The United States is the second most expensive country in the world to give birth, after Japan. In Japan, it costs around $61,000 to have a vaginal delivery, although those costs can be offset by government health insurance.
In the U.S., it costs around $14,000 to have a child without insurance, although there are a lot of factors that affect the price, including where you give birth, the type of insurance you carry and if there are any complications.
While $14,000 is a lot of money for most people, Hanna Castle from the Columbus, Ohio, area received a $4 million hospital bill after having quadruplets and that didn’t even include the delivery. All 4 of the children needed to spend time in the NICU for lengths between 64 and 147 days.
Castle explained the costs in a video that has been seen nearly 8 million times.
That hurt 🤣 #Quadruplets #nicu #america #healthcare
The 4 children, Atlas, Dominic, Magnolia and Morgan, were all born at 28 weeks via Cesarean section and were treated at separate NICUs. According to Investopedia, a stay in the NICU can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 a day in the United States.
The smallest child of the 4, Atlas, weighed just 1.5 pounds but had the shortest stay in the NICU of 64 days. His total bill came to $714,747.15. Next was Magnolia who stayed 74 days at a cost of $728,625.56. Morgan stayed 86 days for $976,415.69 and Dominic stayed the longest, 147 days, for $1,626139.55.
All in all, the total bill for the NICU for the Castle Quads was $4,045,927.95.
Commenters on the video couldn’t believe how anyone could pay such a massive bill. “To put this in perspective, it would take $500 a month for 675 years to pay this off,” Gouda wrote.
The good news for the Castle family was that Medicaid of Ohio picked up the entire tab. Knowing that the babies would need extensive care after being born, the couple quit their jobs to qualify for financial assistance. “At 16 weeks pregnant, I decided to quit my job to get some of that assistance because there was no other way,” Castle told Good Morning America.
“I moved my mom in with us to kind of help financially for the first year and see how the kids were going to be,” she added. In Ohio, adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level and children with a household income of 211% of the poverty level can qualify for Medicaid.
In a recent Facebook post, Castle discussed the tough challenges of being the parent of multiples in America.
“You can believe that you’ll have 1 full-term child, but every pregnancy is different. A lot of us do not believe in terminating healthy children because of finances. Things happen. No one wants to live off of government assistance just to be able to survive and frankly there’s a lot of shame behind it,” she wrote. “But other countries don’t even have to worry about that. Do they truly think that a 1-time tax credit per year is enough to get us to keep having children in this economy? With the type of medical bills we rack up here? With the lack of financial medical assistance we have here?”
What a week for GloRilla. The Memphis rapper was already flying high on the viral success of her latest single “Yeah, Glo!” but she was also recently added to Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer Tour. What better time to announce a new full-length project?
That’s exactly what she did, telling fans on social media she’s dropping her second mixtape, EhhThang EhhThang, to capitalize on the wave of goodwill pushing her forward.
The tape will be Glo’s first solo project since her 2022 EP, Anyways, Life’s Great and first full-length solo since 2019’s Most Likely Up Next.
EhhThang EhhThang is due on April 5 and is the latest in a string of releases from women rappers that has been debunking Joe Budden’s doomsaying over the “girl rap wave.” Just this past Friday, Flo Milli and Tierra Whack both released new albums, while artists like Latto, Ice Spice, Sexyy Red, and Cardi B have been dropping new singles that have fans on social media buzzing. His argument may have revolved more around the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but with GloRilla climbing said chart and an opportunity for several women to impact next week’s albums chart, it doesn’t seem like women’s dominance over hip-hop is going away anytime soon.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Welcome to SNX DLX, your weekly roundup of the best sneakers to hit the internet. After a couple of jam-packed weeks, we’re back with a more modest list of drops. If you’re an Adidas or New Balance fan, I’m sorry but this isn’t your week — Nike is dominating once again, snagging most of the spots on our list.
This week we’re highlighting some new Dunks, Air Maxes, and the Jordan 1, 9, and 14. So if you love the classics or you’re a Jordan head, you’ll find a lot to love here.
