Sarah Hollins’ new pop ballad, “Good Girl,” pays tribute to all the women around the world who were raised under the belief that being a “good girl” is necessary to earn the things they rightfully deserve.
The song, co-written and produced by Erik Kertes, who has worked with big names like Shakira and Melissa Etheridge, subtly captures society’s internalized and unspoken pressure on women.
The song’s chorus presents a haunting idea that emphasizes the desperation and frustration of feeling like your worth depends on obedience, reflecting the emotional exhaustion of navigating these societal expectations.
Musically, “Good Girl” is an appealing throwback to 90s alternative rock, with echoes of The Cure and Paramore in its melodic structure and atmospheric guitar riffs. Sarah’s voice conveys a painful vulnerability, channeling softness and strength as the song builds toward its climactic chorus. The production remains tight, allowing Sarah’s voice to shine, while the rhythm section propels the song forward with a subtle urgency.
The accompanying music video, directed by Maryna Bogdan, perfectly complements the song’s feminist message. Shot in Riverside, California, the visuals focus on female friendship and skate culture, a world that was dominated by men and hostile toward women in the early 2000s.
(…) “Girls were often ridiculed, demeaned, or not welcomed or included in the skate culture/hangs. We wanted to make a video that showcased girls having fun together and injecting welcoming, safe, inclusive, and positive female energy into that culture and space,” she says.
By highlighting women having fun in a traditionally male-dominated space, the video becomes an empowering reclamation of freedom and joy. The inclusion of trans actress Juni in the video adds a layer of inclusion, aligning with Sarah’s progressive values and her commitment to creating spaces that welcome all women.
Sarah is no stranger to blending raw personal experience with poignant social commentary in her music. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Los Angeles in 2012, where she developed her unique sound: a nostalgic mix of 90s indie rock with modern influences. Her musical journey has seen her experiment with everything from pop-punk to folk; her work always carries a deep emotional weight, often touching on religious trauma, childhood struggles, and self-discovery.
After releasing her “Heartbeat” EP in 2016 and performing at notable venues like BottleRock in Napa Valley, she has steadily built a following in the indie scene. Her debut album “Catholic Guilt” (2022) tackled themes of faith and sexuality, while her recent EP “Sad Dad Rock” (2023) was a stripped-down, introspective project that showcased her versatility as a musician.
“Good Girl” is another strong entry in Sarah’s growing discography. With poignant lyrics, heartfelt delivery, and a sharp critique of societal expectations, the song allows listeners to reflect on their own experiences of conformity and self-expression. As she grows as an artist, it’s clear that Sarah Hollins has much more to say, and the indie world is better for it.
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