In a world where music often serves as an escape, few artists can claim to have crafted their art as a lifeline quite like Hartwell. The singer-songwriter’s latest track, “Sail with Me,” set for release on August 23, 2024, is more than just another pop song—it’s a declaration of survival, hope, and the healing power of love. As Hartwell steps into the spotlight with her unique genre of “enchanted pop,” she opens up about the deeply personal struggles that have fueled her creative journey.
The Genesis of “Sail with Me”
“Sail with Me” marks Hartwell’s first foray into pop, a genre she admits is a new territory for her. Despite having several songs under her belt, she calls this her “best” song—a testament to the emotional weight it carries. “This song represents the feminine heart yearning for lighthearted love, adventure, and romance,” she explains. Yet, the track is more than just a romantic fantasy. It’s rooted in Hartwell’s real-life experience of loneliness and exhaustion after years of grinding through the hustle of Los Angeles. For Hartwell, the song was an escape—a dream of falling in love, leaving behind the chaos of the city, and finding happiness and health.
Music Born from Pain
Hartwell’s journey wasn’t just about escaping the external world; it was also about battling an internal war. She was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC), an “incurable” inflammatory bladder disorder that left her in constant pain. “Sex and sexual intimacy became disconnected and painful,” she reveals. Her music, particularly “Sail with Me,” became a way to vocalize her deepest wishes—a life free from pain, filled with love and romance. “I sang about my true fantasy, where I was in pain and hiding in my body,” she shares. Through her music, Hartwell painted a picture of a tropical paradise where she could experience the joy of love-making without the crippling pain that had plagued her for years.
Defining “Enchanted Pop”
Hartwell’s music falls under the self-coined genre of “enchanted pop,” a blend of dreamy, ethereal vocals and fantasy-laden lyrics. Influenced by artists like Enya, Hartwell strives to create a mystical quality in her music, one that reflects her yearning for a miracle healing. This genre allows her to merge her real-life struggles with the magical, otherworldly experiences she longs for, creating a sound that is both soothing and transportive.
Bali: A Healing Haven
The island of Bali, where Hartwell found both love and healing, plays a significant role in her music. “Bali was an incredibly healing place for me,” she says. The island’s spiritual energy and the slower pace of life provided her with the space and time to focus on her healing journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bali became a sanctuary where Hartwell and her partner could leave behind the struggles of Los Angeles and carve out a simpler, more fulfilling life. This experience of redefining herself in Bali is woven into the fabric of her music, adding depth to the themes of love and escape.
The Healing Power of Music
Despite the pain and challenges she faced, Hartwell remained committed to her music. “Even if my body was in pain, my commitment to my music goals and childhood dream to have music on the radio and in movies couldn’t die,” she asserts. It took her eight and a half years to overcome her daily pain, a process that required immense determination and resilience. This same determination now drives her to succeed in the music industry.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter
With “Sail with Me,” Hartwell hopes to inspire others who are facing their own struggles. “I hope it gives you an uplifted, hopeful state that feels magical and amazing,” she says. As she continues to release more music, fans can expect a mix of enchanted pop tracks and deeply emotional, piano-driven songs that explore the highs and lows of life. Hartwell’s ultimate goal is to touch the lives of many through her music, bringing a touch of magic and humanity to the entertainment industry.
In the spirit of her ongoing journey, Hartwell is committed to being transparent about her struggles, both past and present. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others believe in the possibility of a better day. “I hit rock bottom, so I know I can say the most cheesy things because it saved my life,” she says with a smile.
Hartwell’s music is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the belief that we can all create our reality—even if it starts as a dream on a tropical island.
Link to Spotify song;
https://open.spotify.com/album
Instagrams @iamhartwell
