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 Warwick (Darling Downs) and grew up on the Sunshine Coast. My dad played the guitar since he was young, and he is still today my biggest musical inspiration. At about 4 years old, he had me up on stage singing to his playing at church, and my kid’s Pastors has me sing on a majority of their albums. When we moved churches, the music dream got lost for a second but was re-sparked in grades seven and eight when I met two of my most influential teachers: Mr Shev and Mr Brazell, who taught me the guitar and fuelled my passion for music. I owe where I am today to all of these people.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: I adore John Mayer, and always have, just like my father. My top three artists are him, Madison Cunningham and Jacob Collier. They just make some great music. I also love Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Dire Straights – all of those guys. However, my favourite song would have to be “Manchester” by Ryan Adams. And there’s hundreds more artists I could list I’m sure.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: John Mayer has to be number one. His folk, blues and rock tracks have a permanent place in my daily music playlist. His songwriting is phenomenal. I’d say him and my father are my biggest influences. My dad plays guitar and sings in his own band Sugarbag Blonde, and he introduced me to John Mayer when I was young.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Beat You at Your Own Game’. Is there a story behind it?
A: There sure is. The song is about a narcissist who has their bubble popped when they leave the love of their friends and family to go into the real world. Turns out they were never as good as their loved ones had said, and their ego is quickly deflated. I could sing this song at a couple of people I’ve crossed paths with. I can’t stand pride and ego, but they are human emotions I’ll likely be battling my entire life.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I’d love that. I’ve definitely got some things in the works, but nothing properly planned and ready to go. Just some floating ideas that I need to tie down. It’d be a dream to release an album at the end of next year, and maybe an EP at the end of this year. But this year definitely has a couple more singles lined up.
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: Well lyrics are everything to me. I love a good catchy riff or some clever musicianship the likes of Jacob Collier, but in the end, I want to be famous for my songwriting. If I’m describing my sound, I can’t really say for sure. I’ve written folk, rock/blues, country and pop. So I feel like a jigsaw piece that doesn’t fit into exactly one puzzle. One day I’m listening to jazz and the next day I’m listening to alt pop. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll pick a genre. But for now, I like to switch it up. One day I like writing like John Mayer, the next Madison Cunningham, the next Taylor Swift. Maybe it’s because I’m still a teenager and my identity isn’t quite solidified yet…
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Playing a gig or recording a song or even just writing a song makes my heart so full. I’m hoping one day to actually make a living off it all, but I can at least rest easy knowing that doing this stuff makes me feel fulfilled in a spiritual/purpose sense.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I usually start by playing a cover song and then messing up, resulting in some catchy lick. Then the words kinda spill out onto a page. I’m not usually lacking ideas, and it’s funny how I will write words that rhyme and make sense without even knowing what a word actually means… only to find it fits perfectly. Sometimes I don’t know if it is me writing the lyrics. After I’ve recorded a draft take of acoustic and vocals I like to get a drummer in, then build a bass guitar part and go from there in whichever direction my heart desires. I find it tricky to compose ‘in the box’, and I find it difficult to begin with lyrics unless I can hear chords behind them. Trying to find chords or licks that suit lyrics is harder than you would think. I mean, you could take the song in any direction from a set of lyrics, whereas certain chord progressions will only allow certain lyrical topics to evolve from them… if that makes sense.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Personally, working out who I am and who I want to be. The image I want to portray to my audience. The genre I want to fit into and the people I want to be likened to. Every teen struggles with identity, who they want to be and why, how. As for a specific event, I went through a pretty traumatic breakup recently. But isn’t it wonderful how hard times grow you as a person. And it’s produced some killer songs.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Releasing my first single Never Fascinated was a huge moment for me. It was a promise to myself that I had made so many years earlier. I poured my heart and soul into it, and honestly, it’ll probably be my anthem for the rest of my career. Love is such a beautiful gift, so what better thing to write about?
