Meghan Trainor, renowned for her body-positive anthems like “All About That Bass” and “Made You Look,” relies on an unexpected artist for a mental health boost: Kim Petras. In a recent interview, the Grammy winner revealed that Petras’ 2022 EP, Slut Pop, is her go-to source of empowerment on challenging days. “That’s the only thing. I’m like, ‘This is it. This is going to get me going,'” Trainor shared.
Trainor has been candid about her ongoing battle with panic disorder, managing it through therapy, antidepressants, and fitness. “It really helps my mental health when I’m working out and exercising and taking care of me,” she explained. The singer, who recently partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics for a limited-edition product set, emphasizes the importance of sleep for her emotional well-being, humorously noting she gets “slangry” (sleep-angry) when deprived of rest.
Beyond music and self-care, Trainor finds unwavering support in her husband, actor Daryl Sabara. “He is my rock,” she affirmed, describing him as her therapist, best friend, and everything. The couple share two sons, Riley and Barry. Trainor’s reliance on Petras’ music extends to a professional connection as well. In 2023, they collaborated on a remix of Trainor’s hit “Made You Look,” featuring a new verse from Petras. Trainor lauded Petras’ vocal range and songwriting prowess, expressing pride in their collaboration.
When Slut Pop debuted, its provocative lyrics sparked controversy while resonating deeply with Petras’ LGBTQ+ fanbase. Petras addressed the intent behind the album, explaining, “I want people to find it offensive and struggle with it… I’ve gotten around to the fun side of that, testing people’s limits.”
She elaborated on the significance of sex positivity, particularly within the transgender community: “Given the nature of sex work in the trans community, I wanted to empower people to be the freaks that they are and make it normal… I wanted to take the shame out of it.” Petras views creating fun, sexy music as an art form and a source of empowerment for women and trans women. Her bold approach to music clearly resonates with Trainor, offering a potent antidote to mental health challenges.