For the non-Nike heads, we’ve got a new collaboration between Puma and the beloved anime series One Piece, and the latest drop from MSCHF. It’s a short list, but a strong one — so without further ado let’s dive into the best drops of the week.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pure Platinum and Vivid Purple (Rayssa)
Teenage Brazilian pro skating prodigy Rayssa Leal has teamed up with Nike for a special take on a skatewear classic. The SB Dunk Rayssa features debossed details throughout the upper, a signature embroidered logo near the heel, beaded smiley face lace details, and a colorway that combines muted tones with a bright splash of purple.
It’s a great first entry in what we hope is an extensive collaboration between Nike and Rayssa.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pure Platinum and Vivid Purple is out now for a retail price of $125. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
At this point, MSCHF is less an art-prank brand that drops social media stunt products, and more an avant-garde sneaker house. Their drops continually garner headlines and, while their designs are unique and out there, they’re also kind of dope if you have the rizz to pull ‘em off.
Case in point the 2×4, MSCHF’s take on the workwear trend that is taking over footwear. The sneaker looks like a classic work boot, only the heavy gum tread extends from the sole to the entire body of the shoe. The 2×4 features a full lined gum rubber build with a leather ankle cuff and tread diamond eyelets.
The sneaker looks kind of ridiculous on its own, but then when you see Spike Lee rocking a pair in the promotional material — it kind of works! Props to MSCHF for keeping things endlessly interesting.
The MSCHF 2×4 is out now for a retail price of $400. Pick up a pair at MSCHF and be sure to size down one size as the shoe runs large.
After a brief drought of drops, the Air Jordan 14 is back, and it’s looking great in this new Flint Grey colorway. This rendition of the 14 features a monochromatic suede upper with metallic silver details above a white midsole.
Rounding out the design are fuzzy suede overlays which help to add a nice textural element to the build.
The Air Jordan 14 Flint Grey is out now for a retail price of $210. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
NikeNike
Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG x Trophy Room Sail and Varsity Red
If you missed last week’s Jordan x Trophy Room drop you have a second chance to cop the collaboration this Thursday. The Trophy Room AJ 1 is essentially a classic Chicago colorway with a few elevated details like premium materials, shiny leather panels, Trophy Room branding, and a gold wing logo at the heel.
It’s a victory lap for one of the greatest Jordan colorways of all time.
The Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG x Trophy Room Sail and Varsity Red is set to drop on March 21st at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $140. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
Hardcore Dunk fans will recognize this week’s Plum rendition of the sneaker. This rare colorway was originally released in 2001 as part of the Ugly Duckling pack and hasn’t seen a refresh since 2011, so if you’re a hardcore Dunk enthusiast this is probably going to be your favorite release of the week.
The Plum features an all-suede upper with barn red accents at the branding, outsole, Swoosh, and laces. So don’t hesitate to pick this up as soon as you can before Nike hides it in the vault for another decade.
The Nike Dunk Low Plum is set to drop on March 21st at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $115. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
In Celebration of Air Max Day Nike is bringing back the Air Max 1 ’86 Royal Blue. What separates the ’86 from the stock Air Max 1 is the bigger airbag window which gives the sneaker a different vibe.
The Royal Blue features a clean mix of blue, white and grey tones riding on a crispy white midsole which helps show off that big Air Bag in all its glory.
The Nike Air Max 1 ’86 Royal Blue is set to drop on March 22nd at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $150. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Powder Blue Jordan 9 is back! The sneaker features a leather upper, pull-lacing system, jagged midsole, and a simple combination of blue, white, and black tones.
The Powder Blue is a testament to how effective a simple three-color design can be.
The Nike Air Jordan 9 Powder Blue is set to drop on March 23rd at 7:00 AM PST for a retail price of $210. Pick up a pair via the Nike SNKRS app or aftermarket sites like GOAT and Flight Club.
PUMA is linking up with the beloved anime series One Piece for a special collection that, honestly, is kind of all over the place. The collaboration utilizes the Puma Suede silhouette and features four sneakers that celebrate sort of random aspects of the series. The four sneakers, dubbed “Blackbeard Teech,” “Suede II,” “Straw Hat Luffy,” and “Buggy,” sort of point to the characters that share the same name (not sure what’s going on with Suede II), but not in a way that is easy to recognize.
