Rising pop artist Kendall Gallo released her highly anticipated debut project, The Red Pill, a seven-track collection that fuses cinematic production, vulnerable lyricism, and bold, unapologetic self-expression.
For Gallo, the release of The Red Pill is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “I’ve dreamed of creating my own album for as long as I can remember,” she says. “After years of writing, performing, and collaborating, I finally had the opportunity to bring my vision to life. This project reflects my journey as an artist and captures the sound and direction I want to explore.”
A Unique Dark Pop Sound
Though rooted in pop, The Red Pill draws from a wide range of influences. Female artists like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lennon Stella, and Olivia O’Brien shaped her understanding of contemporary pop, while genre-defying musicians such as Dominic Fike, Frank Ocean, The Neighbourhood, and Lana Del Rey inspired production choices and experimentation. The result is a dark pop aesthetic that is cinematic, layered, and intensely personal.
“I wanted every song to feel like its own world,” Gallo explains. “From the vocals to the production, every detail was carefully considered. Some tracks were reimagined entirely, with new sections, grooves, and harmonies, while others were polished from older demos I’d written over the past five years.”
The Making of The Red Pill
The creative process behind The Red Pill was both immersive and collaborative. Gallo spent six to eight months arranging, producing, and refining her demos, building unique sounds and layering harmonies, ad-libs, and background textures. She later teamed up with producers Cody Benjamin and Jackson Cooper, who helped finalize the album.
In total, the project took over a year to complete, including the music, photoshoots, promotional videos, and creative direction—all of which Gallo spearheaded herself. She also credits photographers OliveJolley and JonathonMarshall, as well as her mother, for supporting her vision and helping bring the project’s imagery to life.
A Project About Truth and Growth
The title The Red Pill carries deep meaning. Inspired by the idea of choosing truth over illusion, Gallo explains: “Even though these experiences were painful, I would go through them all over again. Taking the red pill is about embracing reality—the good, the bad, and the dark—to grow and discover your truest self. Pursuing music as an independent artist is my way of taking the red pill, fully committing to my purpose despite the challenges.”
Standout tracks include the experimental and genre-bending “Siphon”, the emotionally layered “Volkswagen Bug”, the playful “Build-A-Boyfriend”, and the lyrically powerful “LA Type Beat” and “Daddy Issues.” Tracks like “F*ck Society” and “Volkswagen Bug” tackle social issues and personal struggles, resonating deeply with listeners.
“This album is about embracing life’s intensity,” Gallo says. “The darker moments, the heartbreak, the challenges—those are the experiences that shape us. I hope listeners take from this project a sense of courage to face reality, embrace their own shadows, and grow into their limitless potential.”
An Independent Vision
While many debut projects rely heavily on external teams, Gallo played a central role in every aspect of The Red Pill. From songwriting and production to creative direction, she crafted an authentic vision that reflects her personal artistry. With support from her collaborators and family, the album stands as a testament to the possibilities of independent artistry in today’s music landscape.
The Red Pill is now available on all streaming platforms. Fans can experience Kendall Gallo’s unique blend of dark pop, raw emotion, and cinematic production across seven unforgettable tracks.
Album Title: The Red Pill
Artist: Kendall Gallo
Format: 7-Track Album (EP)
Available On: Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms