- What first inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I was constantly singing as a kid, and after
watching Frozen when I was about six, I started realizing how powerful music could be. Once I
picked up the guitar around eight or nine years old, it became more than a hobby it became the
way I expressed myself. - Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your life
when you realized music was your calling?
I don’t think there was one single moment. It happened over time. I realized that whenever I was
going through something difficult, music was where I turned. Songwriting became the place
where I could be completely honest, and that’s when I knew it was something I wanted to
pursue for the rest of my life. - Who are your biggest musical influences, and how
have they shaped your sound?
Paramore has had a huge influence on me because Haley combines emotional lyrics with
powerful rock production. I also grew up listening to Pierce the Veil, Staind, Backseat Lovers,
and Bruno Mars. They’ve all influenced me in different ways, but they’ve taught me that emotion
should always come first. - Can you walk us through your creative process when
writing a new song?
The lyrics usually come first, mostly they come naturally because they’re based on something
I’ve genuinely lived through. Then I’ll sit with my guitar and start playing until something feels
right. - Do you start with lyrics, melodies, or a concept when
creating a new track?
Most of the time it starts with a feeling. I think of a theme and then write out whatever I’m
thinking. Then I come up with a melody and go from there.
- How do you handle creative blocks or moments when
inspiration is hard to find?
I don’t try to force it. Sometimes the best thing I can do is step away for a little while and just live
life. The more experiences I have, the more I have to write about later. There was a few years
between my first song and these new releases so I like to take my time to make sure it’s real
and genuine. - What do you want listeners to feel or take away from
your music?
I want people to feel understood. If someone hears one of my songs and realizes they aren’t
alone in what they’re feeling, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. - What’s the story behind your latest single/album?
My newest single, “Hold Me Till I Fall Asleep,” is one of the most personal songs I’ve written. It’s
about wanting comfort during a time when everything feels overwhelming. Sometimes you don’t
need someone to solve your problems, you just need someone to remind you that you’re not
facing them alone, but in this case, the person I needed wasn’t right. I knew I needed to walk
away and I just wasn’t ready. I was hoping one more night would fix things, until it didn’t. That’s
why I finally walked away. - Do you have any memorable moments from working
with other artists or producers?
Recording at Studio City Sound through my producer, Eric Johnson from NI Music Group, has
been a huge part of my growth. He’s challenged me to think differently about my music while
always encouraging me to stay true to myself. For my first song release ‘No Good,’ Aben
Eubanks came into the studio. We just melded and he helped to lay the bass on this song. It
was such an amazing experience and honor to work with such talented people like Tom Weir
and Aben!
- If you could collaborate with any artist, past or
present, who would it be and why?
Hayley Williams would definitely be at the top of my list. She’s an incredible vocalist and
songwriter, and I’ve always admired how authentic she is. I’d also love to work with Bruno Mars
because of how creative he is both musically and as a performer. - What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of
being a music artist?
Knowing that something I wrote could help someone else. Music helped me through difficult
moments in my own life, so if one of my songs can do that for someone else, that’s incredibly
rewarding. - Has fan feedback ever influenced the direction of your
music?
Honestly haven’t had any fan feedback yet other than they like my voice, but if I just reach one
person with my music that is rewarding enough for me. I’ve been told to go Pop or mainstream
but I just want to stay true to myself. - What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced
in your music career, and how did you overcome them?
Learning to believe in myself has probably been the biggest challenge. Putting deeply personal
songs out into the world can be intimidating, but I’ve learned that vulnerability is actually one of
my biggest strengths as an artist. - How do you balance staying true to your artistry while
adapting to trends in the music industry?
I don’t adapt to trends. I listen to all kinds of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, through to
today’s music and I simply like what I like. I feel like a trend is something you follow and the
music I write is from my heart and the melodies just work with the words I write. Today my focus
is on my music and not what’s necessarily popular. I write because I feel what I feel and I can
only hope to help or inspire others to do the same. - Is there a particular song or project that pushed you
outside your comfort zone creatively?
“Hold me til I fall asleep” It pushed me both vocally and emotionally. It has a heavier alternative-
rock sound than some of my earlier music, and I had to trust myself enough to lean into that
direction. Like I said, originally this was intended to be a love song, but through my relationship
it became an anthem to get what you need from your relationship and get out before it crushes
you. - What message or legacy do you want to leave behind
with your music?
I hope people remember my music because it made them feel heard or seen. If my songs
encourage someone to embrace who they are, ask for help when they need it, or simply feel
less alone, that’s the legacy I’d want to leave. - Where do you see yourself and your music career in
the next five years?
Well I guess I’d be remiss if I didn’t hope to be touring, releasing multiple albums, collaborating
with artists I’ve admired for years, and continue to build a community of listeners who genuinely
connect with my music; but honestly, reality is more likely that I am working local places and
singing music that is true to myself. If the former happens, I’d be grateful, but I’m also realistic
and more than anything, I want to keep growing while staying true to who I am. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about
creating new music?
The stories never stop. As I grow and experience new things, I have more to write about.
Knowing there are people who connect with my music motivates me to keep creating and to
keep challenging myself with every new song.
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