By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Stacie Huckeba
Q) Your music is often described as “outlaw country,” but how would you describe your sound?
A) My music is definitely “outlaw” in that it doesn’t follow the music row formula and it’s most definitely NOT pop-country. It’s really traditional country (which, ironically, is about the most outlaw you can get these days) but it has a bit of a dark, spooky vibe too. We’ve been calling it “Gothy Tonk.” LOL!
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins. Charlie Feathers, Loretta Lynn, Neko Case
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Welcome to my Villain Era.”
A) I have spent most of my life being a people pleaser. I didn’t learn that it’s ok to say “no” sometimes and that boundaries are healthy until I went to therapy. I also learned pretty quickly that the toxic people in my life were pretty quick to make me out to be the bad guy in their narrative when I started setting boundaries. I decided that if protecting myself from abuse and toxic people made me the villain, I’d be happy to play that part in their story.
Q) I think every girl needs a reminder from your lyrics, “If my boundaries offend you, I’ll happily play the villain in that story.” Is that what you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think just about everybody can relate to this feeling or be inspired by it to have healthy boundaries.
Q) The fiddle and guitar are incredible on the track. How do they add to the mood of the song?
A) I think the fiddle added a little sass to the overall sound and the guitars really lean hard into those bright, twangy guitars of early 60s country.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I watch “Gunsmoke” every day and I see Kitty putting up with a lot of nonsense just to keep her small business going. When I was thinking about visuals for this song, I imagined Kitty just being up to here with it and kicking all kinds of ass.
Q) Your LP Villain Era drops soon. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) My full length album, Villain Era, drops May 8, and the single “Welcome To My Villain Era,” is already out on all the digitals. I sort of create the lyrics and the music simultaneously. I come up with the hook and think “what should that sound like” and then it all falls into place from there.
Q) Eric Corne lent a hand on the production side of this album, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?
A) One of the things I loved the most about working with Eric was how much respect he had for me and my vision. I told him what I wanted the album to sound like, and he helped me make that happen.
Q) My favorite tracks on the album are “We Ride at Dawn” and “Red Red Roses.” Which song(s) hold a special place in your heart and why?
A) “We Ride At Dawn” is one of my favorites. So much has been taken away from women these days and this is a song about women taking their sh-t back. It’s empowering and, I hope, prophetic.
Q) What songs off this album are you looking forward to performing live?
A) ALL of them! We have been playing a lot of them already and they are getting so much love.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to Villain Era as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) I always want my listeners to feel badass and empowered. I also want them to feel like they are listening to an old classic favorite while watching a vintage Western.
Q) You’re headed out on tour later this month. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I love playing anywhere in Texas. I love San Antonio and The Devil’s Backbone in Fischer, Texas is a next level vibe.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I listen to Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash a lot. They just give me everything I want in songwriting and music.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I am deeply grateful to everyone who comes out to see my shows and all of those who buy and stream my music. Every stream, every album, every t-shirt, every show is what builds an artist’s career and it means so very much to me to have my songs listened to and appreciated by as many people as possible.