By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe my sound as bold, anthemic pop with an emotional, confessional approach. My songs tell my own stories in a vulnerable, but cathartic and empowering way. I love to create songs that can lend themselves to live performances with a full band and additional singers and dancers on stage.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) I was very influenced by the strong female artists I listened to growing up; including Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Jojo.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Never Even Met Her.”
A) The song was inspired by a breakup where I learned my ex was spreading stories about me that just weren’t true. Rather than let his betrayal upset me, I reclaimed my narrative and turned what he was doing into an empowering anthem about not letting someone else define me. I realized that the version of me he was describing was so far from the truth, it was like he was talking about someone I’d “never even met.”
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think fans connect to the theme of empowerment through vulnerability. Everyone has had that moment where someone misunderstands or misrepresents them, whether that person is an ex, a family member or a friend. This song can serve as a reminder not to take what other people say about you personally, particularly when what they are saying is not true or only their side of the story. It’s both cathartic and liberating to know we all experience the same situations and I think that familiarity connects with fans.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video reflects the empowerment and fierceness of the song. I wanted the visuals to feel bold but also personal, showing that I can move on from a difficult situation while standing confidently in my truth. It’s a visual celebration of not letting gossip or lies dictate who you are.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It really depends, but usually I’ll start with a concept or a lyric idea and then build around it. Sometimes the melody comes first, sometimes the words — but I always make sure the story is at the center. For me, it’s about prioritizing honesty. I am always writing in my notebook and often bring the ideas I write down into my sessions. Sometimes a session will start with the producer creating a great track that will then inspire a concept.
Q) What was it about the message behind “Never Even Met Her” that made it the perfect title for your new EP?
A) That song represents the whole theme of the project: reclaiming my identity, particularly as an artist, and refusing to let anyone else’s version of me define who I am. It felt like the perfect theme for the EP because all the songs carry the same message of empowerment, vulnerability, self-acceptance and awareness.
Q) The Orphanage lent a hand in production for the EP, but how much of a say do you have when it comes to the production side of your music?
A) I’m very hands-on in the studio. Working with The Orphanage is amazing because they really value collaboration – they listen to my ideas and help me bring them to life. Sometimes I think they can almost read my mind. I feel blessed to have worked on this EP with both The Orphanage and Lionel Crasta, another amazing producer. They both truly understood my vision. I care deeply about the production side of a song because it’s just as much a part of telling the story of the song as the lyrics and melody.
Q) Which song(s) on the EP holds a special place in your heart and what makes it so close to your heart?
A) “Never Even Met Her” will always be special because it sets the tone for the whole project and captures the fierce, confident energy of the entire project. I have a special connection to the title track because it helped to shape the direction of the rest of the EP. “Never Even Met Her” was based on a Mel Robbins’ theory that felt very relevant to me and I wanted to capture her inspirational ideas in a song. Crazily enough, the morning after I wrote the song I was on a flight to NYC and ran into Mel Robbins at the baggage claim! I went up to her and told her it was kismet that we met and that she had inspired my new song and EP project. It was definitely surreal and felt like a sign.
Q) As a seasoned performer, you’ve toured previously with Chloe x Halle. What songs off your EP are you looking forward to performing live?
A) I can’t wait to perform “Never Even Met Her” live. It’s such an anthem and I know it’s going to be so much fun hearing people sing it back. “Little Miss Fix It” is another one I’m excited about because of its energy and playfulness. I think both will connect in a big way with an audience.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP – either as a message or an emotion?
A) I hope listeners feel empowered and a little less alone. These songs are about embracing your identity, finding strength in vulnerability and not letting anyone else control your story. If people walk away feeling more confident in themselves, then I’ve done my job.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I’ll always love performing in New York because it’s my hometown and where I first started playing shows when I was young at venues such as The Bitter End and Joe’s Pub. My dream is to perform one day at Madison Square Garden. But, honestly, anywhere I get to connect with fans and hear them singing along to my music makes it special. It’s the energy of the people that makes a venue unforgettable.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I’d love to collaborate with Raye. I have been a fan of hers for a very long time; I love both her own music as well as the music she writes for other artists. I think she is brilliant and seems like a lovely person.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I am really loving Audrey Hobert right now. Her album is so candid and raw and truly singular. It is a very special project.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every message, every stream, every person who comes to a show means the world to me. I feel so grateful to share my music with you and I hope it makes you feel empowered, understood, and less alone. Your support keeps me inspired every single day.