The sneaker features a suede build with hairy suede overlays, a co-branded tongue, and some embossed graphics. Each sneaker is released in a special East Blue map box. It’s a sloppy collaboration conceptually, but it looks great so we’re willing to give it a pass.
It seems like it would’ve been easier to model the four sneakers off the four most popular members of the Straw Hat crew (Luffy, Nami, Roronoa Zoro, and of course, Tony Tony Chopper) but Puma is gonna Puma!
The PUMA x ONE PIECE Suede is set to drop on March 22nd at 9:00 PM PDT for a retail price of $85. Pick up a pair via the Puma app.
PumaPumaPumaPuma
Disclaimer: While all of the products recommended here were chosen independently by our editorial staff, Uproxx may receive payment to direct readers to certain retail vendors who are offering these products for purchase.
The NBA’s attempt at creating a pathway to professional basketball for high school prospects is coming to an end. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the league plans on shutting down its G League Ignite team, which launched in 2020 and provided elite talent an opportunity to get compensated to play basketball without needing to go to college.
“I think given that that’s happened, I think we are in the process of reassessing Team Ignite,” Adam Silver said at All-Star Weekend about how NIL rules have impacted the need for the Ignite team. “Because now some of those same players who didn’t want to be one-and-done players because they felt it was unfair and they wanted the ability not just to earn a living playing basketball but to do commercial deals that weren’t available to them at college, to hire professional agents, an opportunity that wasn’t available to them at college, they now — all of those same opportunities have become available to them.”
Silver admitted at the time that he was unsure of what the team’s future would be, and that the idea of creating the team was to fill “a hole in the marketplace.”
Things have not gone especially well for the team this year despite having some highly-regarded talents in Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland. Currently, the Ignite are 6-20. The program has, however, been able to do what it sent out to do, as it has sent a number of players to the NBA. Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Isaiah Todd, Dyson Daniels, MarJon Beauchamp, Jaden Hardy, Scoot Henderson, Leonard Miller, Sidy Cissoko, and Mojave King have all been drafted, while Daishen Nix and Michael Foster Jr. also made it to the league.
It’s very easy to tell a fake Taylor Swift fan from a real fan. First of all, real fans hate the term “swiftie” so let’s get that out there right off the bat. When a celebrity says they love “Bad Blood” or “Blank Space,” odds are good they are just a casual listener. There is nothing wrong with that! But the real fans are the ones who can name a non-single track at the drop of a hat, and that’s why Paul Rudd is a Real Fan, unlike hater Robert Downey Jr.
While promoting his latest flick Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Rudd was asked by MTV about his favorite Swift songs, and he did not disappoint.
“I really like ‘Mastermind,’ I sing a lot [to] that one,” he said, referring to the final song off of 2022’s Midnights. He continued listing some favorites, “‘Cruel Summer,’ like everybody else,” he said, before adding in a Lover deep cut (and underappreciated synth-pop jam), “The Archer,” and “August.” He quipped, “I’m just going through the A’s now.” He is Ant-Man, after all.
Rudd also expressed love for Swift earlier this month on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where he, a lifelong Chiefs fan, gushed about younger fans watching the team due to Swift’s relationship with future game show host Travis Kelce.
“This whole thing is very exciting I think. I see those stories about dads and daughters…watching the game together, and I get all choked up watching it. I have a daughter, she’s into it. And she loves Taylor Swift,” he said. “I went to [The Eras Tour] and it was so incredible,” he added. Anyone who disagrees, according to Joy Behar, should immediately seek therapy.
I have long harbored an uncomfirmed belief that Lil Yachty internalized all the criticism he received at the beginning of his career and has been quietly getting private vengeance on all the old heads who used to pick on him for subverting their expectations of rap as a genre.
In any case, he seems to have been on a mission the past few years to prove that he can dominate practically any subgenre of rap while lyrically hanging with luminaries like Drake and J. Cole.
