As a performer stepping onto larger stages, the feeling of imposter syndrome can be both debilitating and oddly empowering. Polly Money, an emerging artist whose sound fuses R&B and indie-pop, recently shared how her experiences while touring with The 1975 have shaped her growth as a musician. Her new EP, ‘T-Shirt Nothing Else’, released March 21, reflects this evolution and showcases her artistic journey through vulnerability and reflection. In an era where authenticity resonates more than ever, Money's narrative offers a window into the life of an artist navigating the complexities of the music industry and personal aspirations.
Joining The 1975 on their "At Their Very Best" and "Still... At Their Very Best" tours, Money contributed her vocals and guitar alongside a talented ensemble of session musicians. This experience was transformative; she performed alongside core members of the band in a theatrical setting, which dynamically shifted her perspective on live performances.
“Being on stage with them was an absolute joy,” Money recalled. “It was hard to be inspired by their songs every night and not feel compelled to push myself further.” The band’s established fan base allowed Money to gain visibility, with many fans discovering her through her participation in their performances, especially during emotional standout moments on songs like "Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America."
Despite the outward success, Money candidly spoke of the inner turmoil that accompanied her newfound fame. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, which influenced her writing for her EP. The track ‘Anything’ poignantly encapsulates this struggle: “I'm not even that good at it, I just got lucky / But they say that I deserve it / But that ain't the way that I feel about anything.” This transparency has resonated with listeners, further establishing her relatability amidst the glamour of the music scene.
‘T-Shirt Nothing Else’ represents a pivotal chapter in Money’s artistic journey. This five-track EP blends R&B influences with indie-pop, delving into themes of love, longing, and self-discovery. The EP showcases her raw, introspective side, with lyrical content that invites listeners to reflect alongside her.
Each track in the EP presents unique musical characteristics while maintaining an overarching theme of vulnerability. The title track, ‘T-Shirt, Nothing Else’, reflects an intimate moment that resonates widely—an exploration of love's complexities. Money states, “I love the vulnerability of it, the line ‘T-shirt, nothing else / She holds me from behind’ just captures an essence of raw intimacy.” This sentiment echoes throughout the EP, revealing the fusion of personal storytelling with universal experiences.
In ‘30 Minutes’, an electronic-acoustic hybrid, Money captured fans’ attention more than she anticipated, thrilled by its reception despite initial expectations of it being an afterthought. She explained, “We just released it with the EP thinking it would do nothing, but people are reacting well to it.”
Contrastingly, ‘Milk & Honey’ embodies a euphoric sound with lyrics that tell a poignant story of heartbreak. The duality between the upbeat melody and melancholic lyrics reflects Money’s aim to create depth and interest in her songwriting. “I love when lyrics have a completely different tone to the melody of the song,” she explained, showcasing a sophisticated layer to her artistry that speaks to her development during her tour with The 1975.
In the summer of 2025, Money will have the opportunity to headline the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, an event she refers to as a “dream come true.” “It is honestly a bucket list gig for me — I still feel like it’s not real,” she expressed, reflecting on the significance of this achievement in her young music career. The level of excitement is palpable, emphasizing how this moment signifies both a milestone in her career and a culmination of her hard work over the years.
While she prepares to step into a session role for the much-anticipated festival, she is simultaneously nurturing her solo career, including a significant headline show planned at Oslo Hackney in London.
As she forges ahead into her debut studio album, Money has expressed excitement about experimenting with new genres and sounds while still holding true to her roots. While she is heavily influenced by indie-pop, with inspirations including artists like Haim and Dijon, she has a strong desire to explore the depths of R&B in her future projects. “I’d love to incorporate more R&B into my production,” she said, paving the way for a diversified artistic approach that speaks to her narrative of personal growth and musical exploration.
Money remains grateful for the opportunities presented to her during her time with The 1975 and acknowledges the importance of her followers. “I’ve been really lucky to gain new followers from that tour," she stated. “The fans are so dedicated.” This growing relationship with her audience reinforces her connection to the music community and the importance of live performances in nurturing her career.
Polly Money’s journey from a supportive musician to a burgeoning solo artist illustrates the challenges and triumphs of the music industry. With her new EP, ‘T-Shirt Nothing Else’, and future endeavors, she embodies the spirit of resilience and authenticity that defines the contemporary music landscape. Look out for her upcoming performances, including the monumental Glastonbury 2025, as she continues to share her voice and story with a wider audience.
What is Polly Money's new EP about?
Polly Money's EP, ‘T-Shirt Nothing Else’, explores themes of love, longing, and self-discovery, blending R&B with indie-pop sounds.
How has touring with The 1975 influenced her music?
Money's time with The 1975 helped her grow significantly as an artist, providing valuable experiences that bled into her songwriting and performances.
What accolades is Polly Money seeking in her career?
Polly Money aims to highlight her journey by performing at high-profile festivals like Glastonbury 2025, which she describes as a bucket list experience.
Where can I listen to her music?
Polly Money's EP is available on various music streaming platforms, and she is currently gearing up for performances, including a headline show.
What can fans expect from her debut album?
Money has hinted at exploring new genres and deeper themes in her debut album, which she is currently working on. There will be elements not showcased in her EP, promising a diverse and engaging listening experience.
With her evolving sound and heartfelt storytelling, Polly Money is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music scene, making her one to watch in coming years.