London-based Connie Campsie has already enthralled audiences with her engaging lyrics, melodic tunes and dry wit, culminating in the release of her debut EP, ‘I’m Still Talking To Myself’.

Words: Sam Taylor.
Photos: Phoebe Fox

It’s been a remarkable 12 months for London-based singer-songwriter Connie Campsie. Building a dedicated listenership with the release of singles ‘You’re The Problem’, ‘Watching From The Beach’ and ‘Sucker’, she’s been captivating audiences around the capital with her candid, self-deprecating lyrics, beautiful melodies and a pleasingly large pinch of dry wit.

Now, with the release of her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘I’m Still Talking To Myself’, she’s ready to take things to the next level.

Growing up in a very musical household, Connie was always encouraged to play with the instruments in the house. When she was six, she remembers hearing strings on a Disney film and begging her parents to let her learn violin. After taking up the instrument, Connie began to explore her own musicality and started writing songs.

“I remember in high school, I put a song up on YouTube about this guy I fancied called ‘Stay Tonight’, and people at school seemed quite excited about it. I went on a date with said guy, and he was like, ‘Was that song about me?’ And I was so embarrassed I wanted to disappear,” Connie recalls.

When it comes to writing, Connie finds herself repeatedly drawn to certain topics and themes. “Haha, yes - self-hatred and disappointment. I mumble top lines and sort of scat to find lyrics when I write, and for a period of time, I kept singing ‘hate myself’, which is hilarious,” she admits. And does Connie talk to herself a lot? “Constantly. I drive myself crazy with an ongoing inner monologue. That’s usually where I get my lyrics from,” she confirms.

So, how did Connie approach pulling the EP together? “Without much flair, to be honest. I sort of threw songs I cared about together and then saw what story it told. It felt like I was getting to know the project a bit like when you first started dating someone - just praying it all works out and that they’re not a total waste of time,” Connie explains.

The EP, out now, is a collection of four tracks that grapple with matters of the mind. “I sort of threw songs I cared about together and then saw what story it told. It felt like I was getting to know the project a bit like when you first started dating someone - just praying it all works out and that they’re not a total waste of time,” Connie explains.

But Connie’s creativity doesn’t end with music. “I hit a fork in my late-teens where I had to decide if I wanted to be a songwriter or a visual artist or go and study English literature at university. I chose music, obviously, but I would love to write a book of poetry someday and hang some more art of mine around the house. I come up with my music videos and visuals,” Connie muses.

When she’s not writing music, Connie has plenty of other ways to pass the time. “I read tarot. I mostly do readings for myself, but I also love reading for friends. It’s a great way to kill small talk and get straight to it,” she says. And what else is Connie working on at the moment? “I’m always writing more songs. I’m finishing off a love song today,” she reveals.

Connie has certainly made the most of the past 12 months. When asked what she wants to cross off her bucket list in 2023, she has a clear answer. “I’d say play my first headline show, but that’s actually happening! I want to play my first summer festival too,” she enthuses.

With her debut EP on the blocks and her first headline show fast approaching, Connie is certainly one to watch. ■

Taken from the February 2023 edition of Dork. Connie Campsie’s debut EP ‘I’m Still Talking To Myself’ is out now.