In this intimate interview, Fanbase Press Guest Contributor Angie Martin chats with singer/songwriter Gwyn Thompson (known artistically as Gwyn) about her creative life around the time of the release of her new album, Dreamcrusher. (Unfortunately, not long after this interview took place, the world tragically lost Gwyn and her talent forever.)
Angie Martin, Fanbase Press Guest Contributor: Gwyn, thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule for this interview!
Gwyn Thompson: Of course! Happy to chat with you, Angie.
AM: You are on the verge of releasing your new album with a promising single and music video. Talk to us about Dreamcrusher.
GT: Dreamcrusher is incredibly personal to me—it’s really about breaking through barriers, especially ones I’ve set for myself. This album reflects my struggles, my growth, and my determination to embrace who I truly am, both as an artist and as a person. It’s bold, it’s honest, and it captures the raw emotion I’ve felt through these recent transitions.
AM: Your new single, “I Beat U 2 It,” is getting some early reviews, all positive so far. With this being the song expected to launch you into stardom and the lyrics sounding quite personal, what inspired you to write it?
GT: “I Beat U 2 It” came from a place of reclaiming my power. After so many setbacks and being underestimated by people around me, I realized no one could hurt me more than I could hurt myself. Writing this song was therapeutic, allowing me to express that resilience openly and unapologetically.
AM: This album is a new path, a new genre, and an exciting new future for Gwyn Thompson. What influenced you to take your career in a completely new direction?
GT: Honestly, the breakup of Red Wreckage and some personal challenges really forced me to reconsider everything. I felt I had more stories to tell, different musical colors to explore. Dreamcrusher was about trusting my instincts and stepping bravely into unknown territory. I wanted to create music that truly resonated with who I’ve become.
AM: In what ways does Dreamcrusher represent you, not only as an artist but as a young woman defining herself in today’s world?
GT: Dreamcrusher embodies my journey toward authenticity. Today’s world constantly pressures women to conform, and Dreamcrusher is my defiance against that—it’s my stand for strength, vulnerability, and independence.
AM: The night before Dreamcrusher releases, you’re performing a hometown show. It must be incredibly exciting to start this new journey in the place where you first discovered music.
GT: It’s surreal. There’s nowhere else I’d rather begin this new chapter. My hometown shaped who I am, and performing here first is my way of saying thank you for always believing in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.
AM: We’ve heard about a little drink called the frothy. Tell our readers what that is, and how did it originate?
GT: [Laughs] Ah, the frothy! It’s a little backstage tradition my crew and I started. It’s basically a coffee brand I really like, mixed with organic protein powder and a dash of cream whipped up until it’s super frothy. It gives just enough kick to energize before hitting the stage.
AM: Do you have any pre-show superstitions or customs?
GT: Besides the frothy? [Smiles] I always spend a few minutes alone backstage, visualizing a great performance. And I never, ever check my phone right before I go on—just clears my head completely.
AM: What is your favorite thing about being on tour?
GT: Sunrises! Honestly, it might sound silly to most but I love seeing more sunrises than any other time in my life. I don’t sleep well in vans or on flights and after a show I’m usually wide awake with adrenaline so I often will find myself staring out the window watching daybreak. Watching the sun bring color and warmth back into the world. I just love that feeling of standing in the dark and cold and the sun slowly creeps over you, around you. It gives me goosebumps. So on tour dates where we’re not traveling overnight or everything isn’t loaded until morning, I love to sneak away from everyone else and find a great spot to see the sunrise. Just me, preferably nature and nature’s glow.
AM: You were on track with Red Wreckage to do some amazing things. It must have been difficult when the band dissolved. What went into that decision, and was it mutual?
GT: It was incredibly hard. We had creative differences that we couldn’t reconcile. I felt pulled toward exploring my own voice and ultimately, we all agreed it was healthier to part ways amicably rather than force a direction none of us truly wanted. I still listen to our last album quite a bit. It’s a great workout jam.
