PAULINA JAYNE Q&A

With her new song “If I Knew Me Then” releasing this Friday (Sept. 20, 2024), country music starlet Paulina Jayne is opening her next chapter with lyrical depth, vulnerability, and a heartstring connection through a perspective of reflection on how far she’s come in understanding herself and who she is. We had a chance to check in with Paulina and chat with her all about the song, co-writing with Rob Crosby, discovering her “why” in the reasons she creates music, her next chapter, and much much more!

1) You’ve got a brand-new song dropping on September 20, 2024, “If I Knew Me Then.” Tell us a little bit about the song.

Oh my goodness! This song came out one day when I was with my friend and cowriter, Rob Crosby. He was telling me about all of the things he would’ve done differently in his big ole career. And I happened to stumble on the phrase, “if I knew me then.” Rob finished my phrase with, “like I know me now.” The melody fell right out, and the next thing I knew I was baring my soul! It is vulnerable, honest, deep, nostalgic, melancholy at times, but it points back to hope. My hope is that this song lands in the hands of somebody who is looking for freedom from regret and shame, for someone to say, “hey, I’ve been there too,” and for a tune to keep them company when they’re driving late at night reminiscing.

2) The song holds slight feels of wish I would’ve done it different regret in its reflectiveness, but it’s also very motivating in the fact that those past moments become the steppingstones of learned life lessons. How crucial was it to you that you spotlighted that understanding?

I think it’s really easy to get stuck in all of the things we could have done differently. But we were never intended to live for yesterday. So, I find it really important and helpful to take a glance at what was, reflect, forgive my younger self, pick myself up by the bootstraps and keep moving!

3) You mentioned co-writing the song with hitmaker, Rob Crosby and him sparking the idea in conversation. Take us deeper into that writing process and how the song crafted into what we hear today?

We talked it out for a while, and I did a lot of listening, which was a privilege to get to learn from him. By the time he concluded his story, the phrase “if I knew me then” kept popping in my mind. He finished the phrase, “like I know me now.” And we were off to the races! We worked on this song over the course of a few writing sessions…reworking, editing, revising, repeat. One night the bridge lyrics hit me right over the head. I sent them to Rob. We both knew it was done. He stewarded my story, and the story of so many, with such grace.

4) Alongside Mike Hicks, you produced on the track as well. How important was it for you to step into that role and be a part of finding the perfect mix of sound to match the depth of the lyrics?

I absolutely LOVE getting to produce the tracks I write. When I’m in the writing session, I can typically already hear where I want the sound to go. So I spend time creating my own worktapes, and then Mike and I take it in to the studio to put together with a specific band. Mike is fantastic at selecting the right players who will deliver the sound I’m searching for. He is a great leader and communicator and works at a pace of such ease. It makes for a peaceful, focused and creative setting in the studio.

5) It’s been since “Half” in the summer of 2023 that we’ve heard new music from you. That certainly doesn’t mean you’ve been quiet though. Over that timeframe, what did you discover in the writing rooms about what you were writing and where you really wanted this next chapter to go?

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been spending a lot of time writing alone and with Rob Crosby and a select group who I know are willing to truly tend to the art. My heart has been captivated by finding my “why.” Why do I do this? What is the purpose beyond any of the applause that may graciously come? Why is this the path for my life? Here’s what I’ve found.

First, I do this because I very simply love it. Music is the most magnificent language that anyone in the world can understand, but only a few get to speak and reproduce. I just love it. I love connecting with people and sharing in the stories of the human condition. I love knowing that I get to communicate with people all over the world whom I may never meet because of a song that was conceived in a shed-converted studio in my backyard.

Second, I get to share in hope with people and I dream of helping them feel seen right where they are.

Third, I want to bring glory to God and get to know His creations in unlikely places all over the country on a regular basis. I just can’t get over a love like this. I’m so excited for everyone to know it. Anyway, my hope is this next chapter will be marked by fearlessness, answered prayers, love and deep connection.

6) Opening a new chapter with slight adjustments to the core sound we’ve grown accustomed to can be scary as much as it is powerful for any songwriter/artist. In what ways do you really feel this song showcases your new approach, but also how does it retain some of those signatures we’ve already connected with?

I think there will always be a throughline in my music, but “If I Knew Me Then” is probably the first time I’ve bared my soul fully in a lyric. I’ve always been honest, but this is another level of depth here. It excites me to release a song that showcases the songs I’ve always been writing behind the closed doors of my heart, but have yet to share.

7) You’ve been posting snippets of the song on your socials over the past few weeks, teasers for your fans in one sense but also to surely gauge reactions as well. What have the reactions from your fans been to what you’ve revealed of the song so far?

It’s been so fascinating to count how many times I have heard the phrase, “I’ve been there too.” I think people are desperate to “go there,” but might just need someone to take the first dive. Perhaps it gives them permission to reflect too.

8) We know that this is the start of the next chapter for you musically, so what comes next? More singles, an EP, album?

My hope is this will be the start of many songs to come in 2024 and 2025! We will see what form that takes, but I have a ton of music ready to go. Just waiting for the right time, and the right nudge! J

9) Is there another song you’re working on right now that you absolutely can’t wait to share with your fans? If so, which one and when should we be looking for it?

Oh goodness, the problem is that all of the songs I’m writing are my new favorites! And I write just about every day! So there’s always a new favorite. However, I’m eager for the songs we recorded in the studio to be out in the world. There are several more, and so many more to come from my worktapes too. 

10) We have so many aspiring songwriters and artists that read our website, so we always like to end by asking this…what is the best piece of advice you can offer?

Well, I’m fully aware that the most wisdom I have found is in recognizing I know just enough to understand I really know nothing! Arriving at the heart of why we do the things we do sheds light on what it is we will do. And when we arrive, we will remain in tact because the heart is in tact. So study your “why” and stick to it.

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis)