September 7, 2022 • 25 mins
In this first episode of “Unfiltered: The JBL Podcast,” songwriter, entertainer, and host of this podcast, Betty Who shares her growth as an artist and how she found her voice in music. She shares her advice on how to be comfortable in your skin when you were born to stand out.
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hi, everyone, and welcome to our first episode of Unfiltered
the JBL Podcast, a JBL podcast produced by iHeart Radio.
I am Betty who hi, and I am so excited
to be here starting this journey with all of you.
This podcast is meant to be a place to minimize
the noise and tune into what's unapologetically real and unfiltered.
(00:23):
So every episode I chat with the innovators and disruptors
who have taken a leap and dared to stand out. Yes.
So today's episode, though, we're gonna stall things off a
little differently because while I am also the host of
this podcast today, I am also going to be the
guest question mark. I know it's crazy, you guys. So
(00:44):
for those of you who don't know me, I am
an entertainer and a songwriter and an actor. I are
going to hear a little bit about that in this conversation.
But I have spent the last ten years seeing how
music can affect the world. I want to use my
powers for good instead of evil, and connecting with people
through vulnerable storytelling and sharing space with people is the
(01:05):
number one way I have figured out how to create
change and stop conversations. So I obviously relate so much
to the journeys our guests have taken finding their voice.
It's so hard being a creative person and trying to
figure out who you are. So today I am lucky
enough to share my story with all of you if
you will allow me. Um, But since I cannot interview myself,
(01:25):
our producer Sierra Kaiser is going to step into the
interviewer role for this one. So what you say? Should
we hop to it? Let's get to my story? Hi, Sierra, Hey, Betty? What? Oh?
You know? I'm just doing great. I'm so happy to
be here with you in conversation. What are something of
(01:47):
your first like music memories and and you know where
that started for you? Sure? Well, I started playing cello
when I was four, so I feel like that was
definitely like an early childhood sort of cello lessons, being
in the young kids orchestra and ensembles and stuff like that.
Actually playing music, so much of that is rooted in cello.
And now I'm kind of expecting to hear a cello
(02:08):
performance from you, but I'll let you sit on that idea, Siarah.
I will tell you the album that I'm putting out
is about to have the first song that I've ever
played cello on. No way, I know we're really doing it,
but it's official. I know it took me a long
time to get here, but I've made it. That's called
full circle, So it is. I can't wait to hear it.
Thank you from cello. How did you get into singing?
(02:30):
And um, where were you first performing? Like on stage?
So I did a lot of musical theater programs and
stuff kind of outside of school. I'm a real theater
kid at HASS I don't know if you get that
energy for me. I don't know if my extra version
is really giving you all that you need to know already.
And I think that was really where I found the
love for singing and performing, but especially singing and storytelling.
(02:52):
I started writing songs when I was fourteen, and that
really kind of blossomed, and it was my way of
expressing myself. And I just felt like I had these
big feelings and I had to put them somewhere and
and that's kind of where it'll start. It. It It just
grew sort of beyond my wildest dreams. And so when
you first started, and especially like at fourteen, trying to
write songs, did you have stage right then. Was it
kind of like writing in my journal trying to make
(03:12):
these songs for fun or were you like, I'm taking
this to the stage full like it's not ready yet,
like I couldn't possibly. Um No, I think the theater
kid and me was like everybody look at me. I
think I definitely had like, um, maybe some overconfidence if
nothing else. Um, that's probably aggressive, But I think I'm
I'm very grateful for the part of my brain that
didn't really feel embarrassment or shame in high school. I
(03:35):
think I'm very rare in that instance. So I love
that for me, love that for her. But I definitely
think that I have always felt much more comfortable. I
always felt that way about cello, like I was playing
it for me, but I felt really uncomfortable sharing it.
And I think understanding at a really young age that
I felt like I had something to say as a
singer and songwriter in a different way than I did
(03:56):
as a cellist really helped put that in perspective. Yeah,
of And when you were trying to start writing and
getting used to that, were you very pop focused at
that time or was there like a different vibe. Were
you being angsty, Like, how has that changed to what
the music you put out now? Oh my god, I
wish that my I mean, it was pretty I guess
it was pretty angsty. It wasn't full emo like to
not you know, like full It didn't I didn't go
(04:18):
full there, but I I definitely think it was. It
was about feelings, it was about heartbreak. But I think
still to this day, like at my core, I'm such
a Sarah burrillis Missy Higgins Ingrid Michaelson, like I was
the era of Grey's Anatomy music. You know, it was
like that was very important to culture and it sounds
(04:40):
like something that's so silly now because of the way
that we consume music, but like that was huge. I
remember seeing these songs that were like heartbreaking and about
something that like storytelling that matches this moment. And so
I think I spent the first ten years of my
professional life really being in the pop world wanting to
go there because I love Brittany and I love Once,
(05:00):
and I grew up on the j LO and and
these incredible female entertainers that I wanted to be just like.
And now I I had to step back and be like,
what am I really good at actually what's who am I?
As opposed to who we're all? I know who those
people are, like who am I? And so I think
a huge part of that has been coming back to
my songwriter roots and love for storytelling and really focusing
(05:22):
on that. And I was like, what if I just
wrote songs? That's what I think. I'm actually really good at.
Hell yeah, I mean at this rate, I think I
smell like a Brandy Carlisle collaboration in your future, don't Sierra, Sierra,
I'm getting really close to the mic, Sierra, don't start
with me. I will poop my pants. Brandy, Brandy Carlile's voice,
her and those twins, her and those fucking twins and
(05:45):
those three part harmonies that she's been cooking out for
ten years. I Brandy Carlisle speaks to the depths of
my soul. Oh man, Well, that's how I feel about
you and Brandy, which is why I'm hyped to be here,
because you know what I was like, I would love
to work with that. I think she's perfect for this podcast.
And you're here now, so I feel like we're in
the space to manifest you and Brandy, Sierra. You are
(06:06):
a powerful manifesto. I feel it already. I'm speaking into
the universe. Ms. Carlisle, Hey, hey, Brandy, call a bitch.
