Emerging pop singer and songwriter, Paulina, is giving fans a taste of her evolving artistry with the release of her new single, “Stranger.” The track serves as a bold preview of her upcoming sophomore EP, everything’s still, slated for release later this summer. In an exclusive interview, Paulina discussed the inspiration behind “Stranger” and how it signifies a shift in both her sound and creative vision.
“Stranger is dark and sultry, something quite different from what I’ve done before,” Paulina shares. The song opens with moody, atmospheric synths before building into a cathartic release, capturing the raw emotion behind her lyrics. “It’s about the phenomenon of someone close to you becoming a complete stranger,” she explains. “It’s haunting, bold, and more angsty than my past songs. It introduces a different side of me, unlocking a new era of music that has been insanely fun to create.”
Paulina, born Paulina Ella Levitan, hails from Long Island, New York, where her passion for music began at an early age. Classically trained in piano since the age of 8 and with a background in musical theater, Paulina’s early experiences shaped her artistry. But it wasn’t until she attended a songwriting camp in high school that she fully committed to pursuing music professionally. She eventually moved to Miami to study at the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she continued honing her skills.
In 2023, Paulina made her official debut with her solo pop project, releasing “Best Friend,” a track from her debut EP the show goes on. The EP, produced by her longtime collaborator Sam Merkin, introduced listeners to Paulina’s signature cinematic soundscapes and dreamy pop melodies. Now, with everything’s still, also produced by Merkin, Paulina is ready to push boundaries and reveal new layers of her musical identity.
Reflecting on the creative process behind her new material, Paulina says, “This project has been a journey of growth for me as an artist. It feels more personal, more real, and I think people will hear that in the music.” While her previous songs were light and reflective, “Stranger” marks a deliberate shift into a darker, more experimental space.
Fans can expect everything’s still to maintain the same captivating soundscapes that Paulina is known for, but with a sharper, more intense edge. “This is just the beginning,” she teases. “I’ve unlocked a new part of myself, and I can’t wait to share it.”
As Paulina continues to evolve, her willingness to embrace vulnerability and experiment with new sounds makes her one to watch in the pop music scene. With Stranger, she’s not just introducing a new chapter of her career—she’s inviting listeners into a bold new era of her life and artistry.
Take a look at our exclusive interview with her below.
Your new single ‘stranger’ deals with the phenomenon of someone close becoming a complete stranger. Can you share more about the personal experience or story that inspired this song?
I went through a break up a while back… classic. I actually had the chorus lyric written down for a couple years now, but revisited it during that time. I love the play on the word “stranger” – it’s like I don’t know what’s more strange, the fact that you’re just a stranger to me now or the way you were able to just erase everything so easily.
Stranger’ is described as dark, sultry, and more angsty than your past songs. What influenced this shift in tone and how does it represent a new era of your music?”
I feel like it reflects the story and lyrics. I wanted a slow build into a whirlwind of angst. I wanted to push my limits vocally, as well, showing listeners more of my range. I felt it was time. I think it’s me maturing as a person, and musician.
Can you walk us through the creative process of ‘stranger’? How did you develop the atmospheric synths and the cathartic release of frustration in the song?
I went down to Miami for a camp with my producer, Sam Merkin. I had already written the songs but was ready to execute the project – my sophomore EP. We just went through the tracks one after the next. I described what Stranger sounded like to me and he really brought my vision to life.
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘stranger,’ both in terms of its emotional depth and musical direction?
I hope it’s a release of frustration for them – scream, cry, sing along. If you relate, I’m sorry. But just know, it’s better off this way. You don’t want anyone in your life who doesn’t want to be there. If they turn into a stranger, let them be a stranger. This goes for anyone – a family member, a friend, a love interest, etc.
Your forthcoming EP ‘everything’s still’ is highly anticipated. What overarching themes and messages can fans expect from this project?
