Words by Carol Wright | Photos by Joe Sciacca

We got to talk shop with Börni! Read on for more about her music inspirations, songwriting process, and the story behind her new song “New Heights.”

You’ve been interested in music since you were three. When did music go from a passion to something you wanted to do as a career?

A few years ago, I competed in the Swiss television show Musicstar where my performance led me to ink a record deal with Sony Music. This was definitely a course-setting experience in my life. Also, my first trip to NYC. That laid the groundwork for my love and aspirations to be in the American and world music scene.

Who are some of your music inspirations?

Well, I’ve always been curious about all types of music and was never afraid to try them. Anything from classical to Rock to Pop to Alt to Urban, I’d find what I loved about it and use that in my own development. That curiosity led me to the sound I have today, which is a fusion of all my favorite inspirations. The hip-hop influence is definitely noticeable in New Heights. More specifically, it’s a sort of long rotating list. But I would say currently it’s Sia, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and a few more.

What’s your songwriting process?

For me, the music usually translates a certain feeling. It will decide the mood of what the topic will be, for sure. Most of the time, the lyrics will be about something I’ve experienced myself or possibly others or the world in the current state, and then I’ll go from there. How does the music come along? I would say that’s definitely depending on how I feel at the moment or who is in the room with me to create. I usually start with an instrument, add a beat, and then try to come up with a vocal top line right away while It’s still fresh in my mind. I don’t think I’ve ever started with lyrics before I had the melody. But, I would write down topics, and when the right music was there, I would pull the ideas back up.

Tell us about your song “New Heights”. What inspired the lyrics and sound?

Synematik, the producer of “New Heights,” came up with really dope melodies and the beat, then adding drums to it, we already knew we were on to something. I wrote the song with Synematik, Taylor Hill, and Lucius Page from the PageBrothers. We thought about what it took us to get to the point we were at the time. We all faced major obstacles and challenges in life and overcame them when it would’ve been so easy to just give up. We kept pushing and remained focused on making progress. And that’s what the lyrics are actually about. “New Heights” was inspired by the struggles that I or anyone else who has a dream goes through. Those struggles either make you or break you, and “New Heights” is about what is possible when you don’t give up.

How involved were you in the music video creation for “New Heights”? How did it feel to see the final product?

I guess I’ve become the type of artist that wants to be involved in the whole process, from A-Z, which involves the music video, of course. Call me a control-freak, haha, but in the end, I just wanna make sure that everything is authentic to who I really am, and it represents my artistry. So, when the director, Jasmin Sidler, and I planned out this video, we both agreed that the lyrics of this cool fun song should be reflected in the visuals. You’ll see how that unfolds when the video is released. The video shoot was so exciting and just so much fun. Don’t want to give too much away, but I’m positive that you will feel this in the captured footage. I am super excited about the final product!

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

Be Authentic! That’s the lesson of my life in this industry. People want to see the real you, so they can relate to you and your music. Also, create more music until something grabs the attention of people. And the main thing is, dream big, never give up, and keep making progress. Outwork everyone else while having fun and enjoy every part of the journey. I could go on and on…