Meet Your New Favourite Pop Star… Paige Cavell

Having been heavily influenced by some of the most iconic vocalists and incredible performers of all time – from Etta James and Amy Winehouse to Beyonce and Britney Spears – rising pop sensation Paige Cavell has been refining her craft since she wrote her very first song, at age 11. Since then, she was signed to legendary songwriting and production house Xenomania (the name behind some of the biggest songs in British pop by the likes of Girls Aloud and the Sugababes), gained co-writes with the likes of GRACEY, Florrie and Tove Lo, released two EPs, ‘Figure It Out’ and ‘Lock My Lips’, gone viral on TikTok and now is navigating the world as an independent artist, releasing her wholly DIY banger ‘ROYL’. 

Now distributed through SoundOn, the new music distribution service from TikTok, and taking the reins to create her own brand of dancefloor pop, Paige Cavell’s new era sees her come into her own. With further music on the way and some collaborations in the pipeline, we can’t wait to see the pop heights Paige reaches next. We spoke to the ‘ROYL’ singer about the new track, her influences and the world of TikTok and the music industry. Check out the full interview below. 

Hey Paige! How have you been and what have you been up to since your last releases? A lot has happened in the world since then!

Hey! The world and everyone in it have been through so much. No one can live through a time like that and come out the other side the same person. I have been navigating my way through the rollercoaster that is being an independent artist. I have been loving working with new people, writing a lot and also connecting with ‘followers’ online.

Tell us about your new single ‘ROYL’. What inspired you to write it?

‘ROYL’ was written in my room during lockdown. I was at a very low point at the time both professionally and personally, owing to a breakup and the effects of the pandemic on the music industry. ‘ROYL’ started out sonically a lot darker than the version that I ended up releasing. I didn’t want the record to sound the way I felt at that time, I wanted it to uplift people and make them want to dance their way out of a breakup instead of sitting in their room surrounded by a mountain of snotty tissues. I think ‘ROYL’ can be related to lots of situations, like falling out with a friend or having someone doubt you.

What’s the one thing you want fans to take away from your music?

I really hope that the people listening to my songs can relate to them in some way. That’s how I get through things, by listening to songs that sum up the way I’m feeling. It makes you feel less alone knowing someone else is going through what you are going through.

What music/artists did you listen to growing up? Have your musical tastes changed in any way over time, or is there a genre you like that we may not expect?

Lots of soul and jazz, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Simply Red. I also loved (and still do) Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. I would say I have recently been very drawn to artists like Halsey and Miley [Cyrus]. I like their dark twist on pop music and both of their voices are super unique. I am a real lover of rap music and have been since I was younger (thanks to my brother, who introduced me to Eminem and Jay-Z!). I am loving Kendrick’s [Lamar] new album at the moment and I am always excited to hear new releases from him, Kanye [West] and J Cole. 

If you could describe your sound in 3 words, what would they be?

Playful, honest, energetic.

Any plans for some live shows? Who would you love to tour with?

I am currently in rehearsals for some live acoustic shows. I am so desperate to perform live as I feel this is where I truly come alive. I would love to tour with Anne Marie, I feel we both have the same hyper energy, and I love how she has crossed over from dance to pop. 

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with on a track? Who are you loving right now?

I think either Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus or Halsey! I am really loving all three of them at the moment.

You’ve made a name for yourself on TikTok and are now being distributed by their music distribution platform, SoundOn. How did you find your footing on TikTok and what is it about the platform that you enjoy as a music artist?

TikTok was the first platform I really felt fully accepted by. I had a viral video with an impression of Dolly Parton, and then from there, I did a few more impressions and lots of covers, and now I’ve started to show people my originals! I think TikTok is such an exciting platform, especially for artists/creators that have no team. I love how interactive it is as well; I go live at least three times a week, and I love chatting with new people from all around the world.

You’re now an independent artist, fully DIY in everything from your artwork to your tracks! What’s your favourite thing about taking the reins?

I have always thrived off being the ‘underdog’ in any situation as it makes me work harder! I think my favourite thing is being able to decide what music I want to release and when. It feels good to be fully in control of what I am putting out and creating.

What can we expect from this new era of Paige Cavell? 

Lots more solo music written from very personal experiences and feelings and also some really exciting dance collaborations, and hopefully some live shows!

Listen to Paige Cavell’s brand new pop banger ‘ROYL’ here or below.