The next subgenre on his hitlist is UK drill. “It’s Us” with rising star Nemzzz crosses that one off his checklist, while also highlighting his recent goal of using his platform to give younger artists the support his elders never gave him. Yachty certainly seems to be deadset on giving a leg up, collaborating with Gus Dapperton on Lyrical Lemonade’s recent album and lending his pen to relative unknowns like DONTKALLMELUXXY — all while continuing to push the boundaries of being considered just a “hip-hop” artist by teaming up with Faye Webster, James Blake, and Fred Again..
Nemzzz, meanwhile, just got one of his biggest co-signs yet after releasing his mixtapeDo Not Disturb last week. The 17-year-old Briton’s star continues to rise stateside after solidifying himself as one to watch back home.
Watch Lil Yachty and Nemzzz’s “It’s Us” video above.
Two years ago, Wendy’s decided to mix up its menu by swapping out its vanilla Frosty for strawberry for a limited time. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the fast food chain went 53 years before finally dropping a strawberry flavor — and considering strawberry is one of the three most popular milkshake flavors, you have to admit… it’s kind of strange.
Since then Wendy’s has continued to experiment, dropping a Pumpkin Spice, and Peppermint Frosty. These have all been delicious, but Wendy’s may have just dropped its greatest Frosty flavor to date this week. We’re talking about the Orange Dreamsicle Frosty.
The flavor is inspired by the classic creamsicle ice cream pop (you may know it as the 50/50 bar) which is a combination of orange and creamy vanilla. It’s a dessert that attempts to be equal parts refreshing and sweet. It’s a simple concept, but I’ve tasted all manner of different sweet treats that try to capture this flavor and fail. So how did Wendy’s do?
Read on to find out!
Orange Dreamsicle Frosty
Dane Rivera
Tasting Notes & Thoughts:
What jumped out to me on my initial taste test of the Orange Dreamsicle Frosty is how well-balanced it is. A light and delicate sweet orange flavor hit the palate first, before creamy vanilla flavors took over, with a refreshing light and tangy finish. It’s not quite as heavy on the orange as a traditional creamsicle, and it’s better for it.
Because this is a Frosty we’re dealing with and not a traditional milkshake, the thickness is ultra-dense and luxurious and keeps its consistency for at least a half-hour before it starts to break down and get watery.
In terms of where it stands compared to the other Frosty flavors, I’d put this at the top. The flavor is an obvious improvement over the neutral flavor of the vanilla Frosty and has a better aftertaste and overall flavor profile than the chocolate.
The Bottom Line:
Not only is the Orange Dreamsicle a delicious Frosty, but it may be the best flavor of the dessert treat ever.
The Star Wars films are omnipresent in culture (sometimes annoyingly so!), and you’ve probably seen them a million times. But because they’re always available on Disney Plus, I know I’ve started taking these movies that mean so much to me — and also Attack of the Clones — for granted.
Well, in honor of Star Wars Day, a.k.a. May 4th, Disney is releasing all nine Skywalker Saga films in a much better format than on your phone: in theaters. In chronological order, that’s The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
Sorry, Rogue One and Solo (and The Clone Wars), maybe another time.
As a bonus, an exclusive look at The Acolyte, the upcoming Disney+ series starring this lil’ freak and a Wookiee Jedi, will be shown during screenings of The Phantom Menace. Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 22, at 12 p.m. EST. Anyone who sits through all nine in one day — ending with the worst Star Wars movie of them all — deserves a prize: a meet and greet with Watto.
Bairi (pronounced bye-ree) makes the kind of music that forces you to sit still and absorb everything that comes out of it. It’s captivating in the best ways and heightens the senses all before seizing them for the duration needed. It’s a conclusion I came to one of the first times I heard the Pennsylvania-born singer back in 2021 with her “Paraíso” single. With an enchanting violin and scintillating piano keys as the background for the captivating record, Bairi takes command with vocals that are both dominating and alluring, a perfect recipe to draw you into a front-row seat for her show.
