Upsahl started playing both the guitar and piano at the age of five. She attended Arizona School for the Arts and is classically trained in piano, guitar, and voice. With a style that bridges thoughtful adult alternative fare and playful pop, American singer and songwriter UPSAHL debuted her warm voice and articulate lyrics on self-releases as early as her mid-teens.
Upsahl released a self-titled EP (as Taylor Upsahl) at age 14. In 2015, she wrote and self-produced her full-length debut album, "Viscerotonic". In 2017, her third album was released, "Unfamiliar Light". She quickly became a local favorite for national touring acts in Phoenix. Upsahl played the McDowell Mountain Music Festival in 2017, opening for The Shins, Beck, and Flume, and released her first single, "Can You Hear Me Now", that year.
She signed a recording deal with Arista Records in the summer of 2018. On March 8, 2019, she made her major-label debut with the EP "Hindsight 20/20" along with her single "Drugs". She was the first artist signed to the newly re-launched record label. "Drugs," which has been used in nearly 2 million TikTok videos, reached #6 on the Viral Chart and #1 on the Sounds Trends Chart.
In 2020, Upsahl released the single "12345SEX". This was followed by the singles "People I Don't Like" and "MoneyOnMyMind", both songs were included on her second EP, "Young Life Crisis". Billboard crowned the EP as one of the Top 25 Pop albums of the year.
She undertook her first co-write on "Good in Bed" for Dua Lipa's GRAMMY Award-winning, "Future Nostalgia", released on February 11, 2021. She's since lent her pen to Madison Beer, Mike Shinoda, Alan Walker, Anne-Marie, Little Mix, GAYLE, NGHTMRE and Renee Rapp to name a few.
In 2021, she released the singles "Douchebag", "Melatonin", "Time of my Life", and "Lunatic". All songs are featured on her debut studio album "Lady Jesus", which was released October 8, 2021. The album made her one of People Magazine’s “Talented Emerging Artists Making Their Mark” and “a musical force to be reckoned with” (Nylon).
UPSAHL’s highly successful debut headline tour, followed, where she sold out venues across the US, Australia, UK and Europe. Her high-octane performance earned her spots on Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Reading/Leeds, Rock en Seine and more.
Upsahl toured as an opening act for Olivia O'Brien in 2021, for Yungblud and FLETCHER in 2022 and for Tove Lo in 2023. In July 2023, Upsahl featured in a different version of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim's song Eye, Psyche & the Bluebeard's Wife.
Monica Lewinsky
UPSAHL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Like who?) Like Britney
Like Lindsay, stunna like Monica Lewinsky
(So cute) no really
That stone-cold, hot girl feeling
Unapologetic with the fucked up mind
Doin' all the crazy like it's ladylike, like woo
History, I wanna make, wanna make history
On the year that that I was born, yeah
Girls were fucking presidents, in the residence
Then when I was four
Shaving all their heads and toying with the press, yeah, I, I
I just gotta know, where'd bad bitches go?
Who's gonna do it like they did back then?
One, two, three, check
I wanna make, wanna make history
(Like who?) Like Britney
Like Lindsay, stunna like Monica Lewinsky
(So cute) no really
That stone-cold, hot girl feeling
Unapologetic with the fucked up mind
Doin' all the crazy like it's ladylike, like woo
History, I wanna make, wanna make history
All of these songs gone viral (gone viral)
But when's the last time you seen a pop star spiral
Too many tits with the blurred out face
I just dropped an album so I think I'll drop a tape
Hannah raised me, Miley made me
Bryce from Psycho on the daily
I'll make you love me 'til you hate me ('til you hate me)
'cause baby, lately
I wanna make, wanna make history
(Like who?) Like Britney
Like Lindsay, stunna like Monica Lewinsky
(So cute) no really
That stone-cold, hot girl feeling
Unapologetic with the fucked up mind
Doin' all the crazy like it's ladylike, like woo
History, I wanna make, wanna make history
I, I did not have sexual relations with that woman
Miss Lewinsky, these allegations are false
Like Monica Lewinsky
(Like Monica, like Monica, like Monica, Like Monica)
Monica, Monica Lewinsky (Like Monica, like Monica)
But I just wanna make
Yeah, I just wanna make, wanna make history
"Monica Lewinsky" by UPSAHL is a pop song that celebrates and pays homage to influential women who have made headlines and created waves in society. The song opens with the desire to make history, drawing references to iconic figures like Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Monica Lewinsky herself. The mention of these women represents their ability to captivate public attention and leave a lasting impact.