You know where to find us any day. We all
know and love you for like all these pop bangers
and just like something you could really dance to and
feel outside of yourself. And so I'm wondering, like, who
were some other people you know you mentioned Brittany and
Beyonce and any genre that you looked up to growing up,
(06:28):
and how they have an influence on your work now. Yeah,
I think a huge part of my process um in
the last couple of years leading into this record has
been about realizing all of the people that I am
not and all of the people that I did look
up to and wanted to be just like, and then
realizing that that's who they are, of course, and I
have to figure out who I am and be that
(06:49):
instead of trying to be them. And so Brittany and
Beyonce as a kid like they were at the height
of pop culture of being the most important women in
the business in my eyes, Jay was also up there too.
They all are triple threats in all these different ways.
But I think those women were born into different bodies
than I was born into. I'm really tall. I'm over
(07:09):
six ft tall. I think that's alone has given me
a really singular life experience. Like me and the girls
in the w n b A like holding it down.
Most people like don't really understand what that feels like,
and so coming to terms with the fact that that
actually makes me really different and I should lean into
that instead of trying to hide it and pretend like
I'm everybody else. Now I'm finally at a secure enough
(07:32):
place in my life where I can take inspiration and
be a fan and consume the art and music from
all of these different artists and also understand what is
and isn't mine and letting them be them and knowing
that there's enough room for all of us. I love that,
and and don't think us fans didn't notice you and unpregnant.
When I saw you in the screen, I literally fell
(07:53):
off the couch and like flew out the window. Oh
my god, so shook. You are great in it. Oh
my god, baby's first movie. Thank you. I your peak, Sarah. Well,
I was six to coming into this conversation. Now I
feel like I'm six ft eight. I just threw half
a foot. I can't believe it. I'm so excited. I'm
jacked up. Thank you. Do you think a lot about
(08:13):
how your role model for your own fans before this record?
I don't think that I thought about it a lot.
I think I was very like, I can barely figure
my fucking self out, so like I can't think for
I can't be a role model. I'm barely a role
model for myself. I definitely think that's changed for me.
You know, I'm a little older. I think I've spent
a lot of time with myself in the last couple
of years, as all of us were kind of forced to.
(08:34):
I think a huge part of that was realizing that
little me, you know, ten year old me, was watching
Britney Spears, who's five ft six and a hundred pounds,
and like, that's amazing for her, and I love that
for her, and like, you know, chic, so nineties, you know,
it's like giving tiny girl. But I didn't see artists
that reflected me back to myself, and that's maybe why
(08:57):
it took me an extra ten years of my adult
to be able to figure that something that seems so
fundamentally obvious. It's like, no you have to be yourself.
It's like dull, like, of course I do, but it's
taken me so long to process how to do that,
and I'm still really I'm in it. And so I
think now that I've come to realize that about myself,
(09:18):
I think about ten year old me and how badly
she needed somebody to be that person. And now I
think I understand the you know, age, old adage. With
great power comes great responsibility, and I think I feel
more comfortable and capable of carrying that now and maybe
more like excited to, like I want to be on
(09:38):
stage and be proud of who I am and show
other particularly young women. I think young queer people is
really the people I really want to speak to, but
also especially young women. I I have such a soft
spot now for this young person inside of me, and
now I think I'm way more excited and ready to
stand on stage and be like, hey, you like in
the audience, this you little girl, Like we are the same.
(10:00):
You can be anything you want to be. Yeah, And
that's why representation is so important and so powerful. So
when you were finding yourself and who you were as
an artist, how did you find that place where you
felt comfortable expressing what finally felt like your true self.
I think I've really been standing in my own way
for a long time, as I think maybe that's what
(10:21):
we do. I think so often we are the cause
and solution to our own problems. I think that making
better choices for ourselves is always a way that we
can take care of ourselves better. I think being self
aware enough about what's not working that was definitely something
I really had to overcome. Was I spent a decade
being like, well, this is just how I do it,
(10:42):
because this has been how I do it, and this
is what everybody else is doing, So I guess I
should do that and taking a second to stop and
actually ask myself what do I really want? How does
this look if I have everything I want? And then
trying those things on and going, oh, if this doesn't work,
I can make a different choice. More from Betty Who.
(11:03):
After a quick break, and now back to our conversation
with Betty Who. On the show, we want to really
(11:24):
explore how artists approach their art, but also like the
confidence that informs that art and just you know, they
have to be kind of synonymous, and so I'm wondering
the confidence that you bring to your persona as an
artist and an entertainer is informed by the confidence you
have as a person, and do they kind of deviate
and how do you see them interacting with each other?
(11:44):
Confidence is absolutely like I know people say this, but
genuinely it is fake it till you make it like there,
nobody has any more or less right to be somewhere
or be better at something or be doing something. Like
you showing up and saying I deserve to be here
because I'm awesome, and you should want to be with
me and work with me and do the stuff with
me is really all. It takes a lot of the
(12:06):
time and the rest is just like experience points that
you gain through learning and falling on your face. The
part that speaks to me in songwriting is also the
part that can like send me into a manic depressive
episode for days at a time. So now I'm trying
to have better boundaries with that creative part of me.
And also it's kind of like I have picture it
often as the Pixar movie inside Out, where like there's
(12:27):
the creative little noodle in my brain and when she's
like acting a full or having a tantrum, I will
fully say to myself like, hey, hey, you're in a
time out. I don't want to deal with you right now.
This is not the time for this. You're gonna sit down.
I'm gonna bring joy out. I'm gonna bring happiness out,
and I'm gonna live with them for a second, and
you can rejoin us when you're feeling like it. You know.
I think that agency and self awareness about the different
(12:50):
parts of you and where they are best used is
something that's taken me. That's like a big adult thing.
That's a that's a grown up thing for me that
I have like been coming into you now is having
the agency and making the choice to put the parts
of my brain in a time out when they need
to be in a time out. Yeah. No, that's like
a perfect way to picture it, because hey, that's an
(13:10):
amazing movie and it's it's actually so clear. It's like
just let joy take over. And sometimes you just make
yourself sit down well and also say like, hey, you
don't get to ruin this moment for me right now,
you to yourself, you know what I mean, Like, hey, self, sabotager,
you don't get to do this to me. I've worked
my whole life for this moment, so that one day
when hopefully all of my dreams are coming true and
(13:31):
I'm sitting on stage at the Grammy is about to
sing for everybody, It's like, no, that's of course, because
I've been waiting this my whole life for this moment,
and I don't want to miss those moments while I'm
getting them, you know, hell yeah, hell yeah, yeah. Manifest
Speaking of manifesting, we got the Grammy's Brandy Carlyle doing
a lot. We'll just keep adding to the list. We'll
do like a moon ritual, Sierra, I'm ready some which ship?
(13:52):
We're on on? Our which ship? So as a musician,
you have a lot of crossover with also being a
staple of queer culture. Who were some of like your
l g B t Q role models growing up? I
think growing up, funnily enough, there weren't that many that
I can like that were really important or sort of.
I was surrounded by queer culture in Sydney. It was
(14:13):
always like from a young age I was I definitely
felt as though people could be themselves and I knew that.
But as far as like in the media, especially in Australia,
I think it's a really there's a lot of you know,
internalized homophobia in so many Western I mean, in so
many countries all over the world. When I think about
like Peter Allen, the singer songwriter who has written some
of my favorite music, and the iconic song I Still
(14:35):
call Australia Home, which is one of my most favorite
songs of all times, just speaks to my soul in
my childhood, where I felt like gay culture was so
on the outskirts of culture, even though gay culture was
what informed pop culture, but we we all just pretended
like it didn't. And now we've arrived at a place
where we respect and understand that gay culture is the
(14:57):
driving force for all of culture because the gays have
the best taste, and that's what they always say, like
first the gays, then the girls, then the world. Like
I fully subscribe to that belief, and I think it's
I feel really lucky to be living in a time
when being queer is a lot more accepted. I don't
(15:19):
want to say that it's like everything's dandy and fabulous,
you know. I often struggle with being a queer person
who's in like a heteronormative relationship and how strange. I
think that reads to other people where I go, I'm
just following my truth and like, I found this person
that I'm obsessed with and I want to marry and
he's the best partner on the planet and I love that.
But I'm also like really queer presenting, and I feel
(15:39):
really queer, and I think I act really queer, and
so giving myself the permission to be myself regardless of
the circumstances or what I think people will feel or
or see for me, I think I'm trying to lead
by example. If I'm going to tell my fans, if
I'm going to tell people who come to a show
to be themselves and be comfortable with that, and I'm
not doing the same thing, I think sucks as hypocritical.
(16:01):
So I'm trying to to really live into it. It's
really scary, it's really intense, and I'm very inspired by
so many incredible artists who have found their voice and
their comfort in themselves in a way that really inspires
me to be myself. Like Jake Wesley Rogers. You know,
Jake Wesley Rodgers is one of my favorite artists that
exists right now. I remember hearing their song that goes
(16:21):
hate on me, you might as well hate the sun
for shining just a little too much. The lyrics in
the song. I just was like, yes, exactly that, Hey,
you gotta that's the thing, So shine bright, sister, you know.
And I remind myself of that all the time and
take the inspiration that I get from these artists, most
of whom were younger than me. You know. It's like
the new generation that's coming up of musicians like are
(16:44):
so comfortable being themselves. It's like that's crazy, you know. Yeah,
and then you know, like you're saying, we're we're still
digging out of it, but there's a lot of brightness
to the future, which is just sick to just watch happening.
It's like a really, really beautiful thing. My best friend
was with her cousins for dinner there, all younger than fifteen.
She was trying to like, you know, be the cool
you know, millennial aunt and was like, tell me about
(17:05):
you're alive, you know what they're gonna crushes, like, who
are we into these days? And all of them went
around and said a boy and a girl, Oh my god.
And she was like, it was the coolest thing. I
didn't tell them. You know, she was like, I didn't
force anything. They would literally just like Zendia is so pretty,
have the biggest crush on her. But then I guess
also like Harry Styles and it's like, oh my god,
cool vibe. I love this for us, We've made it. Yeah,
(17:28):
it's so crazy to think like that is where we're
moving and I just can't wait to see it, like
doubling over on it for everyone to just be comfortable
in that space. I'm obsessed. Queer people are joy. I
genuinely believe that it's magic being able to be yourself,
and there's so much hatred in the hearts of people
who hate queer people. I think that's very much what
your music and your whole persona gives off, which is
(17:52):
like the most beautiful part of it. My brand is strong.
Thank you, Sarah. I love that it's coming through loud
and clear. It's coming through. I'm wondering, what do you
want your leg is see as an artist today? Um,
A toughie, A toughie for the end here, Sira, I
think I'm really good at holding space for people. I
think I like to live into myself in the most
(18:15):
loud and comfortable version of that so that other people
see me and they're like, wait, she's having so much fun?
Can I have fun? I think humans often wait for
permission from somebody else to live their best life. And
so I think the thing I really want, the legacy
I want to leave, is that I lived into myself
and I was honest about who I am, and it
(18:36):
encouraged other people to be their truer, bigger selves. You know.
Hell yeah, And I think you're heading in that. I'm
trying to find it. I'm trying to figure it out.
Thank you, Sarah. We ask all of our guests about
not only finding their calling, professionally finding themselves and living authentically.
So what has your journey of living authentically been like?
And how do you see that? My journey of living
(18:56):
authentically has definitely been a long one. Think it's just
been a process of getting deeper into what that really
means and uncovering layers and making choices about who I
really want to be. You know, I think making bold
choices and trying things on and go, oh my god,
who is she? Like? What is this part of myself?
