What first inspired you to pursue a career in music? Honestly, ever since I was super young, music was such a big part of my life. My parents put me in piano lessons when I was five, and I started writing little songs and singing as well. I can’t remember a time when I wanted to do anything else.
Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life when you realized music was your calling? When I was 11, I traveled to 80 different countries and sang 80 different national anthems to raise money for a charity called SOS Children’s Villages. It was on this journey that I realized that this lifestyle of traveling and touring was for me.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound? I grew up listening to singers like Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Lady Gaga, and fell in love with the pop stars of the early 2000s. They have greatly impacted my sound, often subconsciously.
How has your music evolved from when you first started to where you are now? The biggest accomplishment, I believe, is learning to trust myself and my instincts. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to express myself more authentically and confidently in my music.
Creative Process
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song? I love to start off every session with a beat. Before I hear it, I try to be in the booth for the first listen because I usually want to go with the first few ideas that I instinctively come up with.
Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when creating a new track? It really depends on the song and who I’m working with. Sometimes it’s fun to experiment with a new process and see if it works better than what I’m used to.
How do you handle creative blocks or moments when inspiration is hard to find? I try to maintain a healthy work/life balance to keep the inspiration flowing. In times when I’m not feeling as inspired, reading a book or watching a movie can spark new ideas for phrases, concepts, and stories.
What do you want listeners to feel or take away from your music? I want to provide an escape for people—whether it’s a happy escape, an escape from tough times, or anything else in between.
Specific Work & Collaborations
What’s the story behind your latest single/album? “When I Cry I Like To Dance” is an emotional, dark project that explores what it’s like to be a young girl struggling with self-love and relationships while navigating young adulthood. At first listen, it might sound like something you’d want to dance to, but deeper listening reveals the dramatic and sentimental themes in the lyrics.
Do you have any memorable moments from working with other artists or producers? I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing producers and writers, especially Sam Hook, who has been a mentor and taught me so much.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? I’d love to collaborate with Ty Dolla Sign. I’ve been a fan of his for so long, and I’m in love with his writing style and music.
Performance & Fans
What has been your most memorable performance or tour experience so far? My favorite performance was opening for a UK tour a couple of years ago. The UK is one of the best places to tour, in my opinion, because they have such a music-loving culture.
How do you connect with your audience during live shows or through your music? I love telling personal stories and making the show as interactive as possible. I always try to make every performance feel unique and personal.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a music artist? The most rewarding part is going into a session with nothing and leaving with a complete song. That process of creating something from scratch is incredibly fulfilling.
Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your music? Honestly, I love trying new things with my music all the time—not necessarily based on fan feedback—but I do love experimenting with different vibes to see what resonates most.
Challenges & Growth
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them? Moving to LA at 16 was such a difficult experience. LA can be overwhelming when you’re new and green in the industry. I learned some tough lessons along the way, but it made me more capable of handling tough situations now.
How do you balance staying true to your artistry while adapting to trends in the music industry? I try not to follow trends because, by the time the song is out, the trend has passed. I believe successful artists create their own trends in music.
Is there a particular song or project that pushed you outside your comfort zone creatively? I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone weekly. At least once a week, I work with someone new, and that experience always teaches me something new and helps me grow as an artist.
Personal Reflections
What message or legacy do you want to leave behind with your music? I hope to inspire a new generation of creatives to thrive independently and trust their instincts. I know many young musicians who’ve faced difficulties in the industry, and with the way things are changing, we’re creating a safer space for young artists to express themselves freely while democratizing success in music.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next 5 years? I hope the future reflects what I’m doing now, but on a grander scale. I want to continue growing while staying true to who I am as an artist.
How do you stay motivated and passionate about creating new music? The feeling I get after a really good studio session—listening to the track all the way home—keeps me motivated. It’s empowering to create something from nothing, and I’m lucky to work with people who make the process so amazing.
CYNX MAGAZINE 