If “Paraíso” lies on one end of the spectrum for Bairi artistry, her latest single “Come My Way” is on the other end. Where “Paraíso” is sweet and soothing, “Come My Way” seeks refuge on the dancefloor. The upbeat number is filled to the brim with sensuality and anticipation as the fulfillment her body craves is within reach. Both songs are expected to appear on Bairi’s upcoming debut EP Fire Siren which is due April 22.
“This project represents the darkness and events leading up to my finally committing to my purpose (music) and really deciding to love myself; or at least it set me on the path of learning how to,” Bairi tells Uproxx. “It was a very dark and confusing time during which all I knew was pain and distraction — until the suffering of my choices opened my eyes to the truth of who I really am. I hope that by the end of the project, the listener understands that while it heavily touches on toxic themes, it is not a story about the conscious decision to be toxic; rather, it’s about breaking the matrix that kept me in those toxic cycles.”
Together with the arrival of “Come My Way” and the announcement of Fire Siren, Uproxx placed the spotlight on Bairi for an Uproxx Music 20 conversation that dives into her inspiration, interests, and the unique moments that make Bairi the artist she is today.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I’m overwhelmed thinking about all of the backseat revelations in my parents’ cars when hearing a song for the first time (i.e., my first time hearing “The Thong Song” in the McDonald’s drive-through or dramatically staring out of the window while Mike Shinoda’s remix of “Crawlin” by Linkin Park made me fall in love with orchestral arrangements). Still, the two memories that stand out to me the most are when I heard “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston in the credits of my favorite movie Prince Of Egypt, and when I heard “Journey to the Past” by Aaliyah in the credits of Anastasia. There’s something about being completely enamored with a movie and then hearing your favorite singers drive it home. It’s the same reason I almost cried hearing Jhené Aiko in the credits of Creed. It’s probably the reason I’m very dynamic in my compositions.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My grade school choir director, Mr. Joseph Farrell, really helped me believe in the power of my voice and the importance of being hard-working and disciplined to nurture my gift, even though it was just recently all of those lessons hit me. When it came to actually pursuing music as a career though, the first person that shifted my perspective into becoming an artist was my friend Dave Langston. When I first got to New York in 2015, I was majoring in English literature when I met him in a Psych class. One day we sat in my car as he played me his music and when I told him I sang he very seriously told me I needed to pursue it. He got me in a studio doing vocals for him and then eventually it was in that studio I recorded my first EP that released in 2016. Will always be soooo grateful for him.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
When I was a kid, my grandmother gave me a Casio and I taught myself how to play a lot of the music in the video games I was playing (Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 8, 9, X, X-2). I took a few piano lessons, but got really nervous and never finished. I do plan on mastering the piano one day to honor my inner child.
What was your first job?
I worked at Chocolate World in Hershey at 15 years old as a food service worker at this little dessert creation studio.
What is your most prized possession?
My bear Dodi that my dad got me I wanna say around 2003 before he got deployed. Everyone makes fun of him, but that’s really my rider!
What is your biggest fear?
I read this question and got a little nervous to answer it. I think it changes based on the season in my life. Right now, I have an irrational fear that my dreams of being a superstar and performing on all of the stages I’ve dreamt of aren’t going to happen. Anybody can tell you I love singing and my career more than anything else. But with that being said, fear is just a lack of faith. I’m being shown that I need to let go and just let it all happen to me versus trying to do too much and control everything. Whoever is reading this, you can too. Don’t be scared of the unknown. Don’t be scared to be the biggest version of yourself.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I would hire someone to organize my business/administration/finances, hire a tour manager to set up a tour for my project, pay everyone I’m working with now the money they deserve, fly my team, family, and all of my favorite creatives to Camp Bairi: a remote location by the beach to finish up my project and do all visuals, production of all of my merch ideas, create and finish music, feed them amazing food, have intimate convos, etc. I know that sounds like a lot for 24 hours but generally, a perfect day for me involves loving on my loved ones, journaling, making music, dancing, performing, eating sushi, sharing my art with others, improving however I can, and creating stability and inspiration for myself and everyone around me.
What are your three most used emojis?
(my preferred heart emoji cause I’m fiery), (when I’m feeling sentimental, which is VERY often *laughs*), and (because I be crying laughing)
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
6lack!! I have actually had one for him in the tuck for years, I’m just waiting for the right time. In addition, I NEED to work with Ludwig Göransson on a movie soundtrack.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Hot Ones, anything that Issa Rae does, Abbott Elementary (I’m from Pennsylvania, Quinta!), Dave, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards (hope these count). There are soooo many podcasts I want to be on too. I love chatting.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Beyoncé. She’s incredibly hardworking and courageous and advocates for herself and her ideas. A very clear example of purpose and alchemy.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
This is sooo random, but I’m completely convinced that Kanye West’s “Say You Will” production is inspired by Kingdom Hearts’ “Dive Into The Heart”. There’s absolutely nooo evidence to prove this, like none at all, but I don’t care *laughs*. Listen to both and tell me I’m lying (and I won’t care).
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
Again, “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Two of the best voices in music, a choir, incredibly profound production and message, and the fact that it will make me cry no matter what I’m doing when I hear it. I’m listening to it right now to test the theory and it’s not failing *laughs*. There are a lot of perfect songs to me, but this is always the first one that comes to me.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
It’s a toss-up between New York and Atlanta for my favorite city to perform in. Two of my favorite, most lit performances were in either and the energy was unmatched. I’m excited to perform in a church in Italy. When I was in 11th grade I passed up the opportunity to do this because a lot was going on in my home life and I was just so scared and lacking confidence that I couldn’t show up how I needed to. I can’t wait to redeem this moment for myself.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
I tried to realistically and tastefully answer this question at first, but truthfully, what I really want is Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, RAYE, Chloe x Halle, Doechii, and myself. I think all of us are extremely dynamic, cinematic, and immersive, with some similarities but different enough for it to feel like a full spectrum of music. I’m the opener I don’t even care *laughs*. Either Madison Square Garden, which is one of my lifetime goals, or somewhere that feels like a wonder of the world, like an oasis in the desert or hot springs in the mountains. I know this all sounds ridiculous; I’m tired of trying to make sense of everything *laughs*.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
A counselor/therapist or teacher of writing/music, most likely counseling. At some point, after I get into a comfortable position within my music career, I want to get a counseling certificate and extend my services to creatives already in the space and young kids as well.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
I’m struggling with this question! I know we aren’t supposed to have regrets, but there’s definitely sooooo much wisdom I would share with myself 5 years ago that would save me from a lot of unnecessary suffering. While a vision of the future would be amazing, I can’t promise that I wouldn’t hold onto that vision too tightly and let it get in the way of my present. I have to plead the fifth here. I’m grateful to be able to reflect on my past and have a good enough relationship with God to get insight into the future and have enough faith to see it through even when it’s dark.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Seek respect for who you are instead of love for who you’re not. You are naturally kind and a natural light, you don’t need to prove yourself or lessen yourself for the right people. You belong without trying.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I would like my music to be remembered as an experience, as a key to unlocking revelation within people’s spirits, something that gave language in the natural to the truth within, whether good or bad. I’m not perfect, and I hope that the honesty and journey that I take throughout my music/career/life teach a lot of lessons on how to know and heal oneself.
Fire Siren is out 4/22. Stay tuned for more information.
Bairi (pronounced bye-ree/) makes the kind of music that forces you to sit still and absorb everything that comes out of it. It’s captivating in the best ways and heightens the senses all before seizing them for the duration needed. It’s a conclusion I came to one of the first times I heard the Pennsylvania-born singer back in 2021 with her “Paraíso” single. With an enchanting violin and scintillating piano keys as the background for the captivating record, Bairi takes command with vocals that are both dominating and alluring, a perfect recipe to draw you into a front-row seat for her show.
If “Paraíso” lies on one end of the spectrum for Bairi artistry, her latest single “Come My Way” is on the other end. Where “Paraíso” is sweet and soothing, “Come My Way” seeks refuge on the dancefloor. The upbeat number is filled to the brim with sensuality and anticipation as the fulfillment her body craves is within reach. Both songs are expected to appear on Bairi’s upcoming debut EP Fire Siren which is due April 22.
