Where are you currently based?
I live on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Castlemaine.
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing when I was five years old, but didn’t start writing songs ’till I was fifteen, when I was given a piano from a family friend who passed away. Writing songs was a way for me to express what I was feeling.
You’ve just got back from touring the UK, please tell us about the experience:
I toured with artist Ruth Lyon, who is an incredible performer and songwriter. We performed for the month of May across the UK, as well at The Great Escape Festival; I also did a show in London at the Aussie BBQ showcase, thanks to Sounds Australia. It was absolutely incredible performing alongside Ruth each night on tour, my favourite part was meeting the audiences at the end of the night and getting to connect with people as well as hearing Ruth sing!
Your latest single ‘Running Underwater’ is out now, how did this single come about?
I wrote ‘Running Underwater’ several years ago just on my piano. It was one of those songs that just pours out of you quickly. It’s about having a disability and being told that you should hide it to fit in. For a long time I thought I needed to hide it and the weight was really heavy. It felt like I was ‘Running Underwater’. I performed the song on ABC’s Q&A and so many people reached out saying they related to the song. When I started my new EP with producer Pip Norman, I knew it was one I needed to record. I’m really proud with how it turned out. It’s very anthemic.
Please tell us about the importance of this single and its significance for you when it comes to your advocacy work, being a champion for other musicians with disabilities: Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
I feel ‘Running Underwater’ is important because disability is still greatly underrepresented in the music industry! That’s not because there isn’t talent out there, it’s because there are so many barriers. For instance it’s hard for musicians to tour and release music when they can’t get through the door! I hope that having a disability showcased like this, especially with the music video, that it can represent disability as something that shouldn’t be feared, or a deficit. In fact it’s something
to be celebrated.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Odette, Ngaiire, Jen Cloher, Moreton.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2023?
I have a show at Melbourne Recital Centre in August as well as some shows in Sydney and Brisbane. Some other exciting things are underway as well. I will be releasing my EP later this year also.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love strawberries & watermelon! In winter, soups are my go to! I love hanging out at The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine or my local cafe Saint Florian.
‘RUNNING UNDERWATER’ is out now
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