Shanti Wimmer crafts confessional, carefree pop that feels like a diary entry and a dance break.

“Fun” was how Wimmer, a third-year theater student, described her latest single “Ethan.” Released Feb. 6, the track aims to remind its audience about that childish freedom that often feels unattainable, Wimmer said. The Connecticut native added that she hopes to capture little moments of vulnerability – those distinctly human experiences – in her music.

“Even if it is in a song as cheesy as ‘Ethan,’ there is still something really vulnerable about admitting to oneself and to others how their feelings have changed,” Wimmer said. “I try to be open and honest, and I try to create art in a way that allows other people to be open and honest with themselves.”

A model, photographer, actress and musician, Wimmer said she was drawn to the latter two because of her fascination with storytelling. Wimmer added that she began writing songs as a child, inspired by Taylor Swift’s songwriting, which shares the storytelling element characteristic of the country genre. Whether a person is in an audience, on stage, on set or listening to a song in the car, she said music cultivates collective experiences that are still special and personal.

For “Ethan,” the singer-songwriter said she imagines that each listener will picture someone from their own life. As one of eight songs written during a 10-day trip to Nashville in 2023, the single was challenging for Wimmer because she didn’t want it to feel too conventional. Yet, the musician said she managed to compose the song in a day, incorporate some final touches and play the song for her mom before heading back to Connecticut.

Jacob Kulick, who produced “Ethan” with his wife April Gabrielli, said Wimmer’s effortless vocals quickly impressed him. He added that she doesn’t need much direction and is naturally talented.

“For Shanti, it’s not about her sound – it’s about her melodies and her songwriting,” Kulick said. “We just chose to do the pop route, but she’s one of those artists … she could do anything if she wanted to do any other style.”

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The producer added that, for other artists, there is often a whole room of co-writers – eight people attempting to craft the catchiest hit possible. Wimmer’s ability to write her own songs, Kulick said, is incredibly rare and inspires his excitement for whatever she does next. Her open-mindedness and collaborative mindset make her someone he enjoys working with, he added.

Wimmer said her trip to Nashville was the summer of her New Student Orientation. Her move across the country prompted a longing for family and familiarity, ultimately propelling her artistic growth, she added. Wimmer said engaging with distinct perspectives and the UCLA arts scene overall inspired her to shift her perceptions of the world and her overall creative approach.

Wimmer’s genuine passion inspires her to create music, said Karis Francis, a friend and collaborator who has directed films featuring Wimmer and photographed the cover for “Ethan.” The third-year theater student added that music is Wimmer’s way of speaking – the truest version of herself, who is unapologetic.

“It takes a lot to trust yourself to put something out into the world,” Francis said. “We all experience anxiety and insecurity, but for her, when she does that, she still has the bravery to push through it and to, again, use the language of music to not necessarily dismiss it, but embrace it.”

That foundation of friendship strengthens their collaborations, Francis said. She added that being able to be so sensitive and vulnerable with someone who understands your career, education and, beyond that, your essence, is especially meaningful.

Wimmer has the opportunity to broaden people’s understanding of empathy and emotion, Francis said. She added that, while Wimmer’s music maintains a cheesy pop sound, her lyrics cultivate a dimension of emotional relatability. That balance between fun and vulnerability, Francis said, offers a chance for people to understand her story.

“It’s been really amazing to see how my music has been received in Los Angeles,” Wimmer said. “There have been a lot of people who’ve really connected with it. … When I put out ‘Yours,’ my song, I was able to have a lot of amazing conversations with peers and with people I didn’t know about how it shifted their opinions on their own relationships or just made them like pop music again.”

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While she describes LA as welcoming, Wimmer said she also acknowledges the challenges of navigating the music industry. The musician added that it feels strange that artists are expected to amass a social media following before their ability to make an impact in the industry is taken seriously.

At 20 years old, she said the pressure to become a brand can feel overwhelming – especially as the contemporary TikTok-driven culture supports those who chase trends or viral success. Wimmer added that she aspires to make a genuine impact, which can be difficult when the industry encourages musicians to mold themselves for views.

Wimmer said she is currently working on new music and aiming to release singles in the build up to her first album. She added that after graduation in spring, she aspires to perform more. As she prepares to embark on her unpredictable, unconventional career path, Wimmer said she feels excitement and gratitude for such an opportunity.

The “Ethan” singer said her family has been a great influence in her music journey. The youngest of three, Wimmer said her family encouraged her artistic expression and even inspired some of her music.

“All my favorite childhood memories are dancing around our kitchen after dinner, screaming 80s music together,” she said. “I hope my music can be a part of those same types of memories for other people.”