How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. My neighbour was a singer and started giving me lessons when I was just a kid in return for feeding her cat while she was away. I also did a lot of dance growing up so was always exposed to lots of music. I didn’t actually start writing/producing till much later on. I had a boyfriend at the time who was a jazz musician and we started a band together and from there my passion for writing and producing just continued to grow.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Song writing is very therapeutic for me. I like the idea of sharing my experiences with people and transporting them to a different place within themselves just like writing the music did for me. The production side of things is like a puzzle. I love the challenge of piecing it together and working out how all the parts fit together.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To keep making music and hopefully travel the world with it one day. Music and travel are my favourite things so combined I think I will be very content.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I will be releasing a series of songs I wrote based on this book Women Who Run WIth the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. So over the next few months there will be 3 more singles and some music videos which is always a fun part of the release I enjoy doing. I’ll also have a bonus EP with remixes from local produces I have curated.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
This song was written as a sentimental summary of the book Women Who Run With the wolves. I participated in a musicians in residence in Canada last year and this was one of the songs I wrote while I was there. The song is about the empowerment of intuitive thought and the freedom it inspires within me.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Well usually songs begin with an event or feeling that is happening to me at the time however this book was a bit of a different approach. I wanted to give myself a challenge to write from an exterior influence. Ironically these stories from the book excavated many emotions and I felt very connected to the text. I think for those reasons these songs have a far greater meaning personally than I ever thought possible. I love writing on the piano, I feel I’m at my most vaulnerable and open. I cant get distracted by all the different sounds in my computer. You can’t hide bad writing when its just you and a piano.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Well my music is mostly introspective but I always like to have my songs have double meanings. Leaving it a bit open for interpretation is fun. I’m not sure if its hidden but I definitely want people to feel good when they listen.
Success, what is the secret to it?
That is a hard question to answer because everyone has a different definition of success. My definition has changed drastically especially in the last couple of years. For me right now success is making music as much as possible and having fun while I do it. I try apply these things into my life but of course I juggle full time work as well so finding a healthy balance is always a challenge. But I guess my point is if you can have fun while you slog away then slogging away won’t really feel like it. That attitude also attracts similar energies which beautifully expands your creative circle and support.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Probably going to Canada and having that side of the world open up to me in such a genuine way. The artist residency has really changed the way I approach my career. Playing CMW and having a room full of people supporting me on the other side of the world was pretty special too.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Hmm well lots of different people in different ways. If we are talking the shiny pop star then there are a few from different eras too. Ella Fitzgerald really shaped my love for music and singing. Edith Piaf’s resilience, Freddy Mercury’s courage, Beverley Glenn-Copeland’s honesty, Lady Gaga’s versatility, Christine and the Queens’ boss moves oh so many. And then there are these smaller acts who are inspiring me at the moment like Michael Kiwanuka, Maribou State, The Japanese House, Vendredi Sur Mer, Youth Lagoon, Vagabon. And then there are also my friends in music! They inspire me the most!
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes more music! Finalising my next EP at the moment and will probably have it sent to mixing very soon
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I see myself continuing to make music either for myself or other artists. There are really not many female producers hanging about and a feminine voice in the production chair often gets overlooked. So I would like to keep carving out that space for women to do that.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
Social media can be a wonderful tool when used consciously. The ability to connect music and your life to fans on the other side of the world is so powerful. Yes there is the trap of comparing, criticism and self worth measured in likes but it is important to just focus on the benefits and disregard all the other crap. I try to be pretty transparent. I don’t post to a schedule. If I’m not feeling it – i don’t force it. I’ll be quiet for a few days even a week and have a break. Everything in moderation. Don’t start the day on instagram don’t end your day on instagram. That’s my advice.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Jack River I have such a girl crush on her. I love her writing, I love her attitude and work ethic.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
No idea – still focusing on Australia first ha. I don’t like to get too ahead of myself. I’m just going to keep making music, release regularly, look after my mental health and the rest can work itself out. I’ve been doing my own PR so I am collecting lots of emails from all over the world. So maybe over these next few months an organic following might begin.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Yes most recently with Harry Fox and our tune “Autumn” has had lots of love including Triple J on the Aston Shuffle!
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep going! There are so many bumps in the road so just surround yourself with a team you trust and believe in you. It makes everything much smoother and way more fun.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
Self expression is a gift that everyone should exercise! Publicly or privately – it feeds the soul. Do it! Also thanks for reading this interview and supporting my music! I hope everyone loves the new track!