Her trendy-chic style may remind you of another iconic California teen, Alicia Silverstone’s Cher, but Casey Baer is anything but clueless. The 19-year-old’s latest release, “Make Me Hate U,” is a shimmering pop ballad with emotional depth that you’ll find yourself dancing along to anywhere and everywhere. The tune has the same R&B undertones as her previous hit, “Greatest Mistake,” and a catchy hook akin to “Hold On,” yet remains completely fresh. Baer—who began her career making covers of popular songs—is now telling her own story through original music and exploring her ever-evolving sound. Below, the singer discusses what it was like producing “Make Me Hate U,” a single that particularly hits home for her. 

Who or what inspired your new song, “Make Me Hate U?”

“Make Me Hate U” was inspired by a guy I was hanging out with and really liked. Things were great when we hung out, and then he started to do things that upset me. I kept saying, “Why is he doing everything to make me hate him?” I wrote that down in my phone as a song idea, got together with my friend Annie, and we started sharing stories and ideas.


How does this tune differ from previous ones you’ve released?

I feel like “Make Me Hate U” is an updated version of my music. The more experiences and situations I go through, and the more music I make, the more I’m able to find my sound and voice in telling my stories.


What was the production process like?

The production process was amazing! I flew to New York for some meetings, and I played a rough demo for my managers and producers. They immediately loved it and had me back in their studio the next day cutting vocals. It was the absolute best experience! They really brought “Make Me Hate U” to life.


How was it different for you to release a song during quarantine? Was it more difficult?

Releasing this song during quarantine was definitely unexpected! Thanks to Blue Microphone, I now have a studio at home, so I was able to record all of my interviews for Radio Disney. Luckily, we had a photoshoot the day before everything was shut down for the creative assets. I’m so happy we were able to pull it all together and make it happen! I wish I was able to be at Radio Disney with everyone, but most of all, I wish everything was the way it was before COVID-19.


Radio Disney exclusively premiered your song. How did that partnership come about, and what does it mean to you?

My managers called me and said, “We have great news. Radio Disney loves ‘Make Me Hate U,’ and they’re going to premiere it.” I literally cried—it’s been a dream of mine ever since Hannah Montana came out! I’m beyond grateful to Radio Disney for believing in me and supporting my music.


What type of music can people expect from you in the future?

I have so much more music on the way in a very similar style to “Make Me Hate U.” Be on the lookout for relatable, real-life stories that have catchy choruses and production that brings the music to life!

Listen to “Make Me Hate U” on all streaming platforms and Radio Disney.

Follow Casey on Social Media:

Instagram: @caseybaerr

Twitter: @caseybaer7

TikTok: @imcaseybaer

Facebook: @caseybaermusic

Website: casey-baer.com

Snapchat: @caseybaerr

Additional reporting by Gabriela Vascimini.