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Seven years is a long time to be in the music industry—especially when you’re only 17. Such is the case with Indi Star, whose name some might recognize from her stint with Kidz Bop when she was just 11 (she’s featured on only one album, Kidz Bop 38). Since then she’s been dedicating herself to her solo career. And to anyone who listens to her strong, soulful, sultry singing there’s one thing that’s certain: Indi Star is ready for her spotlight. And she’s definitely not a kid anymore.
The millions who follow Indi on Instagram or TikTok get a regular dose of her fun and quirky side, and, if they’re lucky, intimate, powerful performances.
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Refreshingly, her youth shines through—as well as her obsession with cars, a theme throughout the new album, eMotion Sick. Both are apparent when she describes the album’s cover shoot featuring Indi and a vintage Ford Mustang. “We got this really cool blue vintage car [a mid-’60s Ford Mustang 289 V8] for the photo shoot,” she says. “I haven’t driven much since I got my license, so my dad and I drove it up to the shoot. It was a little difficult to get it up the hill, but it was so much fun to drive. I was so sad I didn’t get to keep it.”
In recent months she has debuted a string of singles (each with an accompanying video), capped by the catchy and lyrically vulnerable “How to Break a Heart.” Those songs also serve as teasers for eMotion Sick, set for release September 26.
The lyrics to your recent songs “How to Break a Heart,” “Too Good for You,” and “Shapeshifter” all focus to some degree upon the introspective, emotional side of life. Does that theme carry through to the other songs on eMotion Sick?
Oh, yes. It sure will, and I’m excited for people to listen to the album. The songs on the album have car metaphors [relating to] relationships. I’m obsessed with cars. The theme runs through [about half] of the songs, but some of the metaphors are kind of hidden in there.
You have a high profile and a lot of social media followers. Do you feel a responsibility to your fans to deliver positive and relatable messages in your songs?
Yes, I do. I’ve always tried to keep a positive light because there’s already so much negativity in the world. I try my best to make my whole platform a space where people can go and feel comforted.
But at the same time, I do love writing songs about difficult times. I like to integrate things that I’ve gone through in my life because I think it’s comforting [for listeners] to know that other people are going through stuff too.
You were part of Kidz Bop for six months. What was that experience like?
Oh, it was amazing! I was working with them basically 24/7. I was [going to go] on tour with them, but then we decided to split ways right before that tour because I wanted to focus on my own career. But growing up and being with another group of kids was incredible; we all got to learn and dance and sing together.
Did you learn anything from that experience that you have been able to apply to your subsequent career?
I learned a bunch of things from being in Kidz Bop—I’m appreciative of that. I left with a better work ethic and an understanding of what it takes to actually be in this business.
As the music side of your career has taken off, what has surprised you the most?
Just how supportive people are. As much as social media can be a negative place, people just love seeing other people do well. I know I love seeing all my friends post all of their stuff and supporting them. And I receive a lot of support from people who follow me. How much they love my music is so amazing to me because I’ve always been shy and insecure about my music.
As a social media personality, you cultivate a certain level of interaction with fans. Do you get feedback from them telling you how they feel about your music, how it hits them emotionally?
It’s kind of like impostor syndrome. Every time I get a DM from people saying things like, “Your song is my comfort song” or “I always listen to this song on my way to work or to college,” I’m like, “That’s crazy. I don’t get it!” I’ve gotten amazing people messaging me, talking about how much my music means to them, and that means the world to me.
How might live performance figure into your future?
I’ve done a couple live performances in the past year, the last one being for PRIDE Weekend at Moxy Chelsea in New York City; that was really exciting. And I’m definitely looking forward to more. It’d be cool to perform with a live band.
Followers know your public persona. What’s something about you that might surprise them?
Online, I kind of portray somebody that’s very extroverted, very out-there. But [in person] I’m a little bit more introverted and shy. People come up to me all the time. They’re so sweet; I love meeting people. But I always try to come off as approachable, because I am!
When someone listens to your songs or watches your music videos, what thoughts or feelings would you like them to experience?
My favorite artists always give me some sort of comfort when I listen to them. And I’d love for people to feel that same way with my music. My favorite thing to do is to make songs that are relatable to people.
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.
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