Having seen much success releasing music under her name Sarah Carton, the acclaimed  singer, songwriter and producer shares her debut single ‘CTRL’ under the new moniker Girl Next Door, out everywhere now.

G.N.D. is Sarah’s way of subverting the narrative around feminine archetypes, and releasing music and expressing herself in a way that makes her feel empowered. “I’m not going to try to please men, or fit into the man-made box that is the music industry”, she says.

Recorded and produced with Erik Miles (Soft Play, Baby Dave, and Kate Nash) at Forum Recording Studios, lyrically, ‘CTRL’ explores the uncertainty of not knowing where you stand in a relationship. “I wanted to write a track that encapsulated the high-drama of having a strong connection with someone that isn’t right for you. It’s those few weeks or months when you’re being dragged through equal parts excitement and flirtation vs disappointment and frustration.

This song was very cathartic for me to write, letting go of the anxious energy that comes with an almost-relationship. I hope other people can find it cathartic and empowering too.”

Already championed by the likes of Notion, BBC Introducing, Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Selector Radio (Jamz Supernova), Clout, When the Horn Blows, Wordplay and many more, and having racked up over 2 million streams on Spotify alone, independent artist and producer, Girl Next Door names Lykke Li, Kate Nash, Banks and The Streets as some of her biggest musical inspirations. Drawing from her combined influences, Girl Next Door thrives on being able to experiment with her music and the concepts and emotions she’s able to portray, totally owning her own brand of dreamy, alternative indie-electro.

Speaking of the name change, she says, “My first boyfriend’s dad described me as the ‘girl next door’ when I went over to meet his family. I’d been polite, nervous and quiet the whole evening. I was a young teenager and didn’t know what ‘girl next door’ meant, but I hoped I’d won his approval. Growing up, I dimmed myself in an attempt to fit into that archetype, pleasing the male gaze and not rocking the boat. Now, I look back at my ex’s dad and think what a creep he was.

The ‘girl next door’ archetype is expected to be quiet, un-controversial, not have strong opinions, be pretty, but not too sexy, and only exists in the eyes of men and through the male gaze. Without men, the phrase ‘girl next door’ wouldn’t exist, she’s only seen in relation to being ‘next door’ to a man. G.N.D. is my way of reclaiming this stereotype and subverting the narrative, releasing music and expressing myself in a way that makes me feel empowered and on my own terms.

G.N.D brings the ‘girl next door’ to life, exploring her many shades and existing independently of a male fantasy.”

‘CTRL’ is the first track off a new project to be announced later this year. Watch this space.