Your debut single, ‘I’ll Be,’ has gained significant traction online, earning you a strong following. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and how it feels to see such a positive response?
I’ll Be is somewhat of a personal manifesto… a pledge to my future self and the person I want to become. I touch on a lot of different aspects in my life that are important to me, so to see it connect with people is incredibly fulfilling and special.
You’ve shared the stage with major artists like Newton Faulkner, Kim Churchill, Vera Blue, and Pete Murray. