By: Mariah Thomas
Q) In high school you would often star in musicals playing Annie in Annie Get Your Gun, as Liesl in Sound of Music, and as Maria in a production of Sound of Music. How did being a “theater kid” influence your music as you developed your artistry?
A) I was a full-on theater kid and I loved it. Being in musicals taught me how to carry a story, project to the back row, and keep going even if something goes wrong on stage. That training shows up in my music and performances now.
Q) How would you describe your new music?
A) Pop-soul with personality. It’s emotional, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Some tracks will punch you in the gut, others will make you laugh at your own bad choices.
Q) The message brought up in your new song “Good Girl” is needed more in music today. What is the story behind this song?
A) “Good Girl” is about women celebrating each other instead of competing or making each other in order to feel small. I wanted to write something that feels like a hype song with your girlfriends — confidence, support, fun, no cattiness.
Q) Your recent single “Disco Ball” centers around female empowerment. Who are some of the artists or songs you listen to for empowerment?
A) Aretha Franklin is the blueprint, Becky Hill when I need pure adrenaline and Whitney Houston when I want to dance in the mirror and hype myself up.
Q) Typically in music people use a disco ball to be a sad metaphor. What sparked you to switch that narrative?
A) To me, a disco ball is joy, not sadness. It’s literally made of broken pieces that light up a room — and I love that idea of flaws turning into something beautiful.
Q) How do your singles from this year, “Disco Ball” and “Good Girl,” set the tone for your upcoming EP?
A) They’re the best intro to what’s coming — one is playful empowerment, the other is about honoring our flaws. The EP is that mix of sass and sincerity.
Q) Will this theme of female empowerment be heard throughout the new songs?
A) Definitely, but the songs aren’t one-note. There’s heartbreak, humor, falling in love and falling apart. Empowerment is part of it, but honesty is the thread that runs through all of them.
Q) You often write and record songs for various shows. Do you have a dream show you would love to see one of your songs be part of?
A) So, “The Morning Show” is my favorite show right now. Funnily enough, I got to act in it in Season 2. So much fun. I’d love to have a song in there. Or any big funny movie with a leading funny lady like Melissa McCarthy. Honestly, any TV show or movie that will take my song I will be a happy girl. It’s SO much fun to watch TV and hear your song in the background.
Q) What are you hoping resonates with fans when they hear this new music?
A) That it feels real. I hope people hear these songs and feel less alone in whatever they’re going through — or at least have something good to scream-sing in the car.
Q) You will be on tour soon with Casey Abrams and Dylan Chambers! What song from your upcoming EP are you most looking forward to performing live?
A) “You Look Like My Ex.” It’s funny, it’s cheeky and I think it’ll be a crowd favorite.
Q) What is your favorite thing about touring?
A) The unpredictability. Every city, every audience has its own vibe and that keeps it exciting. I also love bullshitting with the boys backstage. We are all little weirdos and share lots of laughs.
Q) How do you approach putting together a tour setlist to nicely mix in beloved older songs and new ones?
A) It’s like curating a rollercoaster ride — you give people the familiar highs, then slip in something new while the energy is up. Bring it down to share an emotional moment. Then bring it up again with favorites that make you want to dance. I like to try and create a full emotional experience at my shows. Play all the heartstrings.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you for letting me share my stories and for actually listening. You’re the reason I get to do what I love — and I don’t take that lightly. And please come to my shows in September so I can meet you and give you hugs.