Bustle Mixtape
TheHillsalum opens up about her musical renaissance and new Taylor Swift-inspired single.
All of a sudden, Montag erstwhile reality TV star and tabloid provocateur was a bona fide pop star.
It’s been such a light in such a darkness for us.
When it was first released in 2010,Superficialwas maligned by critics.
The Heidissaince started in early 2024, when her sex-positive anthemIll Do Itwent viral on TikTok.
People are associating me with just being a musician.
Motivated by her new fans, Montag quietly re-entered the studio in 2024.
Why you couldn’t release it at first?
And what does it mean to reclaim it now?
Originally, [producer] RedOne said, I have this incredible song for you.
[Gaga] was not having it and not excited to talk to me at all.
But I didn’t realize that she was launching as an artist.
Then,Confessions of a Shopaholicwanted that song to be in the movie.
But you know what?
She sent me some makeup, so maybe shes having a change of heart.
Forgive & Forget seems inspired by your friendship-ending convo with Lauren Conrad onThe Hills.
What inspired you to speak your mind about that moment all these years later?
There was no social media.
So, it’s nice to reflect on my past experiences.
It felt empowering to close that chapter of my life, with nods to surgery and relationships.
I wanted to take back my voice on things that I never had the ability to speak on fully.
On Her Favorite Artists & The First CD She Bought
Who would be your dream collaborator?
She’s everything to me.
Obviously, Christina Aguilera is amazing.
Who doesn’t love Britney Spears?
Billie Eilish is incredible.
I’m a big fan of Lana Del Rey.
I feel I would love Charli XCX because I could keep up with partying with her.
Girl, I’ll show you how this generation does it.
What song did you play at your wedding?
My song Blackout was the one for Spencer and me.
But we didn’t have a traditional first dance at all.
On the other hand, what song would you want played at your funeral?
Probably I’ll Do It, because I’m still that b*tch.
Now I’m just in heaven, singing along, OK?
I’m not going anywhere.
Do you remember the first CD you ever bought?
I was very into Christian music, but I did have Spice Girls [music].
Then I had my mom buy Eminem, and she didn’t know it was explicit.
and threw it out the window.
I was like, You bought it for me.
Is there a genre that you haven’t made music in but would like to?
I absolutely love country music and grew up listening to it.
I would love to do more of an Enya-style vibe, as well.
What would you even call that genre?
Just meditative, relaxing.
What is one lyric that has resonated with you the most?
They say I’m superficial, some call me a b*tch.
They just mad cause I’m sexy, famous, and I’m rich."
It’s about what I’m going through now, not being at home.
I was crying hysterically.
I was like, I don’t think I can record this song.
But I put my heart into it.
That was my goal [for this song].
What’s your favorite Taylor track?
Exile is one of my favorite Taylor songs.
Look What You Made Me Do is big in our house anything fromReputation.
I think half of my favorite songs are hers.
I love that you mentionedReputation.
I went to that tour three times.
That was the tour where Taylor held [our son] Gunner before her concert.
I couldn’t believe she took the time and had us come backstage.
We spoke with her mom.
It felt like we were with her for just a regular visit.
She was so cool, calm, and collected in her robe.
I couldn’t believe what a superstar she was, so sweet and loving.
She blows me away.
I don’t know how she does what she does.
She might be the best musician and famous person in the world.
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
