Tell us about:

Your latest single you have released:

I wrote Defenceless because being a teenage boy right now can feel really confusing. There’s a lot of focus on what boys shouldn’t be, but not enough on what it actually means to be a good young man — someone who’s kind, emotionally aware, and strong in the ways that matter.

You’re told to open up, but also to toughen up. To be sensitive, but not weak. Confident, but not full of ego. It can leave you constantly second-guessing yourself.

A lot of boys don’t feel like they have clear role models, so you end up stuck between wanting to be honest about how you feel and being worried about how that will be judged. That’s where Defenceless came from — feeling exposed and unsure, but still wanting to push through it.

The song isn’t a big statement. It’s just about being in the middle of the storm and trying to work out who you are while you’re still standing in it.

Your favourite lyric in this song:

“I’m not alone but I always Feel it”

Your favourite song that you have created that is an album track

It’s still very early days for me with songwriting, so I haven’t done an album track yet but I’m working on new material and working towards an EP that I’m planning to release later this year.

Your favourite song to play live:

Creep by Radiohead

The song that was the longest to write and why?

Defenceless. I collaborated with a songwriter and my producer on this one and because I knew it would be recorded in a studio, we really wanted to get it right. Other songs I’ve written with friends were more just for fun, so they came together a lot quicker.

One of your previous tracks you would recommend for first time listeners of your music and why?

I did a cover of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. It’s a great ballad, and I really love the production on my version — the producer did a great job with it.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

Fred again. I really admire how he blends electronic sounds with emotional and creative production and how he’s built his own style from producing for big artists to making his own music. I think working with someone like that would push me creatively and help me explore new sounds while still keeping things personal.

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

It’s a mix of nerves, excitement, and adrenaline at first, but once I start performing, the nerves settle really quickly and I just enjoy it.

The track that is most fun to play live:

Best Day of My Life by Tom Odell. He’s a massive inspiration to me and the song is really powerful to perform live because of the emotion behind it and how it connects with people.

Essential items you always take on tour with you:

I’m only 16, so I haven’t been on tour yet, but I’d definitely bring my phone and headphones and I’d probably make a playlist just for the tour. I’m always curious when I go to new places, so I’d want to look up where I’m going and what’s around. I’d love to bring my dogs too, although I’m not sure they’d be so keen!

Describe your fans in three words:

Mixed music lovers

A song released in the last few years by an artist or band you wish you had written:

Teal by Wunderhorse

What we can look forward to from you this year:

More original music and getting more confident with my songwriting and the stories I want to tell. It’ll be a mix of styles and genres, because at this stage of my career it’s important for me to keep experimenting — so when I pick a lane, I know it’s the right one.

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