Can I access it? Do? I want to? You know,
(19:17):
we are so untapped and I love exploring, and I
hope to get deeper into it only as I grow
and get older. Yeah, and how would you describe yourself
as a person and as an artist. I would describe
myself as a person, I would say I am loving,
(19:39):
and I talked too much, and I um will ride
from my friends and family to the end of the earth.
I think as an artist, I would say that I
want to hold space and honestly put on the most
fun show anybody's ever been to. I want to have
so much fun on stage that everybody is like, I
can't believe how much fun she's having. I'm having fun
and I'm only having like the fun that she's having.
(20:00):
That's the vibe that I want to create all part
of that legacy. Baby, What is the hardest part about
being authentic for you and finding that contentment with who
you are? I think the hottest part about being authentic
for me is actually probably sharing it with people who
don't know me, and then I go out into the
world and people judge me for that. But I also
(20:21):
think the whole point is probably to like toughen up
your skin because nobody can judge me but me. I
was born fore as Beyonce says, and I think that
that's the place I'm really trying to get to is like,
this is who I am today. It's okay if I
want to change or make a different choice tomorrow. And
if someone judges me today, that's about them, it's not
about me. And I'm still living my true self and
(20:42):
doing the best that I can. And when you're living
your true self and trying to achieve that, what is
your favorite way to feel your best? My favorite way,
honestly to feel my best probably is dancing. I know
I'm a musician and we've talked a lot about music
and creative process like that, but I come alive on
a dance floor, especially like a wedding dance floor. If
(21:03):
I wasn't a musician, I think I would stop like
a party company. But it's not event planning. It's like,
no, no no, you hire me to come make your party fun.
I'm gonna get all your I'm gonna get your grandma
on the dance floor. All the aunties are gonna be
obsessed with me. Just you wait. It's on a dance floor,
just like feeling myself. I mean people stream she can
Dance by Betty Who wherever you find the music. That's
(21:24):
what I'm saying, Sierra. She knows she gets it. We're
tying it in. What is your favorite music or artists
to listen to? Um ever? Changing on a big podcast kick.
I like audiobooks. I like to listen to stories. I
like to learn. I think I'm in a like input
because I've been on output for so many months. But
(21:45):
I know that's kind of a cop out to your question.
I guess if I'm listening to any artists for real,
I'm listening again listening to a lot of musical theater.
It's like story time for me. I'm thinking about storytelling,
and I have like a pretty bang and musical theater
playlist that beyond in the shower. I mean, yeah, you
gotta bring that's the best place to belt it. So
you got to bring out the theater kid, Oh big time.
I've got rage and that shower like no one's ever heard.
(22:08):
I guess, if we're really being honest, probably the only
music that I have consistently been listening to is Renaissance.
She's got me out here, like I want to be
on a dance floor. I like, I really Beyonce is
who I have a Beyonce tattoo. I have a w
W B D. What would Beyonce do? Tattoo? Right there?
So it's very like renaissance is very important. I should
have let I should have started, that's so obvious. I
should have started with that. And what advice do you
(22:30):
have for others who may be listening and struggling with
finding themselves and figuring out who they are, especially as
young people. You're exactly where you're meant to be right now.
Everything that is coming for you will come when it's
meant to come. And be grateful about today. It's presence.
It's about enjoying literally the moment that you're in because
it's over, you know, it is all a part of
(22:51):
the journey. And and be kind to yourself. And if
there's something today that you don't like about yourself, do
something tomorrow to change that and make that something that
you can love about yourself. You know, And you're on
the journey, and I believe in you. Literally as you're speaking,
I'm like growing a small blonde like wig. I'm becoming
Betty who in spirit, which is really everything I've ever wanted.
(23:13):
I think we should get the entire team Betty who
wigs for for these interviews. I think that would be
really important. Molly's nodding, We've got the whole team on board. Okay, great.
Last question, I spoke about the type of music you
started out with. When did you know that the music
you were making was like like Betty who and who
you wanted to be? I actually know exactly what that
(23:33):
moment was. I spent. So I went to Berkeley College
and Music in Boston, which was my college education. And
the person that I met there who was probably the
most impactful person in my adult life was Peter Thomas,
who was my collaborator, co writer and producer of my
first three albums. And so he and I spent basically
three years like in his basement in my dorm room
(23:56):
in his parents house, writing and recording and trying stuff
out and trying to make songs and figuring it like
listening to Katy Perry records and being like, how does
it sound like good? And listening to you know, the
music of the top fem Fatale and Teenage Dream the
Brittany and Katie records were like our pop education at
(24:16):
this moment in time. Peter sent me a bounce of
he texted me saying, I think I figured out the drums,
and he texted me the first demo of Somebody Loves You,
which is my first single, and it was the first
time that I was like, I think we could put
this out. I think we made it. So it was
likelve January twelve or something was I was like, Okay,
I think we're getting somewhere. Hell yes. Shout out to
(24:39):
Katy Perry, big, big shout out to miss Pair Katherine Hudson.
What a gal Kathy Hudson, the coming out of a generation.
Oh my god, she did kiss a girl and she
liked it. Datty who Thank you so much for taking
the time. I didn't think I could be more obsessed Sarah,
Feelings Mutual, more obsessed with you now than I ever
have been. Can't believe it. Okay, that's it for today's episode.
(25:04):
But starting next week, I'm taking the reins and I
will be doing the interviewing. I'm going to speak with
some really amazing people and I'm excited for you to
come along with me, and I want to hear from you.
What do you think of the podcast? Who should we
have on the show, What are you loving right now?
What inspires you to live in the world your own
way right and review us wherever you're listening, And you
(25:24):
can always find me on Instagram and Twitter at Betty Who,
and on TikTok on YouTube at Betty Who Music. Until
next time, dare to be bold and dare to be
yourself unfiltered. The JBL podcast is produced by I Heart
Radio and j b L. Our show is hosted by
me Betty Who. Our executive producer is Molly Sosha, Our
EP of Post Production is Matt Stillo. Editor is Sierra Spreen.
