By: Paige Zinaman
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
Q) Who are some of the artists that influenced you when you were growing up?
A) Growing up the artists that influenced me most was Kelly Clarkson. As I got older, I definitely was inspired by Julia Michaels and Lewis Capaldi.
Q) When you sit down to write, does a song usually start at the piano, with lyrics, or with a specific emotion you’re trying to process?
A) It goes either way, sometimes piano chords first and then melody or melody then piano. I think all of the songs naturally have an emotional story behind them whether they’re happy or sad.
Q) Your voice moves from delicate vulnerability to huge, soaring belts. How do you decide where a song needs restraint versus power?
A) I think that depends on the song as a whole while creating it. Sometimes it’s the lyrics that need to be delivered a certain way, other times a melody with more or less power just sounds better over certain chords.
Q) Piano ballads are such a core part of your identity. What keeps that format feeling fresh and not repetitive for you creatively?
A) I think making sure I have sessions of upbeat songs that I sprinkle in, whether they come out or not. At the same time, I naturally love singing a ballad so that makes it much easier. I don’t listen to a ton of them though.
Q) How has your songwriting evolved from your early TikTok covers to the music you’re releasing now?
A) It’s evolving every session I think just with more experience in different rooms with new people and different lift experiences and knowing what’s worth writing about.
Q) Do you write with live performance in mind—especially knowing these songs will translate into rooms on tour?
A) I do not, well…I definitely know some of them. I imagine a music video while creating the song. But, honestly, the song always happens first. So yes & no? Sometimes?
Q) “LIVING ROOM” felt intimate but still modern—how intentional are you about balancing organic instrumentation with contemporary pop production?
A) I’m pretty intentional, but I think Mike Fatkin (the producer of the song) really knows how to balance that out well. He was the true gem in finding that balance. Kunfetti (the other writer) really helped it, too. They have been in the game longer and everytime I work with them they inspire me in how you keep everything fresh watching their talents.
Q) What do you think it is about the single that has made it such a fast fan favorite?
A) I think it’s a fan favorite because a lot of people have been through relationships ending and in the song it can quite literally be about whoever is in whatever type of relationship.
Q) When you’re recording vocals, are you chasing technical perfection—or the take that feels the most emotionally honest?
A) I definitely chase emotion more than technical. Then, if I find out its a song I need to sing live I learn how to do it technically correct.
Q) You’ve worked with high-level producers like Gordon Mote. What’s something you’ve learned in the studio that changed how you hear your own music?
A) Well, for example, once I heard Gordon play the piano to my song – It just made the song feel more alive. Having so many talented people work for one story that people can relate on many different levels is truly an experience to see come together.
Q) With over 200 million streams across your catalog, what does this achievement mean to you?
A) It feels really good. It means people are truly feeling whatever they need to hear and come back to it
Q) With “LIVING ROOM” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) I am hoping both! But I think an EP first.
Q) Who are some artists that you are currently listening to and/or would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) Sombr and Bella Kay. Definitely my top two favorite artists right now.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your work?
A) I would like to say thank you for trusting me in this whole journey and being so supportive. It truly is an incredible experience and I couldn’t be more grateful. We’re in it together. 😄