Singer Spotlight Interview with Courtney Govan
Queer indie-pop riser Courtney Govan first came on our radar back in 2023 with a viral car park cover of Billie Eilish’s when the party’s over. With a voice brimming with equal parts technique and authenticity, Courtney has forged an impressive music career that reaches far beyond covers. A fixture of the San Diego live scene, her original music showcases a talent for turning raw life experiences into strikingly relatable songs, with her most popular track serotonin gathering over 1.8M streams on Spotify. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces – both online and in her music – has resonated deeply with her community across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.
We caught up with Courtney to talk about her musical journey, her creative process, and what it means to build an authentic career in today’s digital landscape.
Tell us about your musical journey – how did you first get into singing, and what drew you to the style of music you create today?
“I feel like the simplest answer that feels the most “me” is literally this: I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t a singer and I love to create music that helps me communicate my feelings when words aren’t enough. I’ve been posting covers and original music on the internet since I was 14, my music journey is one very large rabbit hole that is just waiting for you to google and fall down into.”
What are you working on right now? We’d love to hear about any upcoming performances or projects.
“Right now I’m working on just living and existing. I’m so lucky to be opening for Ryan Nealon at the Voodoo Room in San Diego on November 6th! Other than that I perform around San Diego here and there but you can always hear me singing on the internet.”
Walk us through your creative process – how do you approach making covers versus writing original music?
“When it comes to covers I absolutely almost always start because it’s stuck in my head. I’ll run to Sing2Piano (like I have since I was like 14 years old) and I immediately see if they have an instrumental.
When it comes to original music, these days it’s little bits and pieces that come to me that end up in my voice note graveyard. I always just wait for the day that I just have to finish one and that’s how I know inspiration has struck.”
What has been the highlight of your musical journey so far?
“Honestly, the fact that people message me to say my music has helped them feel seen, heard, sexy and on the extreme end, saved their life― it’s the honor of a lifetime.”
What’s been your biggest challenge as an artist?
“Feeling content in the living in order to create. It’s hard to feel like you’re not falling behind when inspiration is slower. I’m at a point in my career where I don’t know the direction I want to move in! I’m being patient with myself and allowing myself the time. The hardest part is, while allowing myself time, making sure I’m not comparing myself to others or judging myself for not creating constantly.”
What’s a piece of advice or wisdom you know now, but wish you knew when you started out?
“You’re a human being before you’re an artist! Your music is a gift but so is who you are outside of it all as well―your worth is not measured by how many streams or views you get.”
As an artist who has been successful on social media platforms, what’s the best thing about building a music career online today, and what’s the most challenging part that people might not realize?
“Building a community has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. A lot of people don’t realize that having followers does not equal financial stability and guaranteed views. It’s about creating a corner of the internet that people feel safe escaping to.”
Spread the love – what’s one account (musical or otherwise) that people should definitely check out?
“I think @rileyylauren is one of the most underrated artists on TikTok/Instagram. Her voice, passion, drive, artistry, and knowledge of music theory are truly a force.”
Fast forward five years – where do you hope to see yourself?
“I hope I’m writing more music and finding comfort in releasing it out into the world.”
What’s something completely non-musical that you’re passionate about that might surprise people?
“I work full time at a women’s trauma center and I am incredibly dedicated to working with people struggling with substance abuse and mental health. I love people and life and everyone deserves to be seen and heard.”
Follow Courtney Govan:
Instagram: @CourtneyGovan
TikTok: @CourtneyGovan
YouTube: @CourtneyGovan
Spotify: Courtney Govan