Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up surrounded by stories; I was always reading and writing, my mom was constantly singing and playing music. I loved language before I even realized I could write with it. I was the kind of kid who got lost in lyrics, who wanted to know what every line meant. I loved sitting with a CD booklet open and reading along to songs. For a long time, I thought loving art or being an artist meant giving up being “serious,” so I chased other paths. But art always found its way back in… through writing, through singing, through the need to make sense of the world. I think everything I do now with folklaur is me finally saying yes to that part of myself.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “folklaur”?
A: I’m less interested in chasing numbers and more interested in building community and real human connection. My goal is to grow in a way that feels authentic: through storytelling, visuals that carry emotion, and honest conversation with listeners. I want people who find folklaur to feel like they’ve stumbled into something personal. If you’re about to discover my music, I hope it feels like you’re opening someone’s diary and finding your own story inside.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I am so inspired by Noah Kahan. I think the way he writes is unique and he’s very open about his personal mental health struggles. I’m also really inspired by artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift, and Maggie Rogers who write with emotional precision but don’t lose the human mess underneath. It’s been important to me to stay true to how I’m feeling and also give myself the opportunity to connect with others who are feeling similarly. I’ve learned that if I’m not honest and authentic about how I feel, something really gets lost.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “leaves & letters”?
A: leaves & letters is about the way we hold on to people, to memories, to versions of ourselves that no longer fit. I imagine this story being told from the perspective of a character who is trying to do the right thing and be kind to their partner, even if they don’t understand what’s going on. I loved the opportunity to play on the idea of leaving/autumn leaves and letting her/letters. I think the duality of those words really speaks to the confusing and conflicting experience that this character is having.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest. My music came from a place of sitting very deeply with myself and my experiences. It supported me through a very tough time, and people have shared with me that they can relate to it because of that. From the lyrics to the production, it was really important to me to stay true to the story and to let it sound like what it felt like.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “leaves & letters”?
A: The biggest challenge was getting out of my own way. I tend to overthink and to want every line perfect, every note to be “just right.” I also was so new at producing and recording music that I was feeling a little paralyzed by decisions. I had an idea of what I wanted but not exactly how to get there. It took a lot of trial and error of hearing what I didn’t want to really get to a point where the song developed its own true sense of self. Much of this song happened in those lightning strike moments of hey what if we try this? and it just worked.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My music is a love letter to imperfection. I write for the people who feel unseen or unheard, who need someone to tell them it’s okay to feel everything all at once. I want to remind people that the quiet, messy, in-between parts of life are just as meaningful as the big moments. As an artist, my goal is to turn this into a space that makes room for others. I’d like to open doors, to give voice to the overlooked, and to build something that lasts longer than just me.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Noah Kahan would be a dream collaborator. His career really informed a lot of mine and I’ve learned a lot about how to write from him. I love that he did a fully deluxe album with all his collaborations. He shares his music in such a way that it really does feel like you’re a part of something with him.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: You are good enough. Your stories matter and what you have to say matters. No one is going to ask you to start or give you the pushes you think artists get. It’s about committing to yourself first and then dedicating yourself to the music. When you’re able to be authentic, the connection and community all follow.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Don’t wait for the “right” time because it doesn’t exist. The story is already happening. Trust your instincts, let yourself be messy, and don’t shrink to make anyone comfortable. You might not understand how the story comes together or why you are where you are, but every experience you have will turn you into someone you’re really proud of.
