Introducing: Colby!

colby! recently released her debut EP, Dead Giveaway, marking a thrilling introduction to one of the most exciting new voices in alternative-pop. The 19-year-old Texas native teamed up with her brother, RJ Johnson, who co-wrote and produced the record, to create a collection of tracks that blend dreamy synths with her distinctive, raspy voice. Born in a home studio, Dead Giveaway explores themes of heartache and self-realization, capturing the raw emotion of relationships and personal growth. Let’s take a closer look at the music and creative process behind this standout debut.

1. Your debut EP Dead Giveaway is an impressive collaboration with your brother RJ Johnson. What was it like working so closely with a sibling on such a personal project, and how did your creative process evolve together?

Well, we were homeschooled, so we have always worked closely together, but this was actually fun to do. We can kind of read each other’s minds and have the same feeling about most things, so it just seems natural. Our creative process has evolved in unexpected ways to us. Naturally, we are getting faster with the process. We know more tricks and tools to get out of a rut, and still feel good about the sound and what we are making.

2. The title track, “Dead Giveaway,” explores themes of recognizing when a relationship has run its course. How do you approach channeling such raw emotions into your songwriting?

I wrote “Dead Giveaway” with my brother, RJ, and Trent Dabbs, and at the time, it was just what was happening in my life. It wasn’t about a  romantic relationship. It was a friendship that had run its course. We were going in different ways, and we carried ourselves very differently while things were airing out.

3.Your music blends dreamy vocals with striking synths and otherworldly melodies. Who or what inspires your sound, and how do you balance those influences with your own unique voice?

I listen to a bunch of different genres like I love Billie Holiday, love Beastie Boys, love No Doubt, and everything in between. For sure Lorde’s first album is an inspiration, just with what she wrote about and how she executed the album. So really, I just take little bits from everything I listen to, and make sure it is true to what I would do, and not just obsessing over one thing.

You’ve mentioned that creative arts helped you cope with challenges like dyslexia growing up. How has your journey shaped the way you write and perform music today?

With my form of dyslexia, I am constantly challenged with figuring out how my brain works. It is a daily struggle that helps me realize why I pick certain words over others. I have to navigate attempting to slow my brain down to get out a real thought. Beyond writing, my dyslexia does not affect performing, except, I cannot use teleprompters.

From a makeshift home studio to releasing Dead Giveaway, this EP marks a big milestone in your career. What do you hope listeners take away from these five tracks, and what’s next for you as an artist?

To be honest, I hope listeners like my music. I hope they relate to the songs and they can enjoy them. I will be making music until further notice! Lol