Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I grew up in Carroll, Iowa. With both parents and 2 older brothers. My dad has always loved singing so he would sing to me and my brothers all the time. I’m sure I got my love of music from him. Though I have always loved singing, I never thought about it as a career. There’s just so many talented people in the world, and I wasn’t sure I had anything to offer. Plus, singing was kind of a stress relief. If I thought of it as a job, I thought it would take the fun out of it. But around my sophomore year of highschool I got into journaling and that journaling turned into lyrics. Eventually I started making little songs and enjoyed doing it. I’m not sure I would’ve attempted a career in music if it wasn’t for the encouragement of my parents. I’m really lucky and blessed to have their support.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I didn’t have any formal training for music unless you count chorus in highschool! I’ve been singing since I can remember. I sang in church when I was young. I did show choir in highschool. I think being a part of my highschool musical really sparked my love for music more because the feeling of performing in front of a crowd was amazing. Getting to feed off the audience, see how they are reacting and responding is such a cool feeling. So I guess you could say I was self taught, but there’s a lot of people that have influenced and helped me in different ways.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: For not really being a country girl now Rascal Flatts is actually one of my biggest musical influences. I love their fun upbeat songs. My family and I would listen to their CD’s in the car together all the time. I also really love their slower emotional songs. You can really hear the passion in their voices. That was something I learned from them was wanting listeners to feel every word you are singing. Of course Michael Jackson has also been a major influence. I mean who isn’t influenced by Michael Jackson’s music, stage presence, and his dancing. She’s not much older than me, but Sabrina Carpenter is someone I’ve been inspired by from the beginning of her music career. I really like her lower toned voice, and since I have a lower range I’ve been interested in hearing her music. It’s cool to see how her music matures and grows with her.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Are You Clapping?’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I would say the story behind this song comes from having one day where I just got super annoyed and irritated with hearing the same things. Things like “Aren’t you going to put on makeup?” “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” “You need to talk and smile more, guys like that.” Hearing these words made me feel completely insecure with myself. So I angrily wrote down all my feelings about it in my song book hoping it would make me feel better. I eventually reread that entry and thought. “This is ridiculous. Why do I need to act like a different person to find someone who likes me romantically? If I have to do that, then I’d rather stay alone.” I repeatedly wrote down the word “Apparently,” and it evidently became the first word of the song. I really like that it starts the song because right off the bat you get that sassy vibe. “Apparently” has that underlying feeling of “people want me to think this way, but I don’t really agree with them.” That one word started it all and eventually led to the rest of the song.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: It is definitely my hope to at least get another single out there in the near future. Eventually I would love to make an album, but for right now I think it’s good to start with some singles. I’m just starting out, and I think I’ll be able to improve and grow better by doing it this way. I have many ideas and even different genres I would like to try out.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I’m not really sure I have a “sound” yet. Like I said I’m just starting out, I’m still figuring out what best suits me. I really like to have meaningful messages in my songs. “Are You Clapping” is about loving who you are, and being confident in your decisions. Not letting people choose what makes you happy because that’s something you decide for yourself. Some of the other non- professionally made songs I’ve made deal with more serious topics, like coping with depression and anxiety. A lot of my songs have a general theme of I understand you, you’re not alone.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: There have certainly been some moments where I’ve been irritated with a song, but that doesn’t necessarily have to do with the amount of work it’s taking. My frustrations usually stem from feeling like the song is not accurately relaying what I want to get across. When it feels vague or not personal. After I adjust and fix the problems and it’s finally done, I don’t really think, “woah that was a lot of work.” I just feel happy that I was able to get my idea from my head into a song. So yes I definitely think my music gives back as much as I put into it.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: It usually starts with me writing down my feelings like a journal or diary entry. At that moment I’m not necessarily thinking this will turn into a song, I’m just wanting to express how I’m feeling. Eventually I’ll reread that entry, and usually something within it sparks an idea for a song. When I can’t seem to think or I keep writing terrible lyrics, I’ll go on a walk to clear my mind. Sometimes it’s completely random. Like I’ll wake up in the middle of the night inspired by a dream, and just start writing lyrics at 4 am. I’m always surprised how random inspiration can hit you.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: This is all pretty new for me, so I can’t really say I’ve had many challenges. I’m sure there will be plenty in my future lol! As of right now my biggest challenge has been trying to put myself out there. I’m a bit introverted so having to talk about myself and post on social media about what I’m up to is difficult for me. I’m trying to get better about doing it. I’m sure it’ll just take some time for me to get the hang of it. So I apologize if you see any of my social media accounts with barely anything on them. Hang in there I swear I’m working on it!
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Just making this song feels like a success. It was my first time going to a professional studio, so I was pretty nervous. I’d only ever worked on music by myself, so I didn’t know how to verbally express what I wanted to do with the song. Even though I messed up a lot during the process, and had to make many adjustments, I got through it! And I’m really happy with how the song turned out, and I hope others like it as well!