This EP project follows the story of Stranger – it’s the resolution. Stranger is the immediate response. The second track Funny (Interlude) is the afterthought, it’s the further analysis and acceptance. And the last track, “A Song I Wrote” is the cherry on top – it’s moving on in a clever way of saying it’s okay because after all this, I know you’re still listening to my music. It’s a mic drop.
You’ve worked closely with your longtime friend and collaborator Sam Merkin on both your debut and sophomore EPs. How has this partnership influenced your sound and creative direction?
Yes! Sam is my dear friend, I am so grateful for him and the love he puts into my music. I think working with him creates a lot of comfortability and room for creativity. We’ll throw out ideas without hesitation. We trust each other, which is so important. And we’re honest. If we don’t like something, we’ll say it haha, without offense. He listens to me and he understands my goals, sometimes without me even having to say it.
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since your debut EP ‘the show goes on,’ and how is this growth reflected in ‘everything’s still’?
I think as I go through life and experience more things, it’s reflected in my music and creative decisions. I feel like I have so much more music knowledge, my lyrics are stronger, and they’re always growing. I wrote these months ago, and now see an even further change. I’ve found myself more, I’m more confident, and I am not afraid to experiment with my sound.
You were classically trained in piano and performed in musical theater from a young age. How have these early experiences shaped your approach to songwriting and performance?”
It sparked my love for music. I never had stage fright, I loved being center stage. Musical appreciation was ingrained in me at a young age, and I am so grateful for that. And piano has shaped the way I write and understand music, I always have a piano nearby.
What motivated your transition from classical music and musical theater to pursuing a career in pop music?
While I was trained classically, I didn’t learn to appreciate it until really, my adult years. Musical Theater will always have a place in my heart – I love it. But pop music is where my dreams lie. I grew up listening to the radio, watching Hannah Montana, etc. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I love singing pop, and I love writing it.
Studying at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music must have been transformative. How did your time there impact your musical style and career aspirations?
I met so many talented musicians, my time there was very inspiring. I saw my peers putting out music and it pushed me to get out there and do the same. I loved my college experience.
Can you describe your typical songwriting process? How do you and Sam Merkin collaborate to bring your musical visions to life?
All of my songs were written by me. Most of my songs start as notes in my phone – lyrics, lyrics, lyrics. Then I bring it to Sam and we’ll build out the track and start recording. First vocals, then harms, then we add some more. It’s super fun for us – I love going there.
Your music is known for its cinematic soundscapes. What techniques or inspirations do you draw upon to create these immersive auditory experiences?
I think some of that inspiration comes from the musical theater background – where everything is big and bold. I like music that makes you feel, and gives you chills. I’m trying to explore more of that. And I like creating music that feels euphoric or atmospheric, or makes you feel like you’re in a movie. I want to create sparkles, if that makes sense haha.
Besides ‘everything’s still,’ do you have any other projects or collaborations in the works that you’re excited about?
I’ve been writing for a lot of other artists out here – it’s been really cool. I love creating music, whether that’s for me or others. There will also be a follow up single to this EP… but that’s secret.
What are your long-term goals for your music career? How do you see your sound and artistry evolving over the next few years?
I want to keep growing my community, and keep sharing my music. I’d love to perform more. I just want to keep creating.
As a rising artist, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
I think the social media aspect. There’s the pressure of numbers. But I’ve learned to not focus on that – just keep making stuff you love and overtime, others will love it too.
What advice would you give to young musicians and songwriters who are just starting out in their careers?
Collaborate! It’s so fun to learn and see how others make music. And don’t be afraid to get out there, be heard.
Looking back on your journey from Long Island to Los Angeles, what are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned, both personally and professionally?
Your best friend is yourself. I am so blessed to have an amazing family and friends that support and love me, but at the end of the day life is about your own personal journey. You spend the most time with yourself. Be kind to yourself, and enjoy that time. Enjoy the ride. This goes for personal life and career.
How do you hope your music impacts your listeners, and what legacy do you wish to leave in the pop music scene?
I hope people relate to my songs and interpret them in a way that applies to them. I hope they dance to the sad songs. 🙂
The Hollywood Six 