“This project represents the darkness and events leading up to my finally committing to my purpose (music) and really deciding to love myself; or at least it set me on the path of learning how to,” Bairi tells Uproxx. “It was a very dark and confusing time during which all I knew was pain and distraction — until the suffering of my choices opened my eyes to the truth of who I really am. I hope that by the end of the project, the listener understands that while it heavily touches on toxic themes, it is not a story about the conscious decision to be toxic; rather, it’s about breaking the matrix that kept me in those toxic cycles.”
Together with the arrival of “Come My Way” and the announcement of Fire Siren, Uproxx placed the spotlight on Bairi for an Uproxx Music 20 conversation that dives into her inspiration, interests, and the unique moments that make Bairi the artist she is today.
What is your earliest memory of music?
I’m overwhelmed thinking about all of the backseat revelations in my parents’ cars when hearing a song for the first time (i.e., my first time hearing “The Thong Song” in the McDonald’s drive-through or dramatically staring out of the window while Mike Shinoda’s remix of “Crawlin” by Linkin Park made me fall in love with orchestral arrangements). Still, the two memories that stand out to me the most are when I heard “When You Believe” by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston in the credits of my favorite movie Prince Of Egypt, and when I heard “Journey to the Past” by Aaliyah in the credits of Anastasia. There’s something about being completely enamored with a movie and then hearing your favorite singers drive it home. It’s the same reason I almost cried hearing Jhené Aiko in the credits of Creed. It’s probably the reason I’m very dynamic in my compositions.
Who inspired you to take music seriously?
My grade school choir director, Mr. Joseph Farrell, really helped me believe in the power of my voice and the importance of being hard-working and disciplined to nurture my gift, even though it was just recently all of those lessons hit me. When it came to actually pursuing music as a career though, the first person that shifted my perspective into becoming an artist was my friend Dave Langston. When I first got to New York in 2015, I was majoring in English literature when I met him in a Psych class. One day we sat in my car as he played me his music and when I told him I sang he very seriously told me I needed to pursue it. He got me in a studio doing vocals for him and then eventually it was in that studio I recorded my first EP that released in 2016. Will always be soooo grateful for him.
Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which instrument do you want to learn how to play?
When I was a kid, my grandmother gave me a Casio and I taught myself how to play a lot of the music in the video games I was playing (Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy 8, 9, X, X-2). I took a few piano lessons, but got really nervous and never finished. I do plan on mastering the piano one day to honor my inner child.
What was your first job?
I worked at Chocolate World in Hershey at 15 years old as a food service worker at this little dessert creation studio.
What is your most prized possession?
My bear Dodi that my dad got me I wanna say around 2003 before he got deployed. Everyone makes fun of him, but that’s really my rider!
What is your biggest fear?
I read this question and got a little nervous to answer it. I think it changes based on the season in my life. Right now, I have an irrational fear that my dreams of being a superstar and performing on all of the stages I’ve dreamt of aren’t going to happen. Anybody can tell you I love singing and my career more than anything else. But with that being said, fear is just a lack of faith. I’m being shown that I need to let go and just let it all happen to me versus trying to do too much and control everything. Whoever is reading this, you can too. Don’t be scared of the unknown. Don’t be scared to be the biggest version of yourself.
You get 24 hours to yourself to do anything you want, with unlimited resources: What are you doing? And spare no details!
I would hire someone to organize my business/administration/finances, hire a tour manager to set up a tour for my project, pay everyone I’m working with now the money they deserve, fly my team, family, and all of my favorite creatives to Camp Bairi: a remote location by the beach to finish up my project and do all visuals, production of all of my merch ideas, create and finish music, feed them amazing food, have intimate convos, etc. I know that sounds like a lot for 24 hours but generally, a perfect day for me involves loving on my loved ones, journaling, making music, dancing, performing, eating sushi, sharing my art with others, improving however I can, and creating stability and inspiration for myself and everyone around me.
