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 was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but at a young age moved to Milton, Ontario. A lot of things have influenced me over the years from seeing live performances to having my parents constantly play country music in the car growing up. I started singing at a young age but about 10 years ago, I wanted to take my love for country music more seriously.
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: I always have my two favourite artists on repeat Chase Rice and Darius Rucker – but lately I’ve been listening to songs I have not heard in years. I love listening to Luke Bryan’s first album and Old Dominion’s first album too.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: Definitely Chase Rice, but I’ll never forget seeing Darius Rucker on tv performing the song ‘This’, that was the moment where I thought “this is what I want to do”.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Ashes’. Is there a story behind it?
A: The story behind the creation of Ashes is not a personal one for me as I did not write it, it was written by Tebey, Danick Dupelle and Jimmy Thow. But the fact that I got to go to Nashville to write with these guys for a week and that we went through the songs we wrote and dozens of other outside cuts and then came to the decision as a group to cut Ashes as my first single still blows me away – it was an exciting process. I have experienced many firsts this year and this is a big one for me!
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: We’re in the studio a lot lately and working on new music constantly. Definitely hoping to have an ep out for listeners after a few more single releases!
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 want to create and perform songs that I feel like listeners can relate to. I like to think my voice is different than what you typically hear in country … it’s more on the edgier side of country.
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: I think for those first few years when I was starting out it was definitely a battle to get out there. I kept wondering if something was ever going to happen with music, but as the years went on, the more I pushed, I felt like things were finally on their way. I’m really happy with where I am now and I know there’s a lot more coming!
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: Normally when I write, I start with a small idea that I (hopefully!) previously wrote down. I gather up my thoughts a few days before working with amazing song-writers. They always help me bring a lot of my ideas to life.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Having to keep pushing through the hard times in music. I’ve been told no more times than yes and even when it gets really tough, I just have to keep pushing through it.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I’ve been really proud of the amazing playlist support I’ve gotten from streaming platforms and performing alongside some seriously talented artists. But the number one moment for me so far, would have to be signing my first label deal in 2022. Signing with Jayward has allowed me to film my very first official music video!
