“It Was A Pinch-Me Moment!” Clash Meets Caity Baser
It feels impossible to be on TikTok and not have heard one of Caity Baser’s songs. From posting a quick video of her singing a song she’d written on the notorious app to releasing tracks such as ‘X&Y’ and ‘Friendly Sex’ that have captured the attention of a generation. Caity is saying what we are all thinking through her eclectically pop driven beats and relatable shout inducing lyrics,
Scrolling through Caity’s TikTok channel back to the one pivotal video that offset an entire career, it seems the process behind her rise happened exceedingly fast. Caity explains: “I literally posted that video, me in my room in my pyjamas, no make-up, messy hair… And the literal next day I get a message from this girl, who’s now my manager, and said ‘I love your music, so does my boss, can I give you a call.’”
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For a second Caity was hesitant, at 18 being sent a message out of the blue could be perceived as concerning. Yet, Caity trusted an instinct and the next day posted a video of her in the studio. “It was quite a risk for me because I didn’t know who these people were, but I knew it felt right. I just had to go through with it.”
Caity beams with an infectious energy. She conveys an enamoring confidence that is only heightened through her live shows. When asked what one of her shows looks like Caity replies: “It’s like all your friends are at a house party and I’ve found a microphone and I’m singing you my songs and you know all the words. We’re having the best time and we’re all a bit giggly!”
Her Reading set is telling of Caity’s artistry. Performing on the BBC Introducing stage, Caity appeared ecstatic. From videos a devoted crowd relayed all the lyrics back to a surprised Caity. “It literally was probably the best moment of my life so far. It was fucking unbelievable. I thought nobody was going to turn up… It was a pinch-me moment.”
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Notably Caity has been compared to the likes of British icons Lily Allen and Kate Nash. Her ardent delivery alongside themes of female empowerment are reminiscent of the previously mentioned pop idols. Caity appreciates the comparisons explaining that growing up “they were the only women that I knew of that were just being a bit rude and bit cheeky, and talking about sex. I needed that.”
Female empowerment is rife within Caity’s discography. Her track ‘Slut Shaming’ frankly discusses the loathsome reality of sex culture and apparent sexual freedom. Her attitude towards the topic is inspiring and something she has been regularly recognised for. For her though discussing it so candidly was cathartic. She explains that “when stuff gets too much I never talk about how I feel. That’s why I write songs that are so specific, and so angry sometimes… So when I go and perform them and all these people are literally screaming the words at me I’m like ‘Oh my god, I’m not alone, we’re all friends, we’ve all been through it.’”
Caity’s lyrics reflect reality. Her candid words are appreciated by a listener. Yet, Caity has a lot more to give. Regularly teasing new music on social media or sharing an anecdote about a guy she likes, Caity enforces fun. When asked how her mentality as an artist has changed over the past couple years she says: “I’ve learned to just do what makes me happy and be me. Be yourself. The minute you’re not having fun, something’s not right. Just have fun, and that’s when the best shit comes about.”
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Words: Abbie Aitken
