Just Jaded
Rising Pop Artist, Eraste, Releases Her Newest Single “Lead Role”!
Written By: Brooklyn Poutra
Hey Jaded Babes! I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite up and coming alt-pop artists, Eraste. In this interview Eraste touches on her newest single “Lead Role”, her songwriting career, and the influence of social media on a music career. Be sure to check out “Lead Role” and follow Eraste on all her socials!
How does “Lead Role” feel different from your previous releases?
This is the first song where I didn’t have any expectations of what it would be (kind of ironic because the song is about fulfilling the expectation of other people!) I was actively packing this feeling I was having for a while, and putting it into words in real-time. I got to work with a producer that I love (Zach Benson go check him out!) and when you feel safe and heard in your writing session it can lead to some vulnerable music.
What songs, artists, etc. were your biggest inspirations when working on and writing “Lead Role”?
I took a lot of inspiration from Gracie Abrams! I’ve loved her since 2020 and it was amazing to work that into my music. I especially loved and resonated with “Mess It Up” the instrumentation and the buildup in the bridge inspired the bridge to “Lead Role”. There’s another song I’ve loved forever called “Fuck Being Sober” by Annika Wells. The production in the chorus where the music cuts out and it’s only my voice is something we pulled from that song! :)
If you could ensure that listeners take one message away from “Lead Role”, what would it be?
It would be that when we pretend to be someone we aren’t, it only hurts ourselves. Find people who see you and appreciate you for who you are, and everything will feel less hard and happier!
How do you feel the internet has impacted your music making process and affected your career?
I think every artist in this day and age will have to come to terms with the “influencer” aspect of creating music. Posting snippets and tiktok is a huge part of being an artist right now, and in some ways it’s helping artists get discovered, but it can be a lot of pressure. As someone who makes pop music I always have commercial appeal in mind, but I think as I’ve grown into myself I’m incorporating vulnerability into my music as well. We have to “brand” ourselves, and for me that’s helped me build a community of people who can resonate with my music!
What was it like creating “Lead Role”? What complications did you encounter? How is the final song different from what you initially imagined it to be?
Writing with someone new is always a risk. I love writing by myself and that’s something I did with my last release, but inviting someone into that process is nerve-wracking and vulnerable! This song came together fairly easily compared to some of my other music. It didn’t change much from the original demo at all! I think that’s what happens when you find someone who listens and understands your vision (and Taylor Swift references of course!)
What do you hope to accomplish outside of music? What is next for Eraste?
One big thing I’m focusing on this year is songwriting and continuing to hone that craft and hopefully write for other artists and labels. In my personal life, I want to move to LA and physically get in those writing rooms! I’m having a huge year of growth and staying hopeful and patient is what I’m working on right now. :)
Where can we stay updated on all things Eraste? Anything else we should be on the lookout for?
Stay updated on my Tiktok! I post new snippets all the time and I have some really fun songs coming out VERY soon!
Follow Eraste on All Social Media Platforms: