1. What first inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’ve been singing and taking vocal lessons since I was 7 years old. I got serious about music when I was up for a part on a Nickelodeon show and did not get the part. I decided to strengthen my voice so I can do even do better on the next audition. I have also been inspired by several friends who have pursued music – watching them and the fun they were having telling their stories through music really motivated me to try it on my own.
2. Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life when you realized music was your calling?
The pivotal moment was when I lost a role that required me to sing. Then seeing my friends having fun making music was such an inspiration to me.
3. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
Jelly Roll, Elvis, Josh Turner and Brad Paisley. They have all not only helped shape the style of music but also my vocals – in particular my voice range. I love the gritty way they each tell a story.
4. How has your music evolved from when you first started to where you are now?
When I first started making music, it was all about finding my voice. Experimenting with different sounds, styles and influences to figure out who I was as an artist. So far, all my music has been driven by my raw emotions and instincts. I feel that it has made my songs honest and raw – the vision that I was looking for.
5. Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song?
The creative process to writing a song is so cool. First, I really put thought into what story I want to tell. Once I come up with the story, I sit down with my amazing co-writer Agina and we work the magic. Agina really helps me dig deep inside to find the feelings that I want to express in my song.
6. Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when creating a new track?
We always start with idea first, then the lyrics… I always take into account other artists and their styles of how I want my music sound like. Then KThrash creates the sound of the music to make the magic. I am always amazed at what I come away with after a session with KThrash and Agina. They truly know what they are doing and are legends in the industry.
7. How do you handle creative blocks or moments when inspiration is hard to find?
I turn to my peers, people I most look up to. Not always to get ideas but to just help clear my mind so I can think clearly of what I want to convey.
8. What do you want listeners to feel or take away from your music?
I want my listeners to feel the raw emotions in my songs. I know I am not the only one who feels the way I felt when writing the songs. I want the listeners to know that they are not alone and that things will be ok.
Specific Work & Collaborations
9. What’s the story behind your latest single/album?
The story behind DUST is my last breakup. The breakup ended so bad. I wanted to just take a break, but her and her mom started a lot of drama and then they shipped my stuff back in a box to my house. I could not believe how petty one can be. At that moment I started to think of what story I wanted my listeners to hear.
10. Do you have any memorable moments from working with other artists or producers?
I have only worked with KThrash so far. But I can’t imagine working with anyone else. He is seriously amazing. He has dedicated himself to producing songs that are award winning. I am completely honored that he believes in me and works with me.
11. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Jelly Roll. I absolutely love the way he can tell a story through music. You can feel the raw emotions in every song he sings. I truly inspire to be a lot like him. The other artist that I would LOVE to collaborate with is Elvis. I have loved Elvis since I could start to talk. His deep voice and lyrics are phenomenal. A man that was very soulful – way before his time for sure.
12. What has been your most memorable performance or tour experience so far?
The most memorable performance I just did was [the famous] The Mint LA. So many iconic singers/bands have played on the same stage I was performing on. It gave me such inspiration to want to do amazing.
13. How do you connect with your audience during live shows or through your music?
I connect with my audience during a live show obviously with my singing performance. But also like to talk a little during the performance so the audience can connect with me and see that I am a real person. I also like to interact with my audience after the performance more on a personal level. It makes us all feel good.
14. What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being a music artist?
Being able to tell a story. I also love that sometimes you can help someone when you didn’t even realize that your song could help them. It is so rewarding.
15. Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your music?
Fan feedback always influences the direction of my music. Luckly the feedback I have been given so far has been all very positive and encouraging.
16. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenges that I have faced so far in my music career is just getting my music heard. The way I overcome it is I look for new ways to get the music played. If it is getting them on playlist or on radio station list.
17. How do you balance staying true to your artistry while adapting to trends in the music industry?
The way I stay true to myself and others who are in my life is I do normal things. One of the things I love to do with my family is go to Disneyland. No matter how I am feeling once you enter under the bridge all your thoughts and worries go away. I also love hanging and playing video games with my friends. My friends keep my grounded by just being honest with me with all I am doing. It means a lot to me that they are. Honesty is a huge deal to me.
18. Is there a particular song or project that pushed you outside your comfort zone creatively?
One of the songs that have pushed me out of my comfort zone creatively is Elvis’s, If I Could Dream. I have rehearsed and practice that song and have made it my own. But when I first started learning the song, there were notes that were hard to reach. But with lots of work and kept pushing myself, I hope the King would be proud of the way I performed the song. The other song that has pushed me out of my comfort zone was DUST. Telling the raw story that made me more expressive with my emotions. Wondering what people will think of it. So far when I have performed DUST, they have all loved it. The last time I performed it I had someone tell me that those are the feelings they wanted to say but didn’t know how to say them. They thanked me. It was such an incredible feeling.
19. What message or legacy do you want to leave behind with your music?
Just be who you want to be and do not let anyone tell you differently.
20. Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next 5 years?
I hope to be acting on a show and still creating music like I am doing now. Always love what you do. If you do not love it then you need to do something different. Life is just way to short to stay stuck doing something you do not enjoy.
21. How do you stay motivated and passionate about creating new music?
I really feel like I just need to just keep making it / creating. It also helps to have positive people around me who support my feelings and ideas.
CYNX MAGAZINE 