The lyrics emphasize a strong, unapologetic, and sometimes controversial sense of self. The phrase "stone-cold, hot girl feeling" implies a fearless and confident attitude, even with a "fucked up mind." UPSAHL embraces the idea of women breaking societal norms and doing things that are considered unconventional, crazy, and not necessarily deemed "ladylike." The desire to make history reflects an ambition to leave an indelible mark on society, just like the women mentioned.
The song also references cultural moments and milestones. The line, "On the year that I was born, yeah, girls were fucking presidents, in the residence," alludes to a time when women were holding influential positions. The lyrics playfully acknowledge the rebellious acts of shaving heads and toying with the press as a symbol of empowerment and challenging expectations.
Overall, "Monica Lewinsky" is an anthem for embracing individuality, defying norms, and making a lasting impact, inspired by the boldness and influence of iconic women.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna make, wanna make history
I aspire to achieve notable accomplishments that will be remembered in the future.
(Like who?) Like Britney
Similar to Britney Spears, who made a lasting impact on pop culture.
Like Lindsay, stunna like Monica Lewinsky
Like Lindsay Lohan and Monica Lewinsky, I want to be an attention-grabbing figure.
(So cute) no really
It may seem adorable, but I genuinely desire this.
That stone-cold, hot girl feeling
I aim to exude confidence and attractiveness without showing vulnerability.
Unapologetic with the fucked up mind
I refuse to apologize for my unconventional thoughts and ideas.
Doin' all the crazy like it's ladylike, like woo
I embrace unconventional behavior while still maintaining femininity.
On the year that that I was born, yeah
During the year of my birth, something significant occurred.
Girls were fucking presidents, in the residence
Women were engaging intimately with powerful political leaders while residing in prestigious locations.
Then when I was four
At the age of four, something noteworthy happened.
Shaving all their heads and toying with the press, yeah, I, I
Women were shaving their heads and manipulating the media's perception of them.
I just gotta know, where'd bad bitches go?
I am curious about the whereabouts of fearless and assertive women.
Who's gonna do it like they did back then?
Who is going to replicate their audacious actions from the past?
One, two, three, check
Counting to ensure everything is in order.
All of these songs gone viral (gone viral)
Numerous songs have achieved widespread popularity and attention.
But when's the last time you seen a pop star spiral
When was the most recent occasion you witnessed a pop star's downfall?
Too many tits with the blurred out face
There are numerous explicit images featuring censored faces.
I just dropped an album so I think I'll drop a tape
After releasing an album, I believe I will release a mixtape.
Hannah raised me, Miley made me
The fictional character Hannah Montana influenced my upbringing, while Miley Cyrus shaped who I am today.
Bryce from Psycho on the daily
I encounter people like Bryce, the character from the film Psycho, regularly.
I'll make you love me 'til you hate me ('til you hate me)
I will captivate you to the point where you will eventually despise me.
'cause baby, lately
Because recently, baby
I, I did not have sexual relations with that woman
I deny engaging in any intimate activities with that specific woman.
Miss Lewinsky, these allegations are false
Miss Lewinsky, the accusations made against me are untrue.
