For Brooke Candy, creativity collides with unapologetic rebellion. The singer, songwriter, and director—not to mention tattoo artist—has become a game changer in modern pop, reshaping the music industry one daring move at a time. From catapulting underground scenes into the mainstream spotlight to collaborating with industry professionals like Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, and SOPHIE, Candy’s influence knows no bounds. 

‘SAFEWORD,’ Brooke Candy’s latest track, marks the start of a new chapter for the artist, opening with a haunting acapella and transitioning to Candy’s vocals against a heart-pounding house beat. But it’s not just the music that captivates; the anthem’s lyrics, both thought-provoking and evocative, explore themes of empowerment and intrigue, while the accompanying music video takes viewers on a mind-bending trip through vintage thriller aesthetics. 

V caught up with Candy to discuss her upcoming album and renewed sense of confidence in 2024.

V: What feels unique about the new music/this era compared to what you’ve done before?

Brooke Candy: I think what feels the most unique is the sound. I really tried to make this era’s sound feel like quintessential pop. I wanted the lyrical content to be a little less crass and more digestible for everyone. I want the visuals to feel edgy, cool, and effortless. I’m definitely going to be less camp this era. Also, I feel honored to be working with so many amazing producers, writers, and other artists on this project. The features are so strong and I feel like the music is in some capacity “easy listening” haha.

V: Does anything feel unique to you thus far about 2024 as a whole? What’s the creative energy like going into it?

BC: I’d say 2023 kicked my ass, destroyed my ego, and made me feel invisible and broken. 2024 is totally empowering me, making me feel reborn, refreshed, and excited about music again. I feel unafraid and powerful like I did when I first started. My confidence has returned in 2024.

V: How are you approaching visuals this time, as they are always so important for any Brooke Candy release?

BC: I’m approaching them with a kick-ass team of geniuses hehe. My husband directed the video I just released for ‘SAFEWORD’ and he is directing my next 2 videos as well. I’ve been scouring the web to find fresh new talented artists to collaborate with like Jean Toir, Joaquin Castillo, and Hannah Kyhmych on this project, and I’m honored to say I’ve been shooting quite a bit and everything is insane and amazing . The visuals for this era are my favorite ever so far. 

V: What is ‘SAFEWORD’ about? 

BC: ‘SAFEWORD’ is about giving in to your dark desires. It’s about living life on the edge to feel alive. It’s about being a bonafide bad boy! We all need to feel sexy and naughty every once in a while.

V: Can you tell us about any collaborations for this new album?

BC: Hmmm I can’t say anything quite yet because I don’t want to jinx anything. But I can say that I’m approaching this album a lot like how I approached sexorcism and I have features from some seriously incredible artists.

V: What themes did you find yourself drawn to this time around in terms of lyrics? 

BC: Lyrically I’m trying to be a lot less crass this time around. I want this album to be fun and carefree and sexy but I don’t want to cross the line anymore in being too crass and too niche. I think that it’s time for me to tone it down a little bit and show the world that I have more sides to me and I’m not just a crass slut 100% of the time. I’ll of course still have a couple of songs on the album that are sex-positive and freaky but the majority of the album is an escapist fantasy about being confident and stepping into your power. I want my fans to pre-game to my music, then listen to it in the car on the way to the function, grab the aux and put it on at the function, and then listen to it at the after-after party.  

V: What part of this new album/project has been the most fulfilling so far? What’s been the toughest part of putting it together? 

BC: I think everything has been equally fulfilling and challenging. I have full control of the music this time around. I’ve definitely been very obsessive with my vocal production and the fine details of everything, but in general, it is teaching me so much about myself and my work ethic and has been an all-around blast.

Photography Joaquin Castillo

Fashion Erik Ziemba

Makeup Julian Stoller

Hair Luisa Popovic