Your new single, Something In The Winter, explores your journey following an ADHD diagnosis. Can you share what inspired you to write this song and how the experience shaped your approach to music?
Since I was young, my family, who are also really creative, have always encouraged my older sister and me to thrive in creative self-expression. I grew up learning many instruments across different styles (trumpet, piano, guitar, and voice). I gravitated towards jazz and rock and started learning more about what my voice could do as an instrument.
I would dance with my sister nearly every day of the week—ballet, tap, and jazz—and that was my norm. Music quickly became my outlet for everything, especially emotions. How often I use that outlet depends on how I’m feeling. Singing is my biggest escape, and with that comes writing. It feels normal and natural to me—when I sing, I embody every note and word. The ability to create melodies and lyrics is incredibly special.
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis at 20 was weirdly significant. I struggled with thoughts like, “How come no one told me?” or “Why did it take so long to find out?” It weighed on me a lot. I also felt embarrassed, as if it were something bad. Then I read The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley, a journalist for The Guardian who also received an adult ADHD diagnosis. Her book explained so much and helped me see the positives.
Post-diagnosis, I had to deal with those emotions, so I started writing songs, and Something In The Winter evolved quickly. It helped me express my frustrations and accept who I am, why I’ve done certain things in life, and what I can do next. The song is a reflection of my brain—why I’m so drawn to creativity and self-expression. Once I accepted that, I realized it’s a journey to learn from and grow along the way.
You’ve described the song as a reflection on feeling “too much” or “not right.” How do you hope listeners—especially those who relate to neurodivergence—connect with the track?
Before my diagnosis, I had inklings that ADHD was a possibility for me. I struggled to stay in one place, easily got distracted, and found homework impossible because there was always something more exciting to do. Making and keeping friends got harder as I got older. I often worried people found me annoying or too loud. I would give up when things got overwhelming and changed jobs frequently because the excitement wore off.
My imagination has always run wild, creating dreams and finding ways to chase them. Over time, I’ve come to accept that how I feel is completely okay—I’m not alone.
When I started making music, I wanted to create a space of support through my songs. My music shares stories of self-worth, strength, and mental health. I want my listeners, neurodivergent or not, to feel supported, comfortable, and understood. My songs allow me to grow personally, clear my mind, and release emotions meaningfully. I care about authenticity in my career and hope to connect and inspire through my art.
Your previous release, Firework Night, tackled your struggles with Endometriosis. How do these deeply personal themes influence your songwriting, and do you find it therapeutic to express them through music?
I depend on music as an outlet. When life hands me things bigger than myself, I need somewhere to put those emotions—so they turn into songs. A lot of my past music has explored sadder, deeper themes because I was using those songs to process sadness.
Life is unpredictable. I’ve always been a happy, healthy kid, and I got to travel a lot growing up. But finding out new things—especially about my health—has been overwhelming. These experiences remind me that I’m alive. People change, mindsets change, and health changes. I’ve gotten better at accepting things as they are and learning from them, though I don’t have it all figured out yet—I’m only 21.
I remind myself that there’s plenty of time ahead to figure things out. I’m grateful for my self-awareness and the amazing people around me—friends, a partner, mentors, and my family. Those relationships are deep and special to me. It’s important to talk, share, cry, laugh, and make mistakes in life.
As an independent artist, you’ve also taken on the role of self-producer. How has that journey been for you, and what challenges or breakthroughs did you experience while creating Something In The Winter?
Women in production are the coolest thing. I’ve always had a deep understanding of what goes into making a song—the moving parts, melodies, effects, and groove. I played in a lot of ensembles growing up, which taught me how to listen to different instruments and understand my role within them.
I became really drawn to production in high school. I bought Logic Pro and started figuring it out. In 2022, I studied Sound Production at The Grove Studios, which helped me grow and gain my first two production credits. I worked on Write A Song Sounds Shit by Turpentine Babychino, which was played on Triple J and MTV, and Clouds by TYRANTS. I also co-produced my debut EP, The Lonely Man (2023).
Production is still a male-dominated field, but I’ve been lucky to work with incredible producers who support my artistry. Something In The Winter was recorded at Hazy Cosmic Jive Studios in Newcastle with producer Gareth Hudson. It was a lot of fun, and I had my bandmates Eli Love (drums) and Brandon Yarnold (bass) involved.
You’ve mentioned that the past two years have been transformative for you. How has your personal growth influenced your sound and approach to artistry?
Music has always been my emotional outlet. The past two years brought a lot of big changes, and I’ve spent time processing them. I’ve grown a lot as a person and an artist, learning to let go of things and people that no longer serve me—while also making mistakes along the way.
Recently, I’ve been inspired by artists like Middle Kids, Gang Of Youths, Sam Fender, and Maggie Rogers. I’ve been pushing myself to create without pressure or judgment, which has led to some exciting new songs that truly resonate with me.
Folk Rock often thrives on storytelling and raw emotion. How do you balance vulnerability with crafting a song that resonates musically and emotionally with your audience?
I love storytelling and see it as one of my strengths as a writer. If I’m honest and authentic with myself, vulnerability follows naturally. There are always people who think and feel the way I do, so someone will relate to my music.
It’s important to enjoy the music you create. I love both the creative process and the feeling of seeing a finished song. Once a song is released, it no longer belongs just to me—it belongs to the audience. Everyone listens differently and connects with music in their own way.
Some people say I sound more country than folk, while others say I sound more pop than rock. I don’t want to fit into a box—I just create because I love it. It’s a release for me, and the bonus is that I get to share it with others. Looking back at old releases is like reading my old diary. When I’m creating, I don’t think about what people will “think” because, at first, the music is for me.
Newcastle has a strong and growing music scene. How has being based there influenced your career and creative process?
There are so many amazing artists in Newcastle, all with strong sounds and identities. Some of my favorites are Amy Vee, Mark Wells, Georgie Winchester, Angela Rose, St Lennan, and Chai Chester. I feel honored to walk the same streets as them and create in the same space.
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What’s next for you following the release of Something In The Winter? Are there any upcoming projects, performances, or collaborations fans should look forward to?
There’s always something happening behind the scenes! I have a few shows coming up, and I’m currently in the early stages of writing and recording my next project. I can’t give too much away just yet, but I’m really excited about where my sound is heading. Fans can definitely expect more music in the near future.
What message do you hope listeners take away from Something In The Winter and your music as a whole?
I hope listeners feel understood and less alone. Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt and feeling “too much” or “not enough.” But those feelings don’t define who we are. It’s okay to be different, to process emotions in unique ways, and to embrace your quirks. Music has helped me make sense of myself, and I hope my songs can do the same for others.
Where can fans connect with you and stay updated on your latest releases?
You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook (@yourartistname). My music is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. I love hearing from listeners, so feel free to reach out and say hi!
