INTERVIEW: Alternative Pop from Bailey Bomar

Bailey Bomar’s arrival as a recording artist may be recent but her relationship with songwriting goes back much further. Originally from the small town of Crocker in Missouri, she spent years writing songs quietly, allowing music to form as a personal outlet while building a life beyond the limelight. As a wife, mother and registered nurse, creativity remained a constant companion, patiently waiting for the moment when those private compositions would finally find an audience.

Now based in Springfield, Missouri, Bailey steps into that long-awaited chapter with a sound that brings together candid songwriting with engaging alternative pop production. Blending shimmering synths, moody atmospheres and personal lyricism, she creates music that’s equally intimate and cinematic, transforming moments from her own life into musical moments that have struck a chord with listeners around the world.

In June, she made her official artistic entrance with her first single “Ecstasy” which unveiled Bailey as a compelling new voice within the alternative pop scene. Inspired by the night she first met her husband, the song captured the excitement, uncertainty and emotional intensity that can arrive when a single encounter quietly changes the course of a life. Now, Bailey continues that journey and builds on her creative momentum with her sophomore outing titled “Not Me,” a song that shifts the focus from romance to identity, examining the often uncomfortable space between who people expect us to become and who we genuinely want to be.

It’s another highly personal chapter that reaches beyond autobiography to speak to anyone who’s ever questioned the path laid out before them. Created alongside UK producer Mike Macdermid, whose songwriting credits include multiple platinum certifications and Billboard number one hits, “Not Me” expands Bailey’s sonic fabric while remaining stitched with threads of emotional sincerity. Atmospheric alternative pop flows with new wave influences, taking cues from artists such as Blondie, The Cars and early Lady Gaga while keeping sight of Bailey’s recognisable musical imprint.

Penned before Bailey became a wife and mother, the song captures a period when the future still felt unknown and full of unanswered questions. Growing up in a small town often brings with it a powerful sense of expectation, where the shape of your future can appear predetermined well before you’ve the chance to define it yourself. “Not Me” arose from that moment of reflection, becoming an affirmation that wanting something different is not something to apologise for. Set up by the flash of bright synth notes, the steady punch of drums and distant crunch of guitar ushers in an airy soundscape as Bailey’s expressive voice glides above delicate piano notes.

Progressing with deep low-end textures and layers of overlapping vocals, the song swells into an anthemic chorus where instantly catchy hooks ring out alongside fluttering synth tones. Brimming with memorable melodic writing, intricate harmonies and immersive arrangement, “Not Me” sees Bailey Bomar deliver an intoxicating musical experience from start to finish. Going from strength to strength on her second outing, she’s showing no signs of slowing down on what’s sure to be her breakout year as an exciting new artist on the rise.

We caught up with Bailey Bomar to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Not Me” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Bailey Bomar below.

Hey Bailey, how’s things?

Things are exciting!

I’m a new mom and it has completely changed my perspective on life, but it also reminded me why I started making music in the first place. I’m balancing nursing, motherhood, and music, and even though it’s chaotic sometimes, I’ve never felt more motivated.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I’ve always been drawn to music. As a kid, I loved singing around the house and writing little melodies before I even understood songwriting. Music was always where I felt most like myself.

According to my mom I was aggressive on the karaoke machine.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I love artists who aren’t afraid to be theatrical or unapologetically themselves. Lady Gaga has always been a huge inspiration because of her fearlessness. I also love Blondie, The Cars, Heart, Annie Lennox, and Stevie Nicks. Various 80s and 90s rock influences. They all brought strong personalities to their music while still writing unforgettable songs.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Life is my biggest inspiration. Whether it’s feeling misunderstood, falling in love, becoming a mother, or chasing a dream, I write about moments.

What do you love about your local music scene?

There are a lot of incredibly talented people who genuinely support independent artists. It’s inspiring to see musicians creating because they love it, and that passion is contagious. I also hosted an open mic night in my town and got to know a lot of kind musicians.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Driving at night with the windows down, getting ready for a night out, or whenever you need a reminder to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’ve become much more confident. Early on I worried about fitting into a genre, but now I’ve embraced mixing pop with rock and ’80s-inspired sounds. I want my music to feel raw and passionate.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Lady Gaga would definitely be at the top of the list. I admire how she constantly pushes creative boundaries while staying authentic.

How did you find making your new single “Not Me”?

It was one of those songs that came from a very honest place. Once I had the idea, everything started falling into place. Working on the production was exciting because it captured exactly the energy I wanted.

What’s the story behind this song?

“Not Me” is about refusing to let other people define who you are. Throughout life, there will always be people who judge you, doubt you, or try to convince you to stay small. This song is about standing your ground and choosing your own identity instead.

I grew up in a small town which didn’t allow for much freedom to be yourself.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

You don’t have to become someone else just to make other people comfortable. Stay true to yourself, even when it’s difficult.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been revisiting a lot of ’80s music lately alongside modern pop. I love finding ways those influences can inspire something that still feels fresh. I would say Chappell Roan!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want people to feel understood and empowered. If someone hears one of my songs and feels a little more confident about being themselves, then I’ve done what I hoped to do.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

My favourite performance was the one my aunt paid a band in Nashville to let me sing and the bar was so crowded and everyone cheered ! That was the moment I wanted to purse a music career.

Who would be three artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Lady Gaga, Blondie, and Queen. I would love it at any beach.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Keep writing, keep releasing music, and don’t let fear stop you. Consistency matters far more than perfection, and the artists who keep going are usually the ones who eventually find their audience.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

“Not Me” is just the beginning. I’m building a much bigger story through my music, with more releases that explore ambition, identity, motherhood, and chasing dreams. I’m excited for people to see how all the pieces fit together over the next year.

Listen to Not Me below