Tell us about:

Your latest single you have released:

My latest single, “My Life Is A Movie,” is the opening track from the album “The Garden.” The song was born out of my love for movies and the realization that sometimes when we try to control our lives too much, we lose sight of what truly matters. I wanted to convey the idea of just sitting back and watching the movie of our lives unfold.

This song brought together many of my talented friends, including Trevor, an orchestrator based in LA, who collaborated with my producer Jonathan Elyashiv to create an orchestral section inspired by our favorite composers such as John Williams, Thomas Newman, and Alan Menken. Additionally, my friends Stephen, Laura, and Ducky provided beautiful background vocals reminiscent of the old Disney chorus singers.

It’s a heartfelt song that encourages listeners to reflect on the challenges they’ve overcome and the unnecessary worries they’ve had along the way, reminding them that they are the heroes of their own stories.

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

Oh my goodness! I absolutely love this question. My first single, “Gotta Get to You,” was released back in 2013. I wrote this song with two of my closest friends, Jackson Hoffman and Julia Bree, when we were all freshmen at Berklee. It’s hard to believe that it’s turning 10 this October – happy birthday, “Gotta Get to You”!

At the time, like many queer artists, I was still in the closet, so I wrote songs about heterosexual relationships to be more accessible and relatable. Looking back, I don’t regret that decision, as it was a reflection of the time and my own journey.

However, I am proud of how far I’ve come as a songwriter and the honesty I now bring to my music. Writing has become even more enjoyable as I continue to explore and grow in my personal and artistic life.

Your favorite song that you have created that is an album track:

This is such a tough question! I’m incredibly proud of my song “HomeGoods.” When I first shared it with my network, some found it a bit strange, and rightfully so! However, I believe that Jonathan and I created something special with this song. It’s a visually-driven piece that I poured a lot of effort into, especially with the lyrics. I love how it takes a mundane task like going to HomeGoods and connects it to deeper feelings of loneliness. It’s a unique and personal track that represents my growth as an artist.

Your favorite song to play live:

My favorite song to play live is “Never Drinking Again.” It’s an older song of mine that seems to resonate really well with the audience. In fact, my sister-in-law Stephanie is still campaigning for that song to receive Grammy consideration – she’s quite persistent! (laughs).

The song that took the longest to write and why:

The song that took the longest to write was “Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay.” Religion played a significant role in my coming-out journey, and growing up Catholic instilled a sense of shame in me for being gay. I wanted to write a prayer-like song for myself and for anyone struggling to embrace their sexuality and find liberation. I approached it with meticulousness, drawing inspiration from the hymns I used to sing in church. The process was both influenced by those Catholic hymns and fueled by the exclusion I felt as a queer person.

Your most emotional track:

I have yet to release a song as emotional as “Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay.” With a large number of young people looking up to me, I hope this song serves as a source of support for anyone struggling to find self-love and compassion. It’s deeply personal and carries a message of acceptance.

The best lyric you have ever written:

“May your church live not in buildings but in structures built within.” This lyric holds a special place in my heart. It emphasizes the importance of inner growth and finding strength within oneself rather than relying solely on external structures or institutions.

Describe the feeling you get when you walk on stage to do a show:

While my perspective on performing has shifted due to the impact of Covid, I still feel a sense of hope when I walk on stage. I want my music to resonate with the audience in a way that helps them remember the aspects of life they love, amidst all the non-negotiable aspects like making money. It’s a powerful feeling to connect with people through my music.

Essential items you always take on tour with you:

When I’m on tour, I always make sure to have my AirPods, laptop, and a paperback book that I’ll probably never get around to reading – it’s a comforting presence nonetheless.

Describe your fans in three words:

Supportive, humorous, Swifties.

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

“The Men Who Drive Me Places” by Ben Rector. It’s a beautiful song that resonates with me on a personal level, and I admire the way Ben Rector has created a dedicated fanbase and culture around his music.

What we can look forward to from you this year:

You can look forward to the release of my album “The Garden” on June 8th. I’m also currently workshopping a musical that I’ve been writing since 2021. Additionally, I founded a collaborative and inclusive music and theater education company called Boxcar Theatre Company alongside my best friends this year. So cool to work with young people in a new way.