Your latest release “Cool” explores a lot of interesting contrasts—positivity/negativity, highway/scenery, popular/don’t exist, dating a lawyer/a comedian. Do these dualities reflect where you are in life now, or are they themes you’re naturally drawn to?
I’m someone who assumes the grass is always greener on the other side. I want something until I get it, then I want its opposite. Age factors; I’ve racked up more experiences to overanalyze and question and the older I get, the more I wonder what the hell I’m doing and if I’ve made the right choices.
The album write-up for “Cool” on Bandcamp mentions your 2015 release, “I Want to Grow Up.” How does “Cool” differ from that earlier work? Do you think the Colleen from that era would admire the Colleen of today?
I’m proud of how far I’ve come in my life and since “I Want to Grow Up”. Even in the past year I’ve made strides that are bringing me nearer to my personal goals.
What’s the most surreal thing that happened while you were recording “Cool”?
It was pretty run-of-the-mill but meeting Gordon was a trip.
I’ve been listening to the album on repeat, and I get the sense that in your song “I believe in love”, you’re not being ironic. What’s the inspiration behind it?
I’m never ironic. I believe in true love and I want that more than anything. Over the years I’ve thought about it a lot and realized it’s a huge responsibility and takes real character. That’s what the song is about.
Do you think you make pop music?
I do.
I know you joke about this, but what’s gonna happen when CG gets a million followers?
It’s not going to happen.
Describe yourself in three words.
Chill, nice, fun.
Let’s end this interview with some music recommendations. What are some of your favorite guilty-pleasure songs?
It’s old, but I love this one by Foster the People. I’m not ashamed.