Personal Growth and New Music Following Past Breakup

In a revealing interview with Zane Lowe on Apple 1’s New Music Daily on April 11, Sabrina Carpenter shared her journey of personal growth and healing following a significant breakup in 2021, believed to be with ex Joshua Bassett.

Heartbreak and Healing

At the age of 24, Carpenter reflected on her initial encounter with heartbreak as a pivotal moment of growth. "Two years ago, I experienced profound heartache. It plunged me into an entirely different emotional realm," she confided in Lowe. This breakup prompted a profound self-examination, challenging her perception of self-value and intuition, thereby influencing her interactions within social circles. "It's a period where every aspect of yourself comes under scrutiny, and you internalize it deeply," Carpenter elaborated.

Musical Expression

Her recent single, "Espresso," reflects her emotional state post-breakup and her current mindset. “My give a f--ks are on vacation,” she sings, highlighting a newfound carefree attitude. Carpenter sees a clear distinction between her past and present self, stating, “I’m just having fun now, which I think is the biggest difference.”

Speculation and Public Scrutiny

Carpenter's relationship with Bassett drew public attention in June 2020, following their appearance together at a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles. This was amid speculations that Bassett was involved with Olivia Rodrigo, which both Carpenter and Rodrigo alluded to in their music. Rodrigo’s "Driver’s License" and Carpenter’s "Skin" both appeared to reference their complicated relationships with Bassett.

Despite the media buzz, Carpenter denied that "Skin" was a diss track in a February 2021 appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. She emphasized the often misguided public narrative surrounding her music, suggesting that "Skinny Dipping" was more about seeking closure than continuing any feud.

Moving Forward

Carpenter, who hinted at being single in a late 2021 TikTok, has moved on romantically. She has been linked to actor Barry Keoghan since December 2023.