My Closet Life

Album: Normal Kid (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A lonely Jillette Johnson is searching for her tribe after a period of isolation on this retro bop from her 2022 EP, Normal Kid. "'My Closet Life' is about crawling out of isolation and into the company of friends who light you up," she explained. "It's about finding your people, and allowing yourself to belong. Influences: David Byrne, Abba, MGMT."
  • Normal Kid is the follow-up to Johnson's 2021 album, It's A Beautiful Day And I Love You, which was her first full-length release in four years (and the topic of conversation when she appeared on the Songfacts Podcast that year). Both the album and the EP dip into genres from decades past, with Normal Kid tapping into '70s new wave, '80s synth-pop, and '90s R&B, and Beautiful Day incorporating elements of '60s pop, '70s rock, and early 2000s indie music.
  • The EP also reunited Johnson with her It's A Beautiful Day And I Love You co-writer and producer, Joe Pisapia.
  • The music video was one of three clips shot in a single day by director Grant Claire using a vintage Sony Betamax 88 camera. "My Closet Life" features Johnson in a variety of fashion looks, including a blunt green wig paired with a pastel pink suit, as she hangs out around her house with only a cat to keep her company.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."