(25:45):
This episode was written and produced by Sierra Kaiser. Special
thanks to our friends at j b L Initiative and
Donna
Hi, everyone, and welcome to our first episode of Unfiltered
the JBL Podcast, a JBL podcast produced by iHeart Radio.
I am Betty who hi, and I am so excited
to be here starting this journey with all of you.
This podcast is meant to be a place to minimize
the noise and tune into what's unapologetically real and unfiltered.
(00:23):
So every episode I chat with the innovators and disruptors
who have taken a leap and dared to stand out. Yes.
So today's episode, though, we're gonna stall things off a
little differently because while I am also the host of
this podcast today, I am also going to be the
guest question mark. I know it's crazy, you guys. So
(00:44):
for those of you who don't know me, I am
an entertainer and a songwriter and an actor. I are
going to hear a little bit about that in this conversation.
But I have spent the last ten years seeing how
music can affect the world. I want to use my
powers for good instead of evil, and connecting with people
through vulnerable storytelling and sharing space with people is the
(01:05):
number one way I have figured out how to create
change and stop conversations. So I obviously relate so much
to the journeys our guests have taken finding their voice.
It's so hard being a creative person and trying to
figure out who you are. So today I am lucky
enough to share my story with all of you if
you will allow me. Um, But since I cannot interview myself,
(01:25):
our producer Sierra Kaiser is going to step into the
interviewer role for this one. So what you say? Should
we hop to it? Let's get to my story? Hi, Sierra, Hey, Betty? What? Oh?
You know? I'm just doing great. I'm so happy to
be here with you in conversation. What are something of
(01:47):
your first like music memories and and you know where
that started for you? Sure? Well, I started playing cello
when I was four, so I feel like that was
definitely like an early childhood sort of cello lessons, being
in the young kids orchestra and ensembles and stuff like that.
Actually playing music, so much of that is rooted in cello.
And now I'm kind of expecting to hear a cello
(02:08):
performance from you, but I'll let you sit on that idea, Siarah.
I will tell you the album that I'm putting out
is about to have the first song that I've ever
played cello on. No way, I know we're really doing it,
but it's official. I know it took me a long
time to get here, but I've made it. That's called
full circle, So it is. I can't wait to hear it.
Thank you from cello. How did you get into singing?
(02:30):
And um, where were you first performing? Like on stage?
So I did a lot of musical theater programs and
stuff kind of outside of school. I'm a real theater
kid at HASS I don't know if you get that
energy for me. I don't know if my extra version
is really giving you all that you need to know already.
And I think that was really where I found the
love for singing and performing, but especially singing and storytelling.
(02:52):
I started writing songs when I was fourteen, and that
really kind of blossomed, and it was my way of
expressing myself. And I just felt like I had these
big feelings and I had to put them somewhere and
and that's kind of where it'll start. It. It It just
grew sort of beyond my wildest dreams. And so when
you first started, and especially like at fourteen, trying to
write songs, did you have stage right then. Was it
kind of like writing in my journal trying to make
(03:12):
these songs for fun or were you like, I'm taking
this to the stage full like it's not ready yet,
like I couldn't possibly. Um No, I think the theater
kid and me was like everybody look at me. I
think I definitely had like, um, maybe some overconfidence if
nothing else. Um, that's probably aggressive, But I think I'm
I'm very grateful for the part of my brain that
didn't really feel embarrassment or shame in high school. I
(03:35):
think I'm very rare in that instance. So I love
that for me, love that for her. But I definitely
think that I have always felt much more comfortable. I
always felt that way about cello, like I was playing
it for me, but I felt really uncomfortable sharing it.
And I think understanding at a really young age that
I felt like I had something to say as a
singer and songwriter in a different way than I did
(03:56):
as a cellist really helped put that in perspective. Yeah,
of And when you were trying to start writing and
getting used to that, were you very pop focused at
that time or was there like a different vibe. Were
you being angsty, Like, how has that changed to what
the music you put out now? Oh my god, I
wish that my I mean, it was pretty I guess
it was pretty angsty. It wasn't full emo like to
not you know, like full It didn't I didn't go
(04:18):
full there, but I I definitely think it was. It
was about feelings, it was about heartbreak. But I think
still to this day, like at my core, I'm such
a Sarah burrillis Missy Higgins Ingrid Michaelson, like I was
the era of Grey's Anatomy music. You know, it was
like that was very important to culture and it sounds
(04:40):
like something that's so silly now because of the way
that we consume music, but like that was huge. I
remember seeing these songs that were like heartbreaking and about
something that like storytelling that matches this moment. And so
I think I spent the first ten years of my
professional life really being in the pop world wanting to
go there because I love Brittany and I love Once,
(05:00):
and I grew up on the j LO and and
these incredible female entertainers that I wanted to be just like.
And now I I had to step back and be like,
what am I really good at actually what's who am I?
As opposed to who we're all? I know who those
people are, like who am I? And so I think
a huge part of that has been coming back to
my songwriter roots and love for storytelling and really focusing
(05:22):
on that. And I was like, what if I just
wrote songs? That's what I think. I'm actually really good at.
Hell yeah, I mean at this rate, I think I
smell like a Brandy Carlisle collaboration in your future, don't Sierra, Sierra,
I'm getting really close to the mic, Sierra, don't start
with me. I will poop my pants. Brandy, Brandy Carlile's voice,
her and those twins, her and those fucking twins and
(05:45):
those three part harmonies that she's been cooking out for
ten years. I Brandy Carlisle speaks to the depths of
my soul. Oh man, Well, that's how I feel about
you and Brandy, which is why I'm hyped to be here,
because you know what I was like, I would love
to work with that. I think she's perfect for this podcast.
And you're here now, so I feel like we're in
the space to manifest you and Brandy, Sierra. You are
(06:06):
a powerful manifesto. I feel it already. I'm speaking into
the universe. Ms. Carlisle, Hey, hey, Brandy, call a bitch.
