Music is often born from experiences, places, and people that shape an artist’s journey. For me, my country-pop EP Midwest Barbie was the result of one unforgettable girls’ trip to Nashville, Tennessee, and a whole lot of inspiration from the world around me. During a fun-filled trip to Nashville for my cousin Korina’s birthday, I was struck by a wave of creativity that led me to write the song CUNTRY. The trip was a whirlwind of energy, fun, and the kind of memories that spark art. Nashville’s vibe created the perfect blend for a song that’s both playful and powerful.

The Creative Process: Merging Country and LA Vibes

When I started working on CUNTRY, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a typical country song. I wanted to create a fun, lighthearted anthem—something you’d throw on your playlist while getting ready to go out. A song that would make you feel alive, confident, and ready to take on the world. The vibe I was going for was the kind of track you’d blast before a night out, making you feel hot, young, and unstoppable.

Once I heard the beat, I couldn’t help but dive straight into writing. I wanted to infuse the spirit of my LA lifestyle into this country-pop song. I pay homage to both cities—referencing Tootsies on Broadway in Nashville and Bootsy Bellows on Sunset Blvd in LA—while nodding to some of the classic icons that shaped me. CUNTRY features references to Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ and Elvis Presley’s Are You Lonesome Tonight, merging the sounds of the past with the present in a way that felt uniquely me.

My Favorite Part: Crafting Something That Feels Like Me

The best part of creating this song was drawing inspiration from different places, people, and experiences and blending them into something that was authentic to me. Growing up, I watched Dukes of Hazzard, and I was always drawn to Jessica Simpson’s confident, cute, and flirty vibe. She exuded that “I know I’m that girl” energy—someone who owns their power and doesn’t let anyone tell them otherwise. That confidence became a central part of CUNTRY—I want you to feel like your most badass self when you listen to this song. It’s a reminder to embrace who you are, your power, and all that you bring to the table.

The Music Video: A Dream Realized

The music video for CUNTRY was nothing short of a dream come true. We spent months planning, having Zoom calls, scouting locations, and coordinating every little detail—from outfits to hair and makeup to the extras. The production was huge, and it was my first time working on such a large-scale project, with a cast and crew of about 40 people. It was a labor of love, and every moment was worth it.

I owe so much to my incredible director, Jasmine Duenas. She has this insane ability to tap into my brain and capture exactly what I envisioned for this music video. I felt like she knew me inside and out. My producer, Rhea-Anne Bautista, the owner of uandcproductions, kept everything running smoothly, handling every detail with grace and professionalism. She truly made things happen, and I couldn’t have done it without her expertise.

The video wouldn’t have been the same without my talented director of photography, Ryan De La Cruz, who perfectly captured every shot and made each frame feel like magic. My amazing costar, Harrison Luna, brought such incredible energy to the project. His kindness and positivity were contagious, and I’m so honored that he wanted to join me in this adventure. I’m grateful to everyone who made this music video possible.

What made this experience even more special was that I got to include some of my closest friends in the video, turning it into a digital timestamp of this period of my life. It’s something I’ll cherish forever—an experience that felt more like a celebration than just another project.

The Power of Gratitude and Learning Along the Way

I learned so much from everyone involved in the music video, and it deepened my appreciation for the people who dedicate their time and energy to supporting independent artists. This wasn’t just another job for the crew—they showed up because they believed in me, and I am forever grateful for that. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of community and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

At the end of the day, CUNTRY is more than just a song or a music video—it’s a manifestation of everything I love about music: the fun, the creativity, the empowerment, and the people who make it all come to life. I hope it makes you feel just as alive and powerful as I do when I sing it. Because that’s what it’s all about—remembering who you are, owning your power, and celebrating every moment along the way.