Ever found yourself lost in thought, replaying moments you wish you could change? That’s the heart of “Gone To Be” by colby!. This emerging young voice invites us into a world where love is tangled with uncertainty, exploring the silent struggles that keep two people from truly connecting. Growing up in Fort Worth, TX, she embraced her creative passions, from singing and writing to baking and painting, using art as a coping mechanism for her severe dyslexia.
At just 14, colby! began crafting her own musical identity, teaming up with her brother RJ Johnson, a Berklee grad with whom she co-wrote “Gone To Be.” With her fresh sound and relatable storytelling, she’s already showing up strongly across multiple major playlists. Her songs capture those bittersweet reflections we all know too well, reminding us that sometimes what’s left unsaid can weigh the heaviest.
Join us as we dive into the inspiration behind “Gone To Be” and uncover the journey of this promising artist who’s ready to share her voice with the world.
What personal experiences or observations inspired “Gone To Bed”?
You know when you’re maybe driving home or laying in bed looking back on everything that happened that day and thinking, “Oh, I should’ve stood closer, or I should’ve said this”, or “I think they were alluding to something else.” It’s very much “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve” when reflecting on things that you can’t change or wish you had done differently. There have been too many times this has happened to me, to the point where I was like, OK, let’s write this down and make something out of it.
Can you describe the collaborative process with your brother RJ while writing this song? How did your different perspectives shape its final version?
Well, we both only bring something to each other if we think it is good. We never start something from scratch together. We usually go to our separate rooms and then come back together with what we worked on. There have been many times when I’ve brought RJ something, and he thinks it’s cool, and then I will bring him something else, and he’ll say, “Those should be in the same song.” And I’ll be like, “What are you talking about?! Lol” But then somehow he ties it together and makes me believe him. Then we can finish the song.
What insights can you offer about the interplay of regret and confusion in your music and life? How do you navigate these feelings?
I thankfully haven’t had much regret yet, but it’s definitely easy to get consumed by something I’m going through – overthink things, let insecurities come in with that, and you can let it ruin your day or week. When this happens to me, I hug my mom a lot and my dog, or I’ll lay down. Life goes on. Normally I just need to eat something.
Reflecting on your journey from “Don’t Know What To Say” to “Gone To Bed,” how has your songwriting evolved and what lessons have you learned along the way?
Well, these songs were actually written fairly close to each other, but I was more open with where things could go in “Gone To Bed” than “Don’t Know What To Say.” With “Gone To Bed”, we really played with the order of the song and just experimented with trying to make it the best it could be. That was the first song that we really got knit-picky on.
How has your experience with dyslexia influenced your approach to writing music and expressing emotions through lyrics?
Luckily, dyslexia has not influenced MY approach to writing that much. But if I gave someone my notebook, they probably wouldn’t be able to read it. Sometimes I can’t either, lol. Other than that, I actually think it can be a strength because it just makes me be more creative with picking words and phrases.
Are there any other artists or genres you’re interested in exploring in future collaborations, especially after working closely with your brother?
I would like to try so many genres, but probably not scream-o… but I love jazz, love 90s rock, ballads, R&B, etc.
I enjoy working closely with my brother because we don’t really have to explain ourselves too much. We are normally always on the same page and have the same passion for where we want stuff to go. That being said, we are always open to working with fun, creative people!
Reflecting on the themes of the song, how do you believe your experiences in relationships have shaped your understanding of communication and vulnerability?
You gotta have communication, or you are not going to have a relationship. Vulnerability is something that is hard for me – even though I am a writer – but I am getting better. I think I just take relationships more seriously now.
What’s up next for Colby!?
NEW MUSIC!!!!
CONNECT WITH colby!
