By: Mariah Thomas
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) Riff, guitar-based pop with a fusion of rock & electronic
Q) What artists inspired you growing up?
A) Tom Morello, Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, No Doubt, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Paramore
Q) On Instagram you do your “Trashy Tone Thursday” series which allows you to snippet new music as well as just have fun freestyling on the guitar. Where did this series come from?
A) Trashy Tone Thursday came from a solo I laid down on a dance beat, that I posted starting a series called “Sidechain Saturday” (I side chained the solo heavily [laughs]. From there it evolved into Trashy Tone Thursday, where I soloed over dance beats every Thursday, with heavy sidechain and the trashiest tone I could create. I still have so much fun with the series every week!
Q) What is your favorite style of guitar to play?
A) I love to play lead! Soloing brings me so much joy. [smiles]
Q) Being a guitarist as well as a vocalist, which element do you work on first when working on a new song?
A) I usually first find a riff I love and then produce out the track around there. Then, I go in and find melodies and then write lyrics from there.
Q) Your new single “Heart In A Cage” details the power struggle in a toxic relationship while ultimately knowing you are in control. Why was this important for you to put in song form?
A) I think this song was one I had wanted to write for a while and bringing it to life was super cool. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart!
Q) You wrote “Heart In A Cage” alongside Kanner. What was that songwriting process like?
A) So awesome! She is such a great writer and the best energy to have in the room.
Q) “Heart In A Cage’ was the first chosen single for your upcoming EP. How does this song set the tone for the others?
A) “Heart In A Cage” set the tone for the high energy, riffs and solos that are a throughline throughout my next batch of music. The storytelling as well, lots more stories to share in the songs to come. [smiles]
Q) What can you tell us about your upcoming debut EP?
A) I am truly so excited. These songs mean the world to me and I can’t wait for you to hear them! The EP reflects many different pivotal moments I’ve had growing up so far, from relationships to self-discovery, etc. (Also, these are some of my favorite riffs and solos I’ve produced). [smiles]I put a lot of time into each solo and I especially can’t wait to play them live.
Q) You will be on tour this summer. From the new tracks, which are you most excited to play live?
A) “Misbehave”
Q) On the guitar, when playing live shows, what song do you always look forward to playing?
A) “Known Better!” It’s my favorite for sure. The riff is super fun and the solo is one of my favorite parts of the set!
Q) Who are some dream collaborations you have?
A) A collab with Tom Morello would be a total dream come true.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. Without you this truly wouldn’t be possible. The last couple years have felt like a dream. I can’t wait to keep going on this journey together, meeting so many more of you, and sharing many more stories and solos. [smiles]