You know where to find us any day. We all
know and love you for like all these pop bangers
and just like something you could really dance to and
feel outside of yourself. And so I'm wondering, like, who
were some other people you know you mentioned Brittany and
Beyonce and any genre that you looked up to growing up,
(06:28):
and how they have an influence on your work now. Yeah,
I think a huge part of my process um in
the last couple of years leading into this record has
been about realizing all of the people that I am
not and all of the people that I did look
up to and wanted to be just like, and then
realizing that that's who they are, of course, and I
have to figure out who I am and be that
(06:49):
instead of trying to be them. And so Brittany and
Beyonce as a kid like they were at the height
of pop culture of being the most important women in
the business in my eyes, Jay was also up there too.
They all are triple threats in all these different ways.
But I think those women were born into different bodies
than I was born into. I'm really tall. I'm over
(07:09):
six ft tall. I think that's alone has given me
a really singular life experience. Like me and the girls
in the w n b A like holding it down.
Most people like don't really understand what that feels like,
and so coming to terms with the fact that that
actually makes me really different and I should lean into
that instead of trying to hide it and pretend like
I'm everybody else. Now I'm finally at a secure enough
(07:32):
place in my life where I can take inspiration and
be a fan and consume the art and music from
all of these different artists and also understand what is
and isn't mine and letting them be them and knowing
that there's enough room for all of us. I love that,
and and don't think us fans didn't notice you and unpregnant.
When I saw you in the screen, I literally fell
(07:53):
off the couch and like flew out the window. Oh
my god, so shook. You are great in it. Oh
my god, baby's first movie. Thank you. I your peak, Sarah. Well,
I was six to coming into this conversation. Now I
feel like I'm six ft eight. I just threw half
a foot. I can't believe it. I'm so excited. I'm
jacked up. Thank you. Do you think a lot about
(08:13):
how your role model for your own fans before this record?
I don't think that I thought about it a lot.
I think I was very like, I can barely figure
my fucking self out, so like I can't think for
I can't be a role model. I'm barely a role
model for myself. I definitely think that's changed for me.
You know, I'm a little older. I think I've spent
a lot of time with myself in the last couple
of years, as all of us were kind of forced to.
(08:34):
I think a huge part of that was realizing that
little me, you know, ten year old me, was watching
Britney Spears, who's five ft six and a hundred pounds,
and like, that's amazing for her, and I love that
for her, and like, you know, chic, so nineties, you know,
it's like giving tiny girl. But I didn't see artists
that reflected me back to myself, and that's maybe why
(08:57):
it took me an extra ten years of my adult
to be able to figure that something that seems so
fundamentally obvious. It's like, no you have to be yourself.
It's like dull, like, of course I do, but it's
taken me so long to process how to do that,
and I'm still really I'm in it. And so I
think now that I've come to realize that about myself,
(09:18):
I think about ten year old me and how badly
she needed somebody to be that person. And now I
think I understand the you know, age, old adage. With
great power comes great responsibility, and I think I feel
more comfortable and capable of carrying that now and maybe
more like excited to, like I want to be on
(09:38):
stage and be proud of who I am and show
other particularly young women. I think young queer people is
really the people I really want to speak to, but
also especially young women. I I have such a soft
spot now for this young person inside of me, and
now I think I'm way more excited and ready to
stand on stage and be like, hey, you like in
the audience, this you little girl, Like we are the same.
(10:00):
You can be anything you want to be. Yeah, And
that's why representation is so important and so powerful. So
when you were finding yourself and who you were as
an artist, how did you find that place where you
felt comfortable expressing what finally felt like your true self.
I think I've really been standing in my own way
for a long time, as I think maybe that's what
(10:21):
we do. I think so often we are the cause
and solution to our own problems. I think that making
better choices for ourselves is always a way that we
can take care of ourselves better. I think being self
aware enough about what's not working that was definitely something
I really had to overcome. Was I spent a decade
being like, well, this is just how I do it,
(10:42):
because this has been how I do it, and this
is what everybody else is doing, So I guess I
should do that and taking a second to stop and
actually ask myself what do I really want? How does
this look if I have everything I want? And then
trying those things on and going, oh, if this doesn't work,
I can make a different choice. More from Betty Who.
(11:03):
After a quick break, and now back to our conversation
with Betty Who. On the show, we want to really
(11:24):
explore how artists approach their art, but also like the
confidence that informs that art and just you know, they
have to be kind of synonymous, and so I'm wondering
the confidence that you bring to your persona as an
artist and an entertainer is informed by the confidence you
have as a person, and do they kind of deviate
and how do you see them interacting with each other?
(11:44):
Confidence is absolutely like I know people say this, but
genuinely it is fake it till you make it like there,
nobody has any more or less right to be somewhere
or be better at something or be doing something. Like
you showing up and saying I deserve to be here
because I'm awesome, and you should want to be with
me and work with me and do the stuff with
me is really all. It takes a lot of the
(12:06):
time and the rest is just like experience points that
you gain through learning and falling on your face. The
part that speaks to me in songwriting is also the
part that can like send me into a manic depressive
episode for days at a time. So now I'm trying
to have better boundaries with that creative part of me.
And also it's kind of like I have picture it
often as the Pixar movie inside Out, where like there's
(12:27):
the creative little noodle in my brain and when she's
like acting a full or having a tantrum, I will
fully say to myself like, hey, hey, you're in a
time out. I don't want to deal with you right now.
This is not the time for this. You're gonna sit down.
I'm gonna bring joy out. I'm gonna bring happiness out,
and I'm gonna live with them for a second, and
you can rejoin us when you're feeling like it. You know.
I think that agency and self awareness about the different
(12:50):
parts of you and where they are best used is
something that's taken me. That's like a big adult thing.
