In today’s high-speed world, the importance of genuine connections cannot be overstated. As the artist blondestandard aptly puts it, “Connections with other people matter. Friends and family are everything.” This attitude is deeply rooted in her experiences growing up in Los Angeles, where she handled the challenges of finding authenticity in a creative and often overwhelming environment.
blondestandard, known offstage as Caroline Grace Vein, has transformed these experiences into her music, crafting songs that resonate with emotion and power. Her latest single, “arms of another,” exemplifies this perfectly. It’s a classic track with a powerful, catchy chorus that’s incredibly fun to sing along to, blending indie rock with alt-pop in a way that’s both fresh and nostalgic.
In our interview, we talk about the significance of genuine connections, the challenges of the modern music scene, and how her journey has shaped her as an artist.
photography by Grace McCarthy and Amara B.
“Arms of Another” explores the tension between fleeting connections and the desire for deeper relationships. I also find myself in a time where I feel it’s important to have genuine relationships with people and to truly connect with them, especially in these fast-paced times we live in. Was there a specific story that inspired the theme of the song?
There really wasn’t a specific moment that promoted this track, rather a culmination of different events that inspired it. For me, growing up in a fast-paced city like Los Angeles and working in a creative field, it is definitely hard to find genuine people who are in your life for the right reasons.
The sound of “Arms of Another” blends indie rock with alt-pop elements. How do you balance these diverse sounds in your music while maintaining your unique identity as blondestandard?
I think over the last year I have really honed my sound. Although it covers a blend of various genres, I think my vocals, lyrics, and overall production together create a unique sound.
When do you find yourself writing your best lyrics?
I am a storyteller at heart, so a lot of my writing comes from picking up ideas based on experiences and interactions day to day, but also taking inspiration from other people’s stories and even the media/TV/film I watch. I find myself writing my best lyrics when I am most confident in the story I am telling and the theme or message behind that story that I aim to push.
“It is the people who are still standing by you that truly matter the most.”
In a previous interview, you talked about the pressures of dating in a big city like LA. What qualities do you value most in friendships and personal connections in such a fast-paced city?
The biggest factors I look for in people are genuineness, loyalty, emotional maturity (bonus if you go to therapy), and a good sense of humor! Someone who is confident in their own skin and is independent, able to stand alone. I think people should complement one another, not make up for each other. I look for people who feel complementary to me and who I am.
How do you define success as an artist?
Creating art you are truly proud of.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for emerging artists today?
Being heard and being taken seriously. The industry is so densely packed with artists, with hundreds of thousands of independent artists releasing music, it is hard to find the needles in the haystack. I think staying true to your artistry and continuing to stay confident in your art will always be rewarded even if it feels like it takes longer than expected!
“People should complement one another, not make up for each other.”
Your journey through adversity, particularly after your cancer diagnosis, has clearly deepened your connection to your art. What other things have you come to appreciate more since then, besides your art?
More than anything, connections with other people matter. Friends and family are everything, as when you truly have nothing, it is the people who are still standing by you that truly matter the most. Material wealth, followers, all of that stuff really means nothing.
I noticed your cat on your Instagram—I’m a big cat lover too! Speaking of connections, what’s been the most memorable interaction you’ve had with a fan online?
Ahh, I love that! My cats are something else. I don’t know if I can even pick; I have had a handful of fans reach out, letting me know how my music has impacted them. I did have a fan reach out who is a musician as well, being able to reach out to a fellow artist to let them know you are a fan while also putting your own art out was super special to experience. Hearing that, as someone who has been impacted by others’ music and knowing I am doing that for someone else means so much to hear. I love hearing from fans and always try my best to respond!
The most important thing in life?
The community you’ve built. Friends and family are everything to me.
Follow blondestandard for more:
www.instagram.com/blondestandard
twitter.com/blondestandard
