song about when I was a kid trying to pursue music. People would say, “Go for your dreams. You’ll achieve them if you work really hard.” Then this honest reality kicks in ten to fifteen years later and you think you might not make the impact that you dreamed you would even if you worked really hard. It’s just those feelings of being in the music industry and how tough it is and wanting to get back to that feeling of being younger and doing it because you love it rather than trying to find validation or success.

PC: You’re an artist who’s constantly releasing new music. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are, what would it be and why?
Kylie: I think it’s the newest song. It’s the most honest thing I’ve written because I tend to try and write things about relationships and love. This is the first song that I’ve ever written that talks about my anxiety, those feelings of inadequacy, and imposter syndrome. I feel like in the past, I’ve been afraid to write about this.

PC: You started a cool initiative with the single. Can you tell us about it?
Kylie: We’re donating one hundred percent of the proceeds—at least for June, but hopefully longer—to Black Lives Matter. It’s a movement that I think is incredibly important. It’s the absolute least that we could possibly do. During the Civil Rights Movement, a lot of artists and a lot of different White allies would release music about what was going on and try and help the movement. It’s rare to see these days. People have a fear of speaking up because it could ruin their career or it could alienate some of their fan base. But I think one of the most important things that we can do right now is be an ally to the movement and figure out ways to raise money for the cause and be vocal.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Kylie: I’m working on an EP right now. “Too Late” will be part of a bigger project. It’ll be four or five singles. With everything going on in the world, it’s tough to be super ambitious and do all these things because people are suffering in so many ways. I want to be sensitive to that. But some of the songs I think will help people feel less alone and more understood. I’m hoping to write more songs that deal with the pain that people are going through right now and social justice.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Kylie: Édith Piaf is one. She’s the French singer that did “La Vie.”

PC: First album you bought?
Kylie: The first album I ever bought was Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, which is still one of my favorites. The first vinyl I ever bought was Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack, which is also one of my favorites of all time. That was in the two-dollar bin and it changed my life.

PC: First concert you attended?
Kylie: When I was five, I went to see Olivia Newton-John with my parents. I think I fell asleep and got an ear infection.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Kylie: That Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway album changed me more than anything else I’ve ever heard. It helped me develop a love for R&B, soul, and gospel music. I remember closing my eyes and listening to it and the ways their voices moved.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Kylie: Definitely the Troubadour as a solo artist. I played there just as a guitar player for somebody else, but I definitely would love to headline the Troubadour one day. That’s one of my favorite venues ever.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Kylie: Hot tea!

To keep up with Kylie, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Too Late” today.