Hey! Thank you for asking! I’m doing great!!
You are known as the #littleblondegirlbigvoice (What a title for an album that would be!) How did it all begin for you?
I’ve been singing since I could talk – started by trying to sing like the Disney princesses – lol. When I was 9 my brothers were playing together at one of those rock school type places and I figured I could join in their band and sing, so I did. I sang and played bass. We would play around town at showcases every month for about 3 years, but then my older brother Alex was in a much more active band so he left as they were doing shows all the time. I taught myself acoustic guitar and started writing songs. I’ve been performing around the Phoenix area since (pre-covid I performed 2-3 times a week!)
What were your musical influences?
When I was young, I loved Adele – her vocals are amazing. I love the dynamics and worked towards that. I also loved the songwriting of James Bay and From Indian Lakes – I love their lyrical, poetic way they write.
What were your favourite songs to sing?
For cover songs my favorite song to sing is “Fireworks” by First Aid Kit. Of my own originals, I love “Tomorrow”
You’ve been releasing EPs since you were aged 13, what’s been your favourite part of the process?
Learning about all the production that goes into a song. I also love growing in my songwriting.
You are from Arizona what are your three favourite things about coming from there?
The music community here is super supportive – I love that! I love how close I am to anything I want to do – or even just hang with friends. I love the Arizona spring weather (summer is a bit of a drag – last summer we got up to 121f!)
Your single “Tomorrow” was recorded in Nashville what was your favourite experience of recording there?
It was the best experience of 2020 for me! Walking in to the that huge amazing studio was unreal. It felt so legit. All the studio musicians were amazing and so nice and knew my song like it was theirs. My producer, Jordan Lake, is so amazing and had it completely planned out and it was recorded within a couple of takes! Totally a magical experience.
COVID has impacted the creative industry in a big way what’s kept you motivated?
I definitely have missed regular live shows at the cool venues, but with also graduating high school in 2020 and not having all that work as well, I’ve had more time for my writing, recording, etc.
I love how much time I’ve had to create, both my songs and my art. I love painting also and having time to create cool cover art is so fun – I feel it makes it more personal – this is what I’m feeling about this song.
What artists are getting you excited at the moment?
I found Eleni Draker ecently (I think my brother Alex showed me) and I love her production and her vocals! I’ve discovered some awesome artists through my Twitter family as well. 3 Mind Blight is a multi-genre artist who does it all himself and is amazing. He asked me to be a part of a song with him and I’m so happy with how “Reflections” turned out!
You volunteer at the Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center as a vocal teacher how did that come about?
I discovered Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock probably about 8 years ago when Alex’s band at the time was in their music competition (Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding.) I would go to support their performance at the competition. I decided to give it a try for the soloist category when I was 13. I did the competition for many years (the connections and opportunities that came from that were amazing!) At some point they asked me to be a vocal coach at the teen center, so I’ve been doing that for about 3 years. It’s been so fun. I am also taking advanced guitar lessons there.
You’ve released singles with your brother, how does a typical writing session between you two begin?
When it’s a song the two of us are doing together he usually shows me some cool music he’s already recorded and if I like it, I work on the melody and the lyrics. We will make some changes to the overall music as we go. We work pretty well together for the most part – of course we are in his bedroom and if we are frustrated with each other, I can just leave and go to mine! Lol!
What was it like singing backing vocals for Alice?
It was a little intimidating of course, but he and his wife Sheryl are so nice. He sang ‘Schools Out” and had some of the teens from the center play with him also – on guitar, drums, bass. I sang backup with Sheryl. It was for a press conference held at the teen center, so it was fun having the news peeps there!
What are you looking forward to next?
I have so many new songs I’ve recently finished and plan to get them out throughout this year. I’m excited to see what this year brings – fingers crossed for live music again. And if not, then more recording – which is so cool too of course!
