Introduce us to you and your musical history?
I’m an indie-folk singer-songwriter now based in Brighton, but originally born and bred in London! Since I was a kid, I worked professionally in the performing arts industry, as well as training at The BRIT School and Italia Conti. From my late teens, I had a passion to write songs and share my stories instead of just singing other people’s songs. I had a love for all genres of music, but especially folk and the role of honest storytelling within songs. Recently my sound has been growing bigger than just me and my guitar, however, storytelling and authenticity will always be at the heart of my music.
What useless party trick do you have?
I don’t have a party trick, but once I get a bit tipsy I become a table drummer!!
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
Partly embarrassing but also a lot of fun, was when I had a gig on my birthday and my mates made me wear a unicorn headband!
What was the worst experience on stage?
One gig, I had really bad monitors so I couldn’t hear a single thing and was unbelievably stressed. Not being able to hear yourself on stage is the worst.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
I’m quite spiritual. Plus I’m really into sound healing and frequencies which most people don’t know unless we have a deep conversation.
If you had to describe your band/music to an alien how would you describe it?
Unapologetic stories from a neurodivergent human
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I don’t try to BE anyone. If that doesn’t make me stand out, nothing will.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?
Lots of things, as the world is not the most fair of places. But if we are talking music related…most recently it is the fact that there is still a lack of female headliners and representation in UK music festivals even in 2022.
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
‘The Stranger That Wasn’t Bad’, my next single which is out in July. When I play it live, I tune my guitar to an alternative tuning (Open D), which is so lovely to let ring out. It is also about my fiancé, so I really love singing it, especially when she’s in the audience.
I hear you have a new single, what can you tell us about it?
My new single ‘As Long as You Try’ was released on 13th May, during Mental Health Awareness week. The song follows a lonely man, who is being pushed down by life and struggling with his mental health. Storytelling is at the heart of the song and helps to carry an important message and reminder that regardless of what life throws at us, it is important to not give up and keep trying. The song is sad at moments, especially when you discover that the guy in the song is still grieving the loss of his mother, but ultimately it is a song full of hope, as he hasn’t yet given up and still remembers his mother’s words “as long as you try”.
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
So I started writing the song just before lockdown 2. When starting, I knew I wanted to write a song that was in the 3rd person and wasn’t directly about me. However, I always write quite organically, just go with the flow with random chords and feel into the music emotionally until it takes shape. I had no intention of writing it about a guy struggling with life and his mental health but it kinda just happened. I’m not sure what triggered the song but mental health has always been quite prominent in my life. I’ve had my own personal struggles and been surrounded by family members who have their own. I also work for my brother’s mental health clothing brand Boys Get Sad Too, so I’m aware of the importance of creating awareness of male mental health.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a breeze. I worked with an awesome producer Olly Shelton who helped me bring this song to life, with electronic ambient sounds. I found that I could share with him the vibe and he totally understood. We even went together to the local train station to record a real train sound to include at the end of the track!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
I almost released this song last year working alongside another musician. The song went in a direction which I never envisioned but for a long time I never spoke up or took control of the situation. Fortunately, I realised just in time and put a stop to the process. The lesson learnt here is to always speak up when I feel taken advantage of or out of control.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nothing. I try my best to live in the present moment. Learn from my mistakes and keep looking forward.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
My plan is to continue grafting in this tough industry and share my stories. My next single ‘The Stranger That Wasn’t Bad’ is due out in July, which I’m super excited about.
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