By: Kaylyn Bell
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) It’s honestly such a mix. I grew up with Christian music, Louis Armstrong and Nina Simone. Probably explains why my music feels like a whirlwind of emotions half the time. [laughs]
Q) When you look back at your previous work, how do you feel you’ve grown as an artist with this new song?
A) My earlier songs were still really vulnerable and truthful, but I think I was trying to soften things, you know? Like using humor or making it easier to digest because sitting in those feelings felt too heavy. Now, I’m not really dressing up the hard stuff anymore—it’s raw, uncomfortable and just what it is. I’ve learned to trust that people are okay with hearing the messy parts because, let’s be real, we’re all a little broken anyway.
Q) What is the story behind “Heartbeat For A Home?”
A) It’s about this love I found in Europe. It was so raw and real—it felt like nothing I’d ever experienced before. It kinda felt like love at first sight, which I don’t even think is actually a thing, but in that moment, it definitely was. There’s no way to explain how surreal and electric it was without saying a word. Thinking about it now, I feel like half the song is about that person and the other half is about Amsterdam where, for the first time, I felt like i might’ve been finding a sense of home.
Q) Which lyric from the song is most meaningful to you and why?
A) I wouldn’t say there’s one lyric that stands out the most, but the verses are definitely my favorite. They’re based on actual moments that happened in real life. Every time I listen, it takes me right back to those memories—it’s like I can see it all so clearly. Hearing myself sing it just brings back the feeling of being in that moment.
Q) Did you know when you first wrote this song that it would be a duet, and how did Elina get involved?
A) Honestly, no. I wrote it as a solo track, but when I listened back, it felt like something was missing. It needed another voice, another perspective to round out the story. Elina and I had been friends for a while, so I played it for her, and she loved it. What she brought to it was so haunting and beautiful—something I couldn’t have done on my own.
Q) How did you collaborate with Elina to construct this delivery?
A) I just sent her the song and let her do her thing. She’s such an insane artist and songwriter—what she came back with was perfect as is.
Q) What has been the most challenging and rewarding part about making this song independently?
A) The tough part is that everything falls on you—making the decisions, dealing with the pressure, taking the financial risks. But the best part is you get full control. Every choice is yours and the song ends up sounding exactly how you imagined it. It’s terrifying, but also freeing.
Q) How is having full creative control reflected in this track?
A) It’s there in the details, for sure. Like the way the song doesn’t rush—it doesn’t force itself into some big, dramatic chorus or avoid sitting in the heavier emotions. I think a label might’ve tried to make it more “radio-friendly,” but I wanted it to be messy and human.
Q) What is your songwriting process?
A) It’s all over the place. [laughs] Sometimes a melody will be stuck in my head for weeks, but I won’t know what it’s about yet. Other times, I’ll just sing random gibberish while playing an instrument, and a lyric or concept will pop out naturally. For this one, it came from a feeling first—this ache I couldn’t really put into words. The whole song came together in like twenty minutes at 2 am.
Q) What was your approach to shaping the instrumental?
A) I wanted it to feel really intimate, like you’re sitting in the room with us. We started with just piano and vocals and then added other elements that supported the emotions instead of competing with them.
Q) What was your inspiration for the music video?
A) The video’s about that feeling of searching and not quite belonging. We wanted it to feel cinematic but still really personal, like you’re getting a glimpse into someone’s private moments. It’s about the journey of trying to find a home, both physically and emotionally.
Q) Will there be a full album or EP on the way?
A) Working on it
Q) Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
A) Honestly, it depends on what I’m into at the moment. Right now, i can’t think of anyone.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters?
A) Thank you for taking in my chaotic honesty and making it part of your own life, whether that’s the pretty parts or the messy ones. It means so much that people connect with it and make it their own. Your support lets me keep creating music that feels true to me, and that’s everything.