By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo By Madelyn Hanson
Q) You’re often described as a country music artist, but how would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe my sound as a fresh take on ‘90s and 2000s country. That’s what I grew up on and I feel like I really lean into that style when writing and producing.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert to name a few!
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Stir the Pot.”
A) I love reality TV — especially the “Real Housewives” shows — and I can’t remember exactly who said it, but someone once said, “She can’t cook, but she can stir the pot.” I immediately wrote it down because I thought it could make for a funny song. I held on to the idea for a few months and then when I was in the writing room with Jessu Pugh and Blaine Younger, I threw it out there and we started writing it. I think everyone can relate to knowing someone who knows all the drama and gossip and likes to “stir the pot.” Personally, I cannot stand those kinds of people, so it was fun to write a song inspired by the encounters I’ve had with them.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think most people know someone who acts like “Betty” in the song. Pretty much every town or community seems to have one!
Q) There is a new music video out now for “Stir the Pot.” For this upbeat and cheeky track, how does the video for it play into the message behind it?
A) I wanted the music video to be set in a hair salon because I feel like that’s a place where a lot of drama and gossip gets stirred up. We also mention “Betty” at her hair appointment in the second verse, so I thought it made for the perfect setting.
Q) For “Stir the Pot” you worked with fellow songwriters Jessi Pugh and Blaine Younger. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Every session is different. Usually, the lyrics and some sort of melody are created before we get the guitar going and find the vibe we’re looking for. I hardly ever create the music before the melody or lyrics.
Q) Zachary Manno helped out on production for the song, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?
A) Zachary Manno was actually the main producer on the song and I served as a co-producer. We create the sound together and decide what we want and don’t want in the track instrumentally. We spend a few hours together going through each instrument step by step and figure out what we like or don’t like.
Q) You have shared the stage with the likes of Jo Dee Messina, Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) One of my favorite places to perform is definitely Ole Red Orlando in my hometown. Seeing the support I have back home means the world to me and getting to return for a show where I grew up performing is so special. El Campo Lost Lagoon in Texas is also a favorite. It’s such a great venue, and at the end of my set I get to jump off the stage into the water, which is super fun!
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) There are so many people I would love to collaborate with, but above all I would say Reba McEntire. I’ve been a fan of hers since I was a little girl and I look up to her so much. Collaborating with her would be an honor.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’m currently listening to Ella Langley’s new album, Dandelion. I cannot get enough of it! The songwriting and production is just incredible. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorite records. I hope to get to meet her one day.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you so much for joining me on this musical journey. Every listen, share and comment truly means so much to me. Because of your support, I’m able to do what I do and I’m forever grateful for that. There is a bunch of new music coming your way soon!