Interview: Paulina Chats About Her Latest Single, ‘Maybe We’re Running’

Meanjin/Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Paulina has unveiled her mesmerising new single ‘Maybe We’re Running‘ – produced by Tim Bettinson (Vancouver Sleep Clinic) and Luke Jenkins. We sat down with Paulina to learn about the new single, the writing process, what’s next and more!

Congratulations on the single! What are your plans now that it’s out in the world?

Thank you so much! I’m just so unbelievably happy that it’s out and that people finally have the chance to listen to it. I wrote this song because I wanted those who are going through tough times to feel heard and just wanted people to feel less lonely about their worries and angsts. I’m keen to be playing more shows over the next few months in hopes that as many people as possible get to connect with this song (plus others that I’m releasing sooner than you may think!)

Can you tell us a bit about the story behind the single?

I was in the studio when I saw a post on Instagram about Roe v. Wade, and I’d said out loud to the 2 producers I worked with on this song how messed up the whole situation was. We ended up talking about what was happening in America for 1-2 hours and ended up writing this song that night. I remember driving home from that session, having this demo on repeat, and just crying. I was so overwhelmed with fear, anger and just utter disappointment, and this song gave me the space to truly feel all of it. That car ride was when I knew that I had to release this song. If it could help me process how I was feeling about everything, who knows what it could do for others as well.

How was the process writing the lyrics for a track that has such an important meaning behind it?

It honestly came out so naturally, which was a sign that this was going to be an important song for me and another reason why I just had to release it. We were sitting and still talking about the situation when Luke started strumming some chords on the guitar. I really loved what he was playing, so I hit record on voice memo and started singing some melodies. It came quick and within about an hour we had written the first two verses and the chorus, and then I ended up writing the 3rd verse a few months later when we figured out the structure of the whole song. Writing this song felt like such a huge weight off my chest.

What would you say has developed in your sound since releasing ‘Untouched’ and ‘Shed A Tear’?

I think what changed most is that I began writing music more for the purpose of helping other people. My previous releases have been centered around my own life experiences and have been an emotional outlet. Don’t get me wrong, this song and others I am yet to release still have immensely helped me deal with my own emotions and figure out certain things in my life, but the original ideas for the songs came from seeing other people (often strangers) in pain or going through something big. Like seeing clips of people protesting about Roe v. Wade or families breaking down because their child was killed in a shooting, absolutely broke my heart, and writing songs was the only way I could deal with it. I think we’re put on this Earth to serve other people, and I only hope to continue doing that for people through my music.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

I’ve got a tone of new music dropping this year which I am really excited about!! But now I’m just writing a lot of new songs and am planning some shows with my band here in Australia, and a trip back home to Germany where I’m keen to be playing some shows, as well as in the UK! It’s going to be a huge 6 months and I cannot wait for it 🙂