Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
My project under my birth name has always pretty much just been me making music alone and putting it out. I’ve been involved in music since I was very little and started releasing music in high school. From there i’ve just been growing and learning how to produce. If you were to search through the internet and dig up some of my very old songs you can definitely see an evolution.
How would you describe the highs and lows of being an artist?
Highs definitely are releasing music and connecting with people. When someone tells me that they’ve connected with a song of mine it makes me feel like i’m doing something right and not alone. Being an artist (especially as an indie artist) can be extremely daunting and can be tiring. Between trying to fit myself into a box, battling my own insecurities, wondering what and where I want to do with my project, I can get quite frustrated. Then I’m reminded that music has always been there for me. It’s how I express myself and without writing I would be lost. Without overthinking and the idea of the public muse, I have the most fun when I am just messing around on logic.
Who are your all time musical icons?
God where do I begin. Stevie Nicks for sure. I can never forget about Hannah Montana, she changed my entire life as a 6 year old. Me in high school (and still) definitely would say Banks. The From Under The Cork Tree era of Fall Out Boy definitely remains as one of my all time favorite aesthetics and albums. My sister showed me that when it first came out…. Mind blown.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Go outside. Nature calls to me. There’s nothing more soothing to me than being out in the middle of nowhere on my bike. Being locked away this past year has been transformative to say the least. Watching the immediate relationships around me during that time have forever changed me. Getting to now be with friends and experience more of my twenties is what I am craving and is what’s currently inspiring me. Even before lockdown I can’t say I did too many crazy and adventurous things, I was quite boring to be honest. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I don’t think I have an overall artist I look up to the most. I am really inspired by people i’m connected with online. Artists taking their own initiative like Maddy Ellwanger, Moistbreezy, Ethel Cain, Charli XCX, Magdalena Bay, Lorde, I really respect an artist that isn’t tied up in being a celebrity.
Favorite movie or TV show?
This changes all the time but currently it is The Craft (1996). God that movie is just so good, the whole aesthetic and campiness to it is just so top notch. Call me lame but The Office is probably my favorite show. The rewatch value. The escapism. Do not try and tell me it isn’t funny.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
Dragon of the West I started writing summer of last year. I was feeling angry a lot and needed to release it. I don’t really have any big angry in your face songs so this one really was fun to make. I was feeling mad about the current state of the world, the current state of a relationship of mine, it was a weird time. This came about and is definitely one of my favorite songs I’ve made.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
Consuming new art. I am constantly on the hunt for my new favorite album, tv show, movie. I have a very short attention span so if something catches my eye I get OBSESSED.
What’s the future looking like for you?
Definitely a lot of music. I have a new EP coming later this year which is a bit different than my last material. Much more guitar driven and reverb soaked. Visuals for that as well as a music video are definitely on their way. I can’t wait to get out and perform live, these songs really call for a full band and lots of screaming. I can’t wait to see what this year brings.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
Other than who I listed above, I’m really inspired by Tumblr. There are so many obscure artists that I have found on there. I love grungy escapism.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why? The internet has always been a place for me to find people that I connect with and this past year I feel like I’ve really found my tribe. I’ve always felt like my music belonged somewhere else than it was and now can say I’ve found at least a few artists that are just like me. It’s cool to see other people doing the exact same thing as me. Being a solo artist can sorta feel like shouting into a void. Being a part of url show ‘Fairyworld’ and Minecraft music event ‘Uncultured Fest’ have been so fun.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
Definitely finding your authentic image/sound and niche and expanding upon it. The internet is the only way to be an artist nowadays, which frustrates me but is also extremely cool at the same time. Pretty much anyone can be an artist. Anyone can get on TikTok and find a niche audience. It’s inspiring.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
Definitely how indie artists are put on the back burner of streaming platforms. Finding a way to breakthrough has never felt more obvious yet confusing this past year. The internet is forever pushing the world. I think we definitely need to push more of an emphasis on Bandcamp and other ways for creators to make ends meet. I would like to see a world where artists don’t have to be massively famous to be able to survive off their art.
