Indie pop singer Frankie is all set to have a great year. The Los Angeles-by-way-of-Oakland artist is making her SxSw debut in Austin this month, and will be releasing her six-song EP Dreamstate in April. Her first single, “Problems Problems,” evokes the same Katy Perry-like imagery of sunny skies and bubble gum from the girl-next-door, but with an edge. Maybe Frankie’s musical influences can explain her musical style:  “I grew up idolizing Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, ABBA — and don't forget the Spice Girls!”

Hometown: Oakland, California. I have some serious Bay Area pride.

Current residence: Los Angeles.

Why is your EP titled Dreamstate?

I named my EP Dreamstate to really emphasize that way of songwriting that had never happened to me before. Those songs that came to me like that are so special to me.

I wrote half of the songs with my three bandmates/best friends on a writing retreat by the beach, which was so inspiring, but the other half of the EP was written in that moment when you are about to fall asleep and your brain is totally relaxed and a channel is almost opened. I noticed one night that full songs (lyrics and melodies) were coming to me and I immediately grabbed my phone to quickly record them before falling asleep and forgetting everything. It was such a strange way of writing, but also something I'm treasuring.

What's the last dream you remember having?

I was getting ready to play a show and for some reason I had forgotten all my stage clothes and makeup and ran home to get them, but then got super distracted because I ran into a Spice Girl and then just ran back and ended up performing in regular clothes and no makeup.

When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?

I have been singing since I was three and taught myself piano and guitar when I was 10. Around that time is when I began writing songs for myself to help me figure out the crazy life experiences of a young teen. I had written hundreds of songs before I went off to college which is where I realized I wasn't good at anything else (laughs). I tried [to get] a psychology degree and a theatre degree before taking a music class. I realized that my passion didn't have to just be a hobby and could actually be a career path and have never looked back!

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

I really look up to women who write their own songs and share life stories with their fans. Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell have been an inspiration for forever especially because of how unique they are as individuals and are purely themselves whether you accept it or not. I'm also really inspired by The Spice Girls and their pop charisma and how every girl wanted to either be them or hang with them at their peak. It was inspiring growing up and looking up to those girls who represented "girl power" It definitely wore off on me.

What do you want your epitaph to be?

Gotta risk it to get the biscuit.

What are you doing for Easter?

Probably doing a road trip to the Bay to eat my mama's cooking and hang out with my giant dog. And eat chocolate. Lots of chocolate.