ehahn on her new single and everything behind it

We are so grateful to be back and our first interview since the break is with Ehahn who is making her second appearance on Starsick! We've talked with her before a while ago but after 2 years, we're glad to hear from her again. Our interviewer Kat had a chat with her about music, origins, and her new single "Mean Girl", out now.

K: how did you get the inspiration for Mean Girl? Is it written about anyone in particular? What is the story behind it?

E: The idea for Mean Girl came to me about two years ago. A bunch of people on TikTok were trying to out Clairo and Madison Beer as being "Mean Girls". One of my best friends, Ally, and I were talking about these claims and we started talking about how we definitely thought they were exaggerated and fake, but also were joking about how we don't even care because of how pretty and talented they are. It doesn't even matter if they're mean. After that conversation, I started writing the song based on that premise while also trying to poke fun at the sexist nature of calling someone a mean girl.

K: What sparked your interest for singing and how long have you been making music for?

E: When I was in middle school, a friend invited me to see Taylor Swift on her Red Tour. During the concert she played an acoustic version of "Fearless" and I remember being in awe seeing all of these people connected so deeply to this song she had written in her room as a teenager. All these people had their own stories and memories attached to this song that one person wrote. After that, I knew I wanted to make music. I've been playing guitar and writing since then, but I really started working on my own songs and production my freshman year of college in 2019.

K: Do you have any future projects planned? Do you have any interest in pursuing a music career or is there anything else in mind?

E: I absolutely have future projects in the works and I'm always working on music. It's my dream to be able to support myself through a career in music, specifically songwriting and production. Right now I'm really enjoying getting to release my own music and have it out there for people to listen.

K: Do you play any instruments?

E: My main instruments are guitar and bass, but I can also get by on piano and maybe a little cello (If you count high school orchestra). I used to play drums and I'm in the process of trying to relearn, but I have a feeling it might take me a minute. 

K: Why did you create the album and are there any messages that you want people to get from it?

E: The album was really a long time coming. I've been working on these songs for about two years. These two years were honestly some of the most foundational times of my life. I really struggled a lot with mental health and moving away from my family and friends as well as kind of having to start over in Philadelphia. Over this time, I really started to believe the sentiment "You need lows to have the highs in life", I'm well aware how cheesy that is, but I believe it and its the foundation of this album. The name, "Flowers Need Dirt" is meant to convey that idea. Overall though, I really just want people to be able to listen to these song and feel a connection, to feel seen and have fun listening to music they can relate to. 

K: Who do you consider your biggest supporter and why?

E: One of my best friends, Tommy, is my biggest supporter and ally. We were in band together in high school and we call each other musical soulmates. He sends me premises, ideas, songs he's working on, and he gives me great feedback on songs I send him. My family has always been high supporters of me, especially my older sister. She's always happy to listen to any song I'm working on and give feedback. My label, Dime and Dog, are also incredible supporters and friends who have always helped me get to where I want to be. Lastly, my girlfriend, Olivia, is a huge supporter who I'm incredibly grateful for.

K: Are there any personal connection that you have to your music? Are they created based off personal experience or something else?

E: My songs are pretty much all based on personal experiences, but not in the wya you might assume. When I'm going through something, I tend to write down like a line in my notes app and then come back to it months later. Then I use that line and the way I remember feeling to write songs. So while I might not have gone through the exact situations I'm writing about, I have absolutely felt the feelings the songs are expressing.

Originally from the Chicago suburbs and currently based in Philadelphia, Ehahn has worked with the best Philly based artists including City Rain's Ben Runyan (The Lumineers, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness) and Ryan Schwabe (Rei Ami, Tierra Whack, Pussy Riot). She is also one of Dime + Dog's first ever signings!