AM: You seem to have a great relationship with your manager, Cassidy Sanders. How did you two meet, and was it music career love at first sight?
GT: Cassidy’s incredible. We met at a showcase, open mic thing shortly after I left Red Wreckage. She immediately understood my vision and supported my independence fiercely. Definitely “music love” at first sight. Red Wreckage flirted with a few managers but nothing ever happened so I really didn’t understand everything that a manager does. I think I thought they just booked you gigs and took a commission but there is so much more to it. They have to believe in you as much as you do because there’s no reward in it for them until you find success. It feels like a partnership in the best possible way.
AM: After leaving Red Wreckage, you signed quickly with Try Not Records. What was it about them that enticed you?
GT: Cassidy put that deal together. She had interned at a few labels when she started out and had a really good perspective on what labels would offer an ideal situation as an emerging artist. Try Not promised creative freedom and artistic control, which were my non-negotiables. At the time, they really seemed aligned with my vision.
AM: From recent interviews, there appears to be some discord with Try Not Records. Have you shopped around or had other labels courting you?
GT: I have had conversations elsewhere. Creative integrity is critical for me, and I won’t compromise that for anything. Let’s just say all options are on the table. I think part of what is important to me is to not hide what I’m feeling and feel comfortable enough to say it very publicly that for me to continue with Try Not, I’d need to see them deliver on all promises. Look, they are doing a great job promoting Dreamcrusher and everyone at the label is excited, but it hasn’t been without some bumps in the road getting here.
AM: You’ve emphasized creative control is crucial. Ever considered going independent?
GT: Absolutely. If that becomes the best path for preserving my creative integrity, I’m ready to explore it fully. Do I want to learn accounting and marketing? Absolutely not but faced with the alternative, let’s get me enrolled in community college asap!
AM: We’ve heard a lot about your ex, Jeff Anders, and his role in your early career. Any romantic reunion, or might he play a role in future music?
GT: Jeff was incredibly important in my journey, but that chapter’s closed romantically.
AM: Any suitors—or suitresses—on the horizon?
GT: [Laughs] Let’s just say I’m open to possibilities, but right now, my true romance is with this album and the tour ahead. No one wants to date someone whose head is in the clouds with their art and won’t be home for three months at a time!
AM: An Instagram follower asked about your tattoo. What is it, and what does it mean?
GT: It’s a bee, a reminder of a desire to stay busy and always be ready to sting, if it becomes necessary. Plus as dangerous as they might be, bees are just fuzzy and cute.
AM: Former bandmate Emily Coupe has been vocal about you. Anything you’d say to her? Is she a “dreamcrusher?”
GT: Emily and I had different dreams—that’s all. No hard feelings. Everyone deserves their own path. If she has anything else to say, she knows where to find me. I heard she’s doing some solo shows. I’d love to catch one if touring lines up with her dates.
AM: Fans are asking about a song with Jill Cooper. Can we expect any fun collaborations ahead?
GT: I adore Jill. But. If that was in the cards, I think I’d still be in Red Wreckage. Never say never but I think Jill is going to be much happier writing her own material or maybe writing for others. People drool over her lyrics. It’s maddening how talented she is.
AM: Any message for young women pursuing their dreams?
GT: Own your story. Don’t wait for permission—make your voice heard loudly, clearly, proudly. I had zero confidence growing up. If you have something inside you that wants to create, you have to. There are no excuses and no one should stand in your way from being creative.
AM: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
GT: Just thank you. Your support means everything. Keep dreaming, and keep crushing those dreams. Oh and I’m on tour. Coming soon to a city near you. Come see the show!
Gwyn’s family has announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Gwyn’s murderer. You can learn more about the case and submitting tips at rewardtheseries.tv. In addition, you can follow the detectives’ ongoing investigation in Dreamcrusher, with a new episode releasing every other Tuesday night on Reveel streaming channel. Help the world find #justiceforgwyn!
