Bridgit Mendler Opens Up About Her ‘Nemesis’ EP: Exclusive

They say that fear is your greatest enemy—but on Bridgit Mendler's new EP, Nemesis, the artist marches fearlessly into a bold new sound.

After diving into the bubblegum-hued world of upbeat pop on her 2012 debut, Hello My Name Is..., and staking her claim at radio success with catchy feel-good singles like "Ready or Not" and "Hurricane," Mendler is finally ready for the next chapter of her music journey.

On Nemesis, the honey-voiced pop star explores a stormier sound and moodier themes, weaving a tale of post-heartbreak self-reflection through a deliciously atmospheric soundscape of saccharine trip hop ("Atlantis"), folksy soul ("Library"), hazy R&B ("Do You Miss Me At All") and groovy alt-pop ("Snap My Fingers").

"This whole project has been about conquering fear," Mendler says of the EP. "But I don't think fear is something you conquer. I think it's a nemesis. I think it's something that keeps on popping up over and over again. It's always there, it's always at your shoulder."

Above, the former Disney Channel star opens up about her diverse musical influences (including Nelly Furtado and Lauryn Hill), writing in coffee shops and relating to her listeners.

Nemesis is released on November 18 via Black Box Records.