That's a that's a grown up thing for me that
I have like been coming into you now is having
the agency and making the choice to put the parts
of my brain in a time out when they need
to be in a time out. Yeah. No, that's like
a perfect way to picture it, because hey, that's an
(13:10):
amazing movie and it's it's actually so clear. It's like
just let joy take over. And sometimes you just make
yourself sit down well and also say like, hey, you
don't get to ruin this moment for me right now,
you to yourself, you know what I mean, Like, hey, self, sabotager,
you don't get to do this to me. I've worked
my whole life for this moment, so that one day
when hopefully all of my dreams are coming true and
(13:31):
I'm sitting on stage at the Grammy is about to
sing for everybody, It's like, no, that's of course, because
I've been waiting this my whole life for this moment,
and I don't want to miss those moments while I'm
getting them, you know, hell yeah, hell yeah, yeah. Manifest
Speaking of manifesting, we got the Grammy's Brandy Carlyle doing
a lot. We'll just keep adding to the list. We'll
do like a moon ritual, Sierra, I'm ready some which ship?
(13:52):
We're on on? Our which ship? So as a musician,
you have a lot of crossover with also being a
staple of queer culture. Who were some of like your
l g B t Q role models growing up? I
think growing up, funnily enough, there weren't that many that
I can like that were really important or sort of.
I was surrounded by queer culture in Sydney. It was
(14:13):
always like from a young age I was I definitely
felt as though people could be themselves and I knew that.
But as far as like in the media, especially in Australia,
I think it's a really there's a lot of you know,
internalized homophobia in so many Western I mean, in so
many countries all over the world. When I think about
like Peter Allen, the singer songwriter who has written some
of my favorite music, and the iconic song I Still
(14:35):
call Australia Home, which is one of my most favorite
songs of all times, just speaks to my soul in
my childhood, where I felt like gay culture was so
on the outskirts of culture, even though gay culture was
what informed pop culture, but we we all just pretended
like it didn't. And now we've arrived at a place
where we respect and understand that gay culture is the
(14:57):
driving force for all of culture because the gays have
the best taste, and that's what they always say, like
first the gays, then the girls, then the world. Like
I fully subscribe to that belief, and I think it's
I feel really lucky to be living in a time
when being queer is a lot more accepted. I don't
(15:19):
want to say that it's like everything's dandy and fabulous,
you know. I often struggle with being a queer person
who's in like a heteronormative relationship and how strange. I
think that reads to other people where I go, I'm
just following my truth and like, I found this person
that I'm obsessed with and I want to marry and
he's the best partner on the planet and I love that.
But I'm also like really queer presenting, and I feel
(15:39):
really queer, and I think I act really queer, and
so giving myself the permission to be myself regardless of
the circumstances or what I think people will feel or
or see for me, I think I'm trying to lead
by example. If I'm going to tell my fans, if
I'm going to tell people who come to a show
to be themselves and be comfortable with that, and I'm
not doing the same thing, I think sucks as hypocritical.
(16:01):
So I'm trying to to really live into it. It's
really scary, it's really intense, and I'm very inspired by
so many incredible artists who have found their voice and
their comfort in themselves in a way that really inspires
me to be myself. Like Jake Wesley Rogers. You know,
Jake Wesley Rodgers is one of my favorite artists that
exists right now. I remember hearing their song that goes
(16:21):
hate on me, you might as well hate the sun
for shining just a little too much. The lyrics in
the song. I just was like, yes, exactly that, Hey,
you gotta that's the thing, So shine bright, sister, you know.
And I remind myself of that all the time and
take the inspiration that I get from these artists, most
of whom were younger than me. You know. It's like
the new generation that's coming up of musicians like are
(16:44):
so comfortable being themselves. It's like that's crazy, you know. Yeah,
and then you know, like you're saying, we're we're still
digging out of it, but there's a lot of brightness
to the future, which is just sick to just watch happening.
It's like a really, really beautiful thing. My best friend
was with her cousins for dinner there, all younger than fifteen.
She was trying to like, you know, be the cool
you know, millennial aunt and was like, tell me about
(17:05):
you're alive, you know what they're gonna crushes, like, who
are we into these days? And all of them went
around and said a boy and a girl, Oh my god.
And she was like, it was the coolest thing. I
didn't tell them. You know, she was like, I didn't
force anything. They would literally just like Zendia is so pretty,
have the biggest crush on her. But then I guess
also like Harry Styles and it's like, oh my god,
cool vibe. I love this for us, We've made it. Yeah,
(17:28):
it's so crazy to think like that is where we're
moving and I just can't wait to see it, like
doubling over on it for everyone to just be comfortable
in that space. I'm obsessed. Queer people are joy. I
genuinely believe that it's magic being able to be yourself,
and there's so much hatred in the hearts of people
who hate queer people. I think that's very much what
your music and your whole persona gives off, which is
(17:52):
like the most beautiful part of it. My brand is strong.
Thank you, Sarah. I love that it's coming through loud
and clear. It's coming through. I'm wondering, what do you
want your leg is see as an artist today? Um,
A toughie, A toughie for the end here, Sira, I
think I'm really good at holding space for people. I
think I like to live into myself in the most
(18:15):
loud and comfortable version of that so that other people
see me and they're like, wait, she's having so much fun?
Can I have fun? I think humans often wait for
permission from somebody else to live their best life. And
so I think the thing I really want, the legacy
I want to leave, is that I lived into myself
and I was honest about who I am, and it
(18:36):
encouraged other people to be their truer, bigger selves. You know.
Hell yeah, And I think you're heading in that. I'm
trying to find it. I'm trying to figure it out.
Thank you, Sarah. We ask all of our guests about
not only finding their calling, professionally finding themselves and living authentically.
So what has your journey of living authentically been like?
And how do you see that? My journey of living
(18:56):
authentically has definitely been a long one. Think it's just
been a process of getting deeper into what that really
means and uncovering layers and making choices about who I
really want to be. You know, I think making bold
choices and trying things on and go, oh my god,
who is she? Like? What is this part of myself?
Can I access it? Do? I want to? You know,
(19:17):
we are so untapped and I love exploring, and I
hope to get deeper into it only as I grow
and get older. Yeah, and how would you describe yourself
as a person and as an artist. I would describe
myself as a person, I would say I am loving,
(19:39):
and I talked too much, and I um will ride
from my friends and family to the end of the earth.
