What made you decide to become a soloist?
It’s something that I’ve always felt drawn to, and was kind of a no-brainer for me. I’ve developed a lot of trust my voice and musical direction, and have had many amazing mentors along my journey who have inspired me and given me faith in my ability. I never really consider myself a soloist because I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without an amazing team behind me.
Introduce us all to your musical history?
I’ve grown up performing my whole life – singing, dancing, acting, and studying musical theatre, so music has always been a massive part of my world. I’ve always felt a connection to the songs and stories of others, while writing my own music in the background. I’m very lucky to have spent most of my career on stage and travelling with my art, most recently touring as a vocalist on board cruise ships and singing with various bands.
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received would be to focus on my own journey and to not compare mine to anyone else, as “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Did you buy anything you don’t need in the pandemic? If so what?
I bought a lot of stuff during the pandemic, as I had recently returned home to New Zealand after being stuck on board a cruise ship for months without my essentials. I got pretty well acquainted with Amazon, but I’m pretty good with not buying anything I don’t need. I did purchase a home spa set up which I’ve actually only used once or twice, and also a lot of clothes!
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
I’m a curious person by nature so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t explore the conspiracies out there. I listened to a lot of Joe Rogan’s podcasts which got me thinking, but I tried not to delve to deeply!
What support is out there for new artists in New Zealand?
There is actually a tonne, which I’m super grateful for as an emerging artist here. We are able to apply for funding through NZ On Air for new music projects, music videos and touring which has been a blessing, and my producer and I have been lucky enough to benefit from that in order to create my EP. We’re very privileged to have a wonderful creative and arts sector here to help get you off the ground.
Who is inspiring you at the minute on the New Zealand unsigned scene?
There are lot of amazing bands and artists coming out of New Zealand, especially in the independent scene. A couple of artists who I really admire here in my current city Christchurch would be Josette who recently released her debut EP and she has an awesome fresh funky rock style which I vibe with, and also Wulfie who is also my producer. He’s knows how to combine pop, rock, and indie with electronica which is really cool.
What useless party trick / talent do you have/?
Well it’s not the most elegant of skills but I’m a really good burper/belcher. I surprise myself at how ridiculous my burps are when they come out sometimes.
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
Honestly I have fun moments on stage at almost every gig I do, as I get to work with such awesome musicians and crowds, but once that sticks out would be when I was performing in an ABBA tribute show and got to go in the audience and party with them in full costume…. ABBA fans are a lot of fun!
What was the worst experience on stage?
I can’t think of one in particular but I always get a little anxious anytime I have to perform when my voice isn’t feeling great… so being onstage when you’re unwell is really stressful.
If you could choose, would you prefer to time travel to the past or go forward in time? And why?
Time travel to the past, for sure! I’d love to go back and explore the music and culture of the 70’s and 80’s before crazy technology – people back then knew how to have a good time when life was simpler.
Tell us a funny story from backstage?
I once accidentally walked into the corner of a wall backstage and smashed my nose, then went on stage not realising my nose was bleeding all over my white dress, not cute!
If you had to describe your music to an alien how would you describe them?
I don’t know if aliens have much of a concept of earth music genres, but I’d say funky dance-pop, with a lot of soul!
Name a four piece band made up of legends – who would be in it? (drummer, bass, lead singer etc)
Oooh tough question – a very random mix but probably Dave Grohl on drums, John Mayer on guitar, Flea on bass, and Jimmy Page on vocals because I’m obsessed with Led Zeppelin.
What advice would you give someone going into the music industry?
I would say trust your intuition and your abilities, don’t be afraid of saying or hearing no, keep pushing yourself, and learn how to get good at networking.
What’s your biggest achievement as an Artist?
I’d say writing and creating my EP! It was a lot of hard work, time, and energy, but it’s been super fulfilling in ways I never imagined.
What makes you stand out as an Artist?
My ability to combine old and new sounds, my elaborate vocals, and hopefully the good vibes I bring to my music!
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?
The Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. I’ve gotten a bit obsessed with watching the live stream, and I just find a lot of things about it ridiculous but hope that the judge and jury make the right decision for the outcome.
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
My yet-to-be-released track ‘Nostalgia’ is probably my favourite song to play live. It just becomes a massive funky jam and all the musicians get to solo and go off… also the live drums sound awesome and make me so happy.
I hear you have a new single brewing, what can you tell us about it?
Yes, my new single ‘More Than Fun’ comes out May 20th! I’m super excited to share it with the world – it’s a disco-inspired dance pop track, with funky guitars, pumping baselines, and soulful vocals. It’s got a bit of a retro feel to it which I love, but it’s all about celebrating freedom, nights out dancing, letting go, and seeing where life takes you!
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
The track actually started out with a house vibe, but ultimately we wanted to create something funky and nostalgic with a feel-good energy. So we ran with that idea and ended up with something that definitely fits that description!
What was the recording process like?
It was pretty smooth sailing, once we had the song written. I’m such a perfectionist when it comes to recording vocals so I definitely took my sweet time getting it exactly how I wanted. Once we had the vocal tracks done we kept building the instrumentation and experimenting with the production, but it was there was a lot of trial and error to get things just right. It was super fun though!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the EP?
The biggest learning curve in the EP writing process was working around sickness, for sure. Trying to record vocals when my voice wasn’t feeling good was definitely a physical and mental test. The writing process was relatively smooth sailing, as I already had the demos ready to go, but it was the other details that made it challenging at times. But we’re currently in the final stages of mixing right now, so that’s exciting. It’s going to be such a relief when it’s finished!
What are your plans for the year ahead?
My plans for the year are releasing the EP and getting the promotion sorted, playing as many live shows as possible, hopefully collaborating with some other artists, and would love to book some summer festivals in the holiday season!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Follow your dreams – cliche I know, but if you do you’ll never go wrong!