Like Monica Lewinsky
Similar to Monica Lewinsky
(Like Monica, like Monica, like Monica, Like Monica)
Similar to Monica Lewinsky, repeating this comparison
Monica, Monica Lewinsky (Like Monica, like Monica)
Addressing Monica Lewinsky by name, emphasizing the comparison
But I just wanna make
However, all I desire is to achieve
Yeah, I just wanna make, wanna make history
Yes, I simply aspire to accomplish notable feats that will be remembered in the future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Taylor Cameron Upsahl, Jonny Shorr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J
Named after the White House intern who was demonized after being thrown under the bus by then-President Bill Clinton over an affair, the song's lyrics pay tribute to the "stone-cold hot girls" who "made history" by being unapologetic in the face of severe ire, with Upsahl explaining that "on first listen 'Monica Lewinsky' feels like a playful song about people who have made a massive impact on pop culture."
"But writing this song was much more than that for me," as she proceeded. "In the ’90s and the early 2000s, women like Monica, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Miley Cyrus were all dragged down by the media and the court of public opinion simply for being human beings and living their lives."
Upsahl added, "They were under a microscopic spotlight, everything they did, whether they were at their highest or their lowest, was picked apart and criticized."
To reflect this idea, the pop auteur decided to create a video that puts us in these maligned women's shoes, starting off with blinding camera flashes that turn into a whirlwind of hazy visuals and disorienting jump cuts, as we see Upsahl walk down the red carpet, pose for risqué photographs and give interviews that will, undoubtedly, be misconstrued. However, the vibe isn't about remorse or finger wagging, rather it's a celebration of these women's strength during times of unfair scrutiny. Because as Upsahl herself said, "One of the main reasons I get to feel free existing in a creative industry is because of the bullshit that they had to deal with early on in their careers."
She concluded, "'Monica Lewinsky' is my ode to them. Thank you for making history.”
zero
No Song has ever hit as hard as this one, the instrumental is killer and the lyrics are amazing
UPSAHL
Ayo thank youu
Javiera Cabezas
We have the same pic lol
exquis_
Monica Lewinsky is such a strong woman. Having to deal with all the slander in a situation envolving two people. And she's keeping her voice till this day
UPSAHL
PERIOD!
4nCat
A strong woman for you is someone who steps into another persons marriage? She could have respected herself instead, you know, like a strong woman.
Victoria Sonozaki
@4nCat lmao, lets blame only the woman, not the man who abused his power and cheated on his wife
4nCat
@Victoria Sonozaki you know you can blame both, right? OP didnt praise bill, they were praising monica so i responded to that. weirdo, dont twist words.
ハナ. 🌷
@4nCat yeah cos when the president of the fucking country who is your boss tells you to get under his desk that’s totally not coercive at all or anything
J
Named after the White House intern who was demonized after being thrown under the bus by then-President Bill Clinton over an affair, the song's lyrics pay tribute to the "stone-cold hot girls" who "made history" by being unapologetic in the face of severe ire, with Upsahl explaining that "on first listen 'Monica Lewinsky' feels like a playful song about people who have made a massive impact on pop culture."
"But writing this song was much more than that for me," as she proceeded. "In the ’90s and the early 2000s, women like Monica, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Miley Cyrus were all dragged down by the media and the court of public opinion simply for being human beings and living their lives."
Upsahl added, "They were under a microscopic spotlight, everything they did, whether they were at their highest or their lowest, was picked apart and criticized."
To reflect this idea, the pop auteur decided to create a video that puts us in these maligned women's shoes, starting off with blinding camera flashes that turn into a whirlwind of hazy visuals and disorienting jump cuts, as we see Upsahl walk down the red carpet, pose for risqué photographs and give interviews that will, undoubtedly, be misconstrued. However, the vibe isn't about remorse or finger wagging, rather it's a celebration of these women's strength during times of unfair scrutiny. Because as Upsahl herself said, "One of the main reasons I get to feel free existing in a creative industry is because of the bullshit that they had to deal with early on in their careers."
She concluded, "'Monica Lewinsky' is my ode to them. Thank you for making history.”