I think as an artist, I would say that I
want to hold space and honestly put on the most
fun show anybody's ever been to. I want to have
so much fun on stage that everybody is like, I
can't believe how much fun she's having. I'm having fun
and I'm only having like the fun that she's having.
(20:00):
That's the vibe that I want to create all part
of that legacy. Baby, What is the hardest part about
being authentic for you and finding that contentment with who
you are? I think the hottest part about being authentic
for me is actually probably sharing it with people who
don't know me, and then I go out into the
world and people judge me for that. But I also
(20:21):
think the whole point is probably to like toughen up
your skin because nobody can judge me but me. I
was born fore as Beyonce says, and I think that
that's the place I'm really trying to get to is like,
this is who I am today. It's okay if I
want to change or make a different choice tomorrow. And
if someone judges me today, that's about them, it's not
about me. And I'm still living my true self and
(20:42):
doing the best that I can. And when you're living
your true self and trying to achieve that, what is
your favorite way to feel your best? My favorite way,
honestly to feel my best probably is dancing. I know
I'm a musician and we've talked a lot about music
and creative process like that, but I come alive on
a dance floor, especially like a wedding dance floor. If
(21:03):
I wasn't a musician, I think I would stop like
a party company. But it's not event planning. It's like,
no, no no, you hire me to come make your party fun.
I'm gonna get all your I'm gonna get your grandma
on the dance floor. All the aunties are gonna be
obsessed with me. Just you wait. It's on a dance floor,
just like feeling myself. I mean people stream she can
Dance by Betty Who wherever you find the music. That's
(21:24):
what I'm saying, Sierra. She knows she gets it. We're
tying it in. What is your favorite music or artists
to listen to? Um ever? Changing on a big podcast kick.
I like audiobooks. I like to listen to stories. I
like to learn. I think I'm in a like input
because I've been on output for so many months. But
(21:45):
I know that's kind of a cop out to your question.
I guess if I'm listening to any artists for real,
I'm listening again listening to a lot of musical theater.
It's like story time for me. I'm thinking about storytelling,
and I have like a pretty bang and musical theater
playlist that beyond in the shower. I mean, yeah, you
gotta bring that's the best place to belt it. So
you got to bring out the theater kid, Oh big time.
I've got rage and that shower like no one's ever heard.
(22:08):
I guess, if we're really being honest, probably the only
music that I have consistently been listening to is Renaissance.
She's got me out here, like I want to be
on a dance floor. I like, I really Beyonce is
who I have a Beyonce tattoo. I have a w
W B D. What would Beyonce do? Tattoo? Right there?
So it's very like renaissance is very important. I should
have let I should have started, that's so obvious. I
should have started with that. And what advice do you
(22:30):
have for others who may be listening and struggling with
finding themselves and figuring out who they are, especially as
young people. You're exactly where you're meant to be right now.
Everything that is coming for you will come when it's
meant to come. And be grateful about today. It's presence.
It's about enjoying literally the moment that you're in because
it's over, you know, it is all a part of
(22:51):
the journey. And and be kind to yourself. And if
there's something today that you don't like about yourself, do
something tomorrow to change that and make that something that
you can love about yourself. You know, And you're on
the journey, and I believe in you. Literally as you're speaking,
I'm like growing a small blonde like wig. I'm becoming
Betty who in spirit, which is really everything I've ever wanted.
(23:13):
I think we should get the entire team Betty who
wigs for for these interviews. I think that would be
really important. Molly's nodding, We've got the whole team on board. Okay, great.
Last question, I spoke about the type of music you
started out with. When did you know that the music
you were making was like like Betty who and who
you wanted to be? I actually know exactly what that
(23:33):
moment was. I spent. So I went to Berkeley College
and Music in Boston, which was my college education. And
the person that I met there who was probably the
most impactful person in my adult life was Peter Thomas,
who was my collaborator, co writer and producer of my
first three albums. And so he and I spent basically
three years like in his basement in my dorm room
(23:56):
in his parents house, writing and recording and trying stuff
out and trying to make songs and figuring it like
listening to Katy Perry records and being like, how does
it sound like good? And listening to you know, the
music of the top fem Fatale and Teenage Dream the
Brittany and Katie records were like our pop education at
(24:16):
this moment in time. Peter sent me a bounce of
he texted me saying, I think I figured out the drums,
and he texted me the first demo of Somebody Loves You,
which is my first single, and it was the first
time that I was like, I think we could put
this out. I think we made it. So it was
likelve January twelve or something was I was like, Okay,
I think we're getting somewhere. Hell yes. Shout out to
(24:39):
Katy Perry, big, big shout out to miss Pair Katherine Hudson.
What a gal Kathy Hudson, the coming out of a generation.
Oh my god, she did kiss a girl and she
liked it. Datty who Thank you so much for taking
the time. I didn't think I could be more obsessed Sarah,
Feelings Mutual, more obsessed with you now than I ever
have been. Can't believe it. Okay, that's it for today's episode.
(25:04):
But starting next week, I'm taking the reins and I
will be doing the interviewing. I'm going to speak with
some really amazing people and I'm excited for you to
come along with me, and I want to hear from you.
What do you think of the podcast? Who should we
have on the show, What are you loving right now?
What inspires you to live in the world your own
way right and review us wherever you're listening, And you
(25:24):
can always find me on Instagram and Twitter at Betty Who,
and on TikTok on YouTube at Betty Who Music. Until
next time, dare to be bold and dare to be
yourself unfiltered. The JBL podcast is produced by I Heart
Radio and j b L. Our show is hosted by
me Betty Who. Our executive producer is Molly Sosha, Our
EP of Post Production is Matt Stillo. Editor is Sierra Spreen.
(25:45):
This episode was written and produced by Sierra Kaiser. Special
thanks to our friends at j b L Initiative and
Donna
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com