Iris Copperman wrote her first song ever in kindergarten. It was called “Running with the Dinosaurs” and yes, it was as adorable as it sounds.

“It was about my family and my love for them,” the now 14 year-old remembers. “It was like, I’m going to do anything, even a scary thing like ‘run with the dinosaurs,’ to get to them.”

Penning “Running with the Dinosaurs” (“It’s actually still kind of a bop, but I’m like, Why did I sound like a mouse?”) was a major musical milestone for Iris. Recording it with the help of her producer dad was what got her officially hooked on songwriting. And considering the emotional depth Iris wrote into her music at just age five, you can imagine all the big feels she’s pouring into her debut EP, Middle School Dropout, out today.

On the six confessional tracks, Iris opens up about her awkward moments, struggles with bullies and journey to self-acceptance (which, even Iris admits, is not always easy!). Fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams will no doubt appreciate its clever lyrics and major singalong potential.

“Empathy is the backbone of the EP,” Iris explains—and just one listen proves exactly that. We sat down with the soon-to-be superstar to chat about her latest release, her personal fave artists and, of course, her v. admirable commitment to wishing on every single 11:11.

Girls’ Life: Congrats on Middle School Dropout! How did you come up with that title?

Iris Copperman: Well, for one, I’m homeschooled now. [laughs] But also I can remember sitting at the kitchen table, trying to come up with a name that fit the story arc of the EP and its conclusion. I honestly feel like there wasn’t any other option. Once my dad and I came up with the phrase “Middle School Dropout” and wrote that song, it just fit so naturally.

GL: You’ve said much of the EP is based on your IRL experiences. What are you writing about with a song like “Bully”? 

Iris: It’s about my time in middle school, which was all over the place. I had days where I would come home crying, never wanting to go back to that school. I got shoved in lockers. Other kids were not kind to me. It was a moment that made me reflect a lot on how I was feeling—but also made me put myself in the bully’s shoes.

GL: That sounds incredibly difficult. 

Iris: It’s not easy, but trying to see through their eyes really opened my mind. It helped me understand why someone might be hurting people, this idea of “hurt people hurt people,” and almost feel sorry for them. Writing “Bully” and this whole EP reminded me to always be kind and have compassion for others.

GL: Was it therapeutic to be so vulnerable about what you went through?

Iris: It definitely put my heart at ease to get some of those stories off my chest. It was healing to put that into the world and have others relate to it.

GL: So, when Iris sits down to write a song, what does that look like?

Iris: I have six journals! And a Notes app full of different folders. They’ve got lines I’m saving, favorite words, basically every single idea I’ve ever had. I pull inspiration from conversations, visual art, poems. When I’m writing, it’s almost like puzzling those all together. And I love playing around in Logic or with my guitar.

GL: Any advice for the girl who listens to MSD and fully relates?

Iris: Honestly, just always keep this in mind: You matter. You are seen and you’re not alone. The best thing you can do is nurture your uniqueness because no matter what anyone says, it’s beautiful. During my middle school experience, remembering that is what ultimately kept my spirit up.

✨ Four fast facts with Iris Copperman ✨
One song you’ve got on repeat? “There’s so many, but I’ve been loving ‘Always Everywhere’ by Charli XCX. The strings on that song literally blow me away.”
Next up on your bucket list? “I want to run a 5K and kill it. I also want to get into pottery, gardening and doing more creative things with my hands.”
Easter weekend plans? “We have this tradition of doing an Easter egg hunt in our backyard. It’s super fun!”
Something people might not know about you? “My lucky number is 11. I make wishes on every single 11:11 on the clock.”

Stream Middle School Dropout here and follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more new music recs!

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Photos by Nick Walker