I think it's about the public perception of her and her music, how the press treats her, how she's been so scrutinized. Not sure about California, maybe it's a reference to its music industry? "Commodifying all the pain" is her self-expression being sold to the public. She's hurt by the things people say about her, but realizes its the trade-off for pursuing her dreams of being an artist/musician.
I think it's about the public perception of her and her music, how the press treats her, how she's been so scrutinized. Not sure about California, maybe it's a reference to its music industry? "Commodifying all the pain" is her self-expression being sold to the public. She's hurt by the things people say about her, but realizes its the trade-off for pursuing her dreams of being an artist/musician.