What are your three most used emojis?
(my preferred heart emoji cause I’m fiery), (when I’m feeling sentimental, which is VERY often *laughs*), and (because I be crying laughing)
What’s a feature you need to secure before you die?
6lack!! I have actually had one for him in the tuck for years, I’m just waiting for the right time. In addition, I NEED to work with Ludwig Göransson on a movie soundtrack.
If you could appear in a future season of a current TV show, which one would it be and why?
Hot Ones, anything that Issa Rae does, Abbott Elementary (I’m from Pennsylvania, Quinta!), Dave, Grammys, Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, People’s Choice Awards (hope these count). There are soooo many podcasts I want to be on too. I love chatting.
Which celebrity do you admire or respect for their personality and why?
Beyoncé. She’s incredibly hardworking and courageous and advocates for herself and her ideas. A very clear example of purpose and alchemy.
Share your opinion on something no one could ever change your mind about.
This is sooo random, but I’m completely convinced that Kanye West’s “Say You Will” production is inspired by Kingdom Hearts’ “Dive Into The Heart”. There’s absolutely nooo evidence to prove this, like none at all, but I don’t care *laughs*. Listen to both and tell me I’m lying (and I won’t care).
What is the best song you’ve ever heard in your life and what do you love about it?
Again, “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Two of the best voices in music, a choir, incredibly profound production and message, and the fact that it will make me cry no matter what I’m doing when I hear it. I’m listening to it right now to test the theory and it’s not failing *laughs*. There are a lot of perfect songs to me, but this is always the first one that comes to me.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform, and what’s a city you’re excited to perform in for the first time?
It’s a toss-up between New York and Atlanta for my favorite city to perform in. Two of my favorite, most lit performances were in either and the energy was unmatched. I’m excited to perform in a church in Italy. When I was in 11th grade I passed up the opportunity to do this because a lot was going on in my home life and I was just so scared and lacking confidence that I couldn’t show up how I needed to. I can’t wait to redeem this moment for myself.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location where it would be held.
I tried to realistically and tastefully answer this question at first, but truthfully, what I really want is Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, RAYE, Chloe x Halle, Doechii, and myself. I think all of us are extremely dynamic, cinematic, and immersive, with some similarities but different enough for it to feel like a full spectrum of music. I’m the opener I don’t even care *laughs*. Either Madison Square Garden, which is one of my lifetime goals, or somewhere that feels like a wonder of the world, like an oasis in the desert or hot springs in the mountains. I know this all sounds ridiculous; I’m tired of trying to make sense of everything *laughs*.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for music?
A counselor/therapist or teacher of writing/music, most likely counseling. At some point, after I get into a comfortable position within my music career, I want to get a counseling certificate and extend my services to creatives already in the space and young kids as well.
If you could see five years into the future or go five years into the past, which one would you pick and why?
I’m struggling with this question! I know we aren’t supposed to have regrets, but there’s definitely sooooo much wisdom I would share with myself 5 years ago that would save me from a lot of unnecessary suffering. While a vision of the future would be amazing, I can’t promise that I wouldn’t hold onto that vision too tightly and let it get in the way of my present. I have to plead the fifth here. I’m grateful to be able to reflect on my past and have a good enough relationship with God to get insight into the future and have enough faith to see it through even when it’s dark.
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Seek respect for who you are instead of love for who you’re not. You are naturally kind and a natural light, you don’t need to prove yourself or lessen yourself for the right people. You belong without trying.
It’s 2050. The world hasn’t ended, and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
I would like my music to be remembered as an experience, as a key to unlocking revelation within people’s spirits, something that gave language in the natural to the truth within, whether good or bad. I’m not perfect, and I hope that the honesty and journey that I take throughout my music/career/life teach a lot of lessons on how to know and heal oneself.
Fire Siren is out 4/22. Stay tuned for more information.
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I’M DROPPING A MIXTAPE
Yeah Glo 
🩷
(my preferred heart emoji cause I’m fiery), 
(when I’m feeling sentimental, which is VERY often *laughs*), and 
(because I be crying laughing)