Teddi Gold’s “Pineapple Piñata”: Finding Your Inner Oasis in a Desert of Electro-Hyper Pop and Anticipating “Vol. 2”
From the very first beat of Teddi Gold’s latest single, “Pineapple Piñata,” listeners are instantly transported into a world of vibrant energy and boundless joy. The electro-hyper pop star, known for her charismatic persona and unique sound, has released a track and accompanying music video that serve as a potent reminder of where true happiness originates. Premiering exclusively on HollywoodLife, the video sees Teddi descending upon a desolate desert town, transforming its monochromatic landscape into a vivid, love-filled oasis. This isn’t just a song; it’s a neon-infused manifesto on cultivating joy from within, regardless of external circumstances.
In the visually stunning “Pineapple Piñata” video, Teddi Gold embodies a “DayGlo angel,” radiating an infectious positivity that challenges the sleepy, dusty atmosphere of the barren desert setting. With nothing more than a few playful gestures and a pair of colorful fur coats, she inspires the local residents to cast aside their mundane routines and embrace a world bursting with vibrant hues, genuine affection, and a delightful touch of eccentricity. This transformation isn’t just external; it’s a powerful visual metaphor for the song’s core message: happiness is an inside job.
The Heart of “Pineapple Piñata”: Cultivating Inner Joy
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife, Teddi Gold delved into the profound philosophy underpinning “Pineapple Piñata.” “The whole idea for that song was that you can create joy anywhere,” she explains. “You can live authentically, and happiness comes from the internal, not the external.” This deeply personal conviction informed the dystopian, futuristic aesthetic of the music video, where three individuals, initially adrift in an abandoned landscape, discover connection and friendship, ultimately finding immense joy. “You don’t need anything outside of yourself to find it,” Teddi asserts, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s complex world.
Teddi’s captivating charisma shines brighter than the shimmering pink PVC dress she sports in the video, making it impossible not to be swept up by the infectious energy of “Pineapple Piñata.” Even if your feet resist the urge to move, the track’s vibrant rhythm compels a deep, internal sway. The song’s narrative originated from a relatable scenario: offering solace to a friend overwhelmed by life’s difficulties. “The idea for the song was that you have a friend who is going through some heaviness,” Teddi shares. “Their head is ‘spinning in a blender.’ So you drive to their house to pick them up, and you take them out dancing.” The dance floor, in this context, becomes a sacred space for catharsis. “For those hours out dancing, and in this short song, you get to let go of the heaviness. You ‘leave it on the dance floor.’ It’s hard to stay sad when you are jumping up and down to a dance song.” This powerful message underscores the transformative, albeit sometimes temporary, power of movement and shared experience.
Teddi Gold’s upcoming EP, Vol. 2, set to release on October 7th, promises to further explore these themes of self-discovery and authentic connection. Her dedication to her craft, evident in the meticulous work behind “Pineapple Piñata,” suggests that Vol. 2 will be another testament to her unique artistic vision and unwavering commitment to sharing her journey with the world.
The Art of “Organized Chaos”: Crafting the Perfect Sound
When asked by HollywoodLife about her self-described “organized chaos” approach to music and when “Pineapple Piñata” truly felt complete, Teddi Gold revealed the intricate balance between relentless perfectionism and knowing when to let go. “I could work endlessly on a song,” she admits. “It’s a fine balance between over-doing something and not doing enough. It seems so corny to say, but I usually just know when it’s done. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words.” This intuitive sense guides her creative process. She detailed the extensive revisions “Pineapple Piñata” underwent, even months before its release, stating, “This song went through a lot of changes. In fact, I tweaked the mix just a few months before the release date because my producer and I felt it could be freshened up since it had technically been finished over a year ago.” This dedication to sonic excellence ensures that every track Teddi releases is polished and impactful.
The song’s powerful message of discovering internal joy and radiating it outward is particularly resonant. Teddi shared the collaborative nature of its creation: “I wrote this song with my friends Shay and Garen, and my friend Jon produced it. I love that I get to work with my friends because I am never nervous to share ideas with them.” This comfort fosters an environment of authentic expression, allowing her to openly draw from personal experiences. Teddi candidly discusses her journey with therapy and her struggles with depression and anxiety, highlighting a universal human experience. “It’s hard to be human sometimes,” she acknowledges. “But I will say, that as I continue to work on myself, I continue to find peace and real happiness as a process. A grounded-ness. It comes from an internal place.” This deep-seated understanding of internal well-being fuels her desire to share this wisdom through her music, encouraging others on their own paths to self-discovery and joy. The choice to make “Pineapple Piñata” a dance song was deliberate, recognizing dance as a powerful conduit for channeling and releasing energy, making it a perfect vehicle for the song’s uplifting message.
Visualizing the Message: Bombay Beach and Creative Collaboration
The choice of a barren desert for the “Pineapple Piñata” music video’s setting was far from arbitrary; it was a deliberate artistic decision to amplify the song’s core theme. Teddi reiterated, “The whole idea for that song was that you can create joy anywhere. You can live authentically, and happiness comes from the internal, not the external.” By placing an upbeat, uplifting dance track in a desolate, abandoned environment, the video starkly illustrates that joy is not dictated by one’s surroundings but cultivated from within. The dystopian and futuristic aesthetic underscores this notion, portraying a world where connection and happiness emerge unexpectedly from shared experiences.
The video was shot in Bombay Beach, a truly unique location that Teddi encourages everyone to explore. Once a thriving vacation hotspot on the Salton Sea, it has since become a forgotten town, ironically now a haven for artists and resilient locals. This rich backdrop perfectly complemented the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the idea of finding vibrancy in unexpected places. Teddi praised her directors, Lio and Dulcinee, for their exceptional work. “We had an initial call about the song and the visuals, they sent me a pitch for the video, and I knew immediately I wanted to work with them,” she recounted. “They understood exactly what I wanted to do and brought their own beautiful creative visions to it as well.” The collaborative spirit extended to the entire cast and crew, resulting in a project Teddi is immensely proud of. As a deeply visual artist with a background in acting, Teddi constantly thinks about music visually, and she is eager to continue experimenting with unique visual storytelling in her future projects.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Teddi Gold (@teddigold)
Sonic Palette: From Lady Gaga to Real Piñatas
When discussing the direct inspirations for the unique sound of “Pineapple Piñata,” Teddi Gold readily credits two titans of modern music: Lady Gaga and 100 Gecs. These influences are evident in her electro-hyper pop style, blending pop sensibilities with experimental electronic elements. However, Teddi’s signature sound goes beyond external inspirations; it lies in her innovative use of self-created sonic textures.
A fascinating example of her creative process is found in the bridge of “Pineapple Piñata.” “On the bridge in ‘Pineapple Piñata,’ we smashed real piñatas and recorded it,” she revealed. “So a lot of the sounds you hear on the bridge are from us hitting them.” This hands-on approach involved a trip to Party City for several piñatas, filling them with candy, and then having everyone take turns blindfolded, hitting them while the sounds were recorded uncensored. “The energy you feel in that bridge is genuine,” she explains, highlighting how authentic, organic sounds contribute to the track’s vibrant atmosphere. Even a seemingly random line like “who likes peanuts?” stemmed from a spontaneous moment when her producer brought a bag of peanut M&Ms, illustrating the boundless creativity possible in sonic production. Teddi cherishes this process, considering the creation of unique samples using everyday objects or even her own voice as a distinct part of her artistic signature.
Anticipating “Vol. 2”: Themes of Love, Dreams, and Resilience
Following the success and uplifting message of “Pineapple Piñata,” fans eagerly anticipate Teddi Gold’s new EP, Vol. 2. This upcoming project promises to be a rich tapestry of new life experiences and lessons, offering a deeper dive into her evolving perspective. Listeners can expect a collection of songs that celebrate the simple joys of summer, encourage leaving problems on the dance floor, and explore the profound idea that love transcends materialism. Teddi also touches on the importance of being a supportive friend, inspires listeners to pursue their own dreams, and empowers them to rise above negativity and “not let the haters bring you down.”
When considering the connection between her previous work and the new EP, Teddi identifies a clear through-line. “I think the through-line from Vol. 1 to Vol. 2 is self-love, kindness, and a desire for real connection and intimacy,” she articulates. This consistent thematic thread suggests a continuous artistic and personal journey, inviting listeners to grow alongside her as she explores these universal human experiences.
The Pandemic’s Dual Impact: Hardship and Opportunity
Like many artists, Teddi Gold experienced significant shifts in her life due to the global pandemic. She reflected on this period with a sense of perspective, describing it as a “year of duality.” On one hand, she navigated profound personal challenges, including a breakup and a major move. These difficulties, though tough, spurred growth. On the other hand, the period also presented remarkable professional opportunities. Teddi achieved considerable success in the sync world, leading to her signing with Casual Records. This blend of personal hardship and professional triumph underscores her resilience and ability to find blessings amidst adversity. “While certain elements were very difficult, I have a lot of gratitude in my heart, and I feel very blessed to do what I do,” she affirms, embodying the very message of internal happiness she champions in her music.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Teddi Gold (@teddigold)
A Legacy of Performance and Authentic Connection
Teddi Gold’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in a rich family lineage of performers. She comes from an impressive background, with her great-grandma, Betty Burgess, having been a Paramount actress in the 1930s, and her great-grandfather a distinguished tap dancer who performed alongside legends like Fred Astaire and Betty Grable. Together, her grandparents graced vaudeville stages across the United States. Additionally, Teddi proudly notes her ancestry includes a long line of traveling circus performers, adding another layer of spectacle and tradition to her heritage.
Her great-grandma, Betty Burgess, held a special place in Teddi’s heart and left an indelible mark on her artistic philosophy. Having passed away during Teddi’s high school years, Betty left behind a treasure trove of Hollywood memorabilia, including old movie stills, footage, and jewelry, serving as tangible links to her illustrious past. More significantly, Betty imparted invaluable wisdom. “She was a woman of heart. She would always say that performance is about giving. You give to your audience. It’s the relationship you build with them,” Teddi recalls. This profound teaching shapes Teddi’s entire approach to her art. Rather than feeling the pressure of external expectations stemming from her lineage, she is driven by a desire to “always be coming from a place of giving, always giving from an authentic place, and building a real connection with my friends and fans.” This commitment to authenticity and genuine connection is what truly defines Teddi Gold as an artist.
Teddi Gold continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of electro-hyper pop, powerful messages of self-love, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. “Pineapple Piñata” is more than just a catchy dance track; it’s an invitation to find and celebrate internal joy, a theme that will undoubtedly resonate throughout her upcoming Vol. 2 EP. As she navigates the complexities of life and art, Teddi Gold stands out as a vibrant force, dedicated to creating music that uplifts, connects, and inspires. Experience the magic for yourself and immerse yourself in the world Teddi Gold has created.
‘Pineapple Piñata’ is out now, and Vol. 2 is set to release on October 7th.