By: Quinn Que
Q) You’ve been compared to Shania Twain quite often. How do you feel about those comparisons and who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
A) Shania Twain was one of my biggest musical inspirations growing up so it’s really an honor to be compared to her. Some of my other most notable musical inspirations as a young child were The Beach Boys, Richard Marx and a lot of punk rock actually!
Q) Congratulations on your new single “Love You Again!” What can you tell us about that moment when you first heard the finished track – what emotions did it bring up for you?
A) Since I was involved in every single minute of the production, I didn’t quite have a final “wow” moment since I saw the song through every phase, but it was very exciting to finally be done and so proud of all the hard work! I was really pleased with how it came out and that it captured that “summer vibe” I was hoping for.
Q) The song captures a “bittersweet summer love that couldn’t last.” Is this based on a personal experience or did you draw inspiration from other sources?
A) I think everyone has that one summer love that didn’t last. My co-writer and I both shared with each other our personal stories and it was amazing how similar they were! I can only hope that everyone listening also finds the story to be theirs as well.
Q) You collaborated with Guy Balbaert and Tom Lodewyckx in Belgium for this song. How did that international partnership come about and what was it like working together across continents?
A) In 2016, I was headlining a festival in France that was only forty-five minutes away from their studio. I took a trip to see if there was chemistry with them and the owner who is a very esteemed musician himself, Patrick Hamilton, and there was. The rest is history. We have done several tracks together since then.😊
Q) From your debut album Lone Rider to “All I Own,” how would you say your sound and songwriting have evolved?
A) As my writing and career have developed, I’ve found I’ve become more unapologetically myself. In the beginning, I was very concerned with fitting in, but as time has passed, I’ve realized my greatest asset was never fitting in.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can begin crafting lyrics?
A) I have no process at all. Every song happens differently for me and the only method I use is to follow my heart and not to think too much. When you think too much about the music business when making art rather than about the art itself, your judgement becomes very clouded. I usually write both the music and lyrics at the same exact time.
Q) You’ve shared stages with legends like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Loretta Lynn. Have you gotten any valuable advice from these country music icons?
A) I have been blessed to perform with a lot of incredible acts and many of them have taught me how to conduct myself, where many have also taught me how to NOT conduct myself. Loretta Lynn was one of the most humble people I’ve ever met and for her to be such a big star and also act that way – so welcoming to me and my family – it was a lesson I always took with me.
Q) Your family joins you on stage – dad on bass, mom on background vocals and your husband on lead guitar. How does performing as a family unit change the dynamic of your shows?
A) I think the audience truly feels like family when they are with us and I also think it is very clear to everyone in the audience that we really love what we are doing and that we really love doing it together.
Q) As a member of the American Music Abroad program, you’re a global ambassador for country music. What’s been your most memorable international performance and what makes it so special to you?
A) This is so hard because every performance is so unique and memorable but my trip to Nigeria was one I will hold very dear. The talent there was mind-blowing and everyone I worked with was so eager to learn and so passionate.
Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) I am a very big Blake Shelton fan. I would love to collaborate with him. I have also been fortunate enough to perform with Richard Marx, but I would love to do a song with him as well.
Q) We’ve heard you created an educational course for independent musicians. What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d recommend for new artists making in today’s music industry?
A) Be yourself! It is your greatest asset and what makes you special!
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the music that you make?
A) Thank you so much for being with me for the last ten years of this incredible ride. I so appreciate you more than I can ever put into words. You’ve made all my dreams come true and have made my life so wonderful and filled with love.