Tell us about:

Your last single you released:

 On My Way Again

Your first single and how you felt when it was released:

“Trust Me,” was the first song I wrote and recorded for this record, and it definitely set the stage for the rest of the music to tell its story. My producer, Dave Tweedie, and I came up with the feel after jamming the song out with drummer Keynon McBurney, and from there the arrangement just started writing itself. Saxophonist, Shannon Kennedy, improvised these amazing call and response like solos, and that brought everything in the soundscape to a new level. Releasing it made me feel so proud and hopeful, and every time I hear it, I remember how fun the collaborative process was.

Your favorite song you created: 

“The Center,” is a song that took me years to write, and finally finishing it was really rewarding. It’s placement at the end of the record is intentional because it symbolizes a feeling of acceptance and peace within my journey. 

Your favorite song to play live:

“Paradise,” is such a fun song to play live because we can make it as upbeat as we like with the disco-like four on the floor beat. I love leaving the instrumental section up for grabs and the melodies and rhythms to take shape differently every time. 

Your most emotional track:

“Clear Water,” was inspired by a dream that involved a house slowly filling up with frothy ocean water. My friends and family were there, and they seemed calm and unfazed. There were fish swimming around in the house, and my friend’s dog was swimming around too. I grew tense and couldn’t understand why no one was afraid of the rising water. Eventually, I was overtaken by calmness. Ultimately, I felt connected and a sense that I was healing, and that everything was going to be okay. This song is emotional because it came at a time when I was ready to see a bigger picture and understand my struggles and begin to overcome them.  

The best lyric you have ever written:

Oh…. I don’t know!! The lyrics in “The Center,” and “Clear Water” definitely are the most special to me though. 

Essential items you always take on tour with you:

A notebook, a field recorder, and trail mix… 

Describe your fans in three words:

Caring, Gentle, Open Minded

A song by another artist or band you wish you had written:

I wish I had written “Breathe Me,” by Sia. It has such a beautiful instrumental arrangement and her lyrics and vocal performance hit me every time I hear it. 

What we can look forward to from you this year:

I have a limited run of vinyls on the way, as well as a specially labeled wine as my music merch. I will also be setting up community based shows in Santa Ana, and other dates in the books for Los Angeles and surrounding areas in Southern California.