Q&A: Courtney Paige Nelson's "COLD LIKE GEMINI" Is An Emotive Musical Journey
DELVING DEEP INTO A PERSONAL MEMORY COURNEY PAIGE NELSON TRANSLATES EMOTIONS INTO A VIVID SONIC NARRATIVE IN “COLD LIKE GEMINI.” Reflecting on an intense encounter with a past partner, Nelson infuses the song with her inner monologue, as seen in lines like 'cold as ice, bout to see the dark side of Gemini.' The track's dynamic structure captures the tension between external situations and internal thoughts.
Known for her authentic themes, Nelson believes the song will resonate with many who've navigated relationships on the brink. The song's upbeat production complements its realness, offering listeners an authentic experience they can connect with. Nelson's journey in the music industry, marked by both adversity and growth, is a wellspring of inspiration for her artistry, allowing her to channel her past traumas into heartfelt lyrics.
As Nelson prepares to release her upcoming EP, I Guess I've Been A Little Angry, her evolution into Electro Pop and EDM influences showcases her willingness to explore deeper emotions. With her message of persistence, drawn from her own experience of overcoming challenges, Nelson's music serves as a reminder that artistic journeys are marked by both struggle and triumph. Read below to learn about the making of “COLD LIKE GEMINI” and more.
LUNA: "COLD LIKE GEMINI" draws from a personal experience that left a strong impact on you. Could you share more about the emotions and thoughts that led you to create this song?
NELSON: I made this song as an exact representation of a memory I had with someone I dated. They were being difficult, and showed up to my house intoxicated ready to argue, and I’m not into that. The first verse is: ‘call me up, say you're sitting outside where’s your key and your alibi’ The chorus is my internal thoughts ‘cold as ice, bout to see the dark side of Gemini’ meaning the way I was being treated was pushing me to my limits past my chill demeanor.
LUNA: This track paints a vivid scene and story, blending both the external situation and your inner monologue. How did you approach balancing these perspectives within the song's structure?
NELSON: EXACTLY! You get it. The fact you got that without me explaining it much means I wrote it well. I always kinda look at the chorus of a song I make as the ‘inner monologue’ meaning it’s either something I should’ve said, or something I want to say but maybe can’t say exactly how I want to.
LUNA: Your music is known for its authenticity and relatable themes. How do you think this song will resonate with listeners, and what kind of impact do you hope it will have on those who hear it?
NELSON: I think a lot of people can relate to a partner, situation-ship, or whomever at one point in their life wanting to start an argument and pushing them over the edge. It’s something fun to listen to but REAL. Which is how I wanted it to be. The lyrics are true and real with an upbeat production.
LUNA: Your journey in the music industry has been marked by resilience and creative growth. How has your background and personal experiences shaped your songwriting style and the themes you explore in your music?
NELSON: It’s funny, I always look back on my life and everything I went through as a way to remind myself of how far I’ve come in life. I think all the trauma, pain, heartbreak, and the suicide attempt back in 2018 brought me here. This is why I went through everything have something to say for myself and others who can’t speak up/need music to cry and relate to. I’m glad I went through everything because all of that means I have a wound I can open and pull from whenever I need deep lyrics. When I need to pull from a place just look inwards. Songwriting has always been in me, music saved me, and I’m exactly where I need to be.
LUNA: In addition to your solo career, you've also made waves with your collaborations and contributions to other artists' projects. Can you share a highlight from your recent collaboration with Moore Kismet on the song 'See You Go'?
NELSON: Thank you! It feels amazing and surreal to be able to work with EDM artists/DJs on their projects. Electronic Music is my home base, it’s my first love of genres. So to be able to work with people as a songwriter/topliner is the best thing ever to me. I think the highlight of that collaboration was not only getting to see a young artist develop, but to be a part of the journey. Being on someone’s first album, a project they spent so much time on and to see it come to life is just amazing. The insane part is the very beginning of the pandemic is when we first connected, so it was almost 2 years full circle when it was released.
If we’re gonna say a singular highlight though-being able to perform it live at HARD SUMMER Music Festival in front of like 10,000 people who be it lol.
LUNA: With your upcoming EP in the works, can you provide any insights into the themes or directions that you're exploring in this new project?
NELSON: Obviously my sound has progressed into Electro with lots of EDM influences in production, it’s also much more upbeat and ‘Angry’. I’m angry, I’ve been angry about multiple things and I’ve never had an outlet for it or attempted to use music: until now. In fact, the actual title of the EP is ‘I Guess I’ve Been A Little Angry’ haha
LUNA: What message would you give to aspiring artists who are facing challenges and hardships in their pursuit of a music career?
NELSON: PLEASE don’t give up! I know it looks like I have it all together but I’m also floating around wondering about things like: am I doing enough? But you have to just put your head down and push through. The reward of getting over the mountain of self-doubt is going to be so so worth it. I feel blessed to have been a model for 10 years because hearing ‘no’ is a daily occurrence, so I’ve been able to always say ‘watch me’. And that’s the key: every time you doubt yourself or someone tells you no, take the advice, take the emotions, go back to the drawing board and keep going. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Someone told me that once, and it’s stuck to me ever since!
LUNA: What intuitions do you have for the upcoming months?
NELSON: I think I’m going to get a break. I don’t know from who, or what, but I feel like I’m on the tip of something and whatever it is: I’m excited and ready for it!
