Photo credit: Kirsten Barnett
1. How did you get into writing and performing? Any specific episode or anecdote related to that
I grew up in Nashville and have been singing since I can remember. I started writing once I learned how to play guitar, around age 11. I remember doing kid’s open mics every Sunday at a clothing store in downtown Nashville. I used to just sing to tracks since I couldn’t accompany myself yet. I remember one time I saw a girl who was probably 14 playing her guitar and singing and told myself I wouldn’t come back until I could play guitar. I practiced and practiced and finally went back and played my own songs on guitar! That was a very transformative moment for me.
2. How do you approach a new song? Do you start from a lyric, melody or what?
I usually start with chords and melody, but recently I’ve been starting with lyrics. Like every songwriter, my notes app is filled with ideas, whether it’s a full concept or a single line. I lean on those when I’m starting a new song!
3. How did you come up with this track?
I wrote “die with my friends” with Christina Galligan, Annika Wells, and Tone Jones in LA. We basically spent the first hour or two of the session talking and catching up. I couldn’t stop talking about how my friends were about to leave for college at the end of the summer. I basically poured everything out to them and the song was in there. We started with the chorus and built the rest of the song around it!
4. How do you think you grew personally and artistically since your debut record in 2020?
I’ve grown so so much over the past two years. Personally, I’ve gained so much confidence. I think what really helped me find that confidence was fashion and discovering my own style. Artistically, I’ve learned to stand up for myself and listen to my gut. I’ve realized I won’t feel as connected to the song unless I’m a part of every step of the process. I co-produced this entire next EP except one song with Brandon Shoop and played instruments on all of the songs. It took years of experimenting to learn this is how I work best!
5. How was touring with Jojo?
Touring with JoJo has been absolutely incredible!!!! Her and her team are so kind and have taken me in with open arms. We’re currently in the UK finishing up the end of her run! It’s my first time here and also my first time on a tour bus – I’m pinching myself everyday. I’m truly so lucky to be a part of this tour!! And of course watching JoJo’s show every night is so inspiring.
6. What was one of the most valuable lessons learned from this tour?
I’m honestly very new to the tour world, so I probably learn about 5 new things a day hahaha!! The most valuable lesson that I’m still learning is that I will forever get nervous before a tour or even just a show, but it works out in the end every single time. I somehow always forget that the feeling I get on stage trumps any nerves or fears I may have. I’m so lucky to be doing what I love and I’ve truly learned an endless amount of things this tour.
