What first got you into music?
- A whim. I tried out for a middle school choir and have been hooked on singing ever since. I love making y own songs and singing helps me get my feelings out.
Who inspired you to make music?
- So, I would say I have an eclectic mix of musical influences. I usually get inspired by Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morissette, The Wailin’ Jennys, Celtic Women, Loreena McKennitt, Joni Mitchell, The Cure, Springsteen, Ghost, Lord Huron, Miracle of Sound. They’re all amazing storytellers.
- But when it comes to making music, I took a course with The Songwriting Academy, and that’s really the first time I experimented writing my own music. The community was so supportive and informative, and gave me the tools to really start, and my family encouraged me to continue.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
- It’s a mix of Americana, folk and indie with my favorite nerdy influences thrown in for good measure.
What is your creative process like?
- The creative process starts with stories and topics I’m attached to. For example, I really loved the Resident Evil franchise (films and video games) and its characters. I decided to write songs for a silly story that means a lot to me.
- Then I take all of that emotion and match the words with a rhythm and tune that feels “correct.”
- I can’t write about something authentically that I don’t feel strongly about. Sometimes that’s a goofy story that inspires it, but it’s based on real emotions.
- My latest song, My Mockingbird, is about my brother, who’s disabled. Since I’m also disabled, I write music exploring that topic, and attitudes about it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
- There are a ton of artists I’d love to collaborate with. I love Lord Huron. Then there’s Dolly Parton, who none of us are worthy of. I love Ghost, and I cover their songs, but we do not write in the same genre. It’s funny to think about.
- But I would have really loved to write with my grandmother, Adeline. She passed away when I was 6. The best I could do was set some of her beautiful poetry to music.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
- Lord Huron or The Wailin’ Jennys would be awesome.
What do you love about the genre of music that you create?
- It’s all about the storytelling. I love folk, Americana and Indie, because you really sing about any topic you want to or what feels right within a traditional sounding structure. For example, I can love the sound of a sea shanty, but also sing about a plot point I like from the Aquaman comics. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but the format gives it a solid structure and framework so that the storytelling and tune make sense. It’s also really fun to play.
What is one message you would give to your fans? (optional)
- Thank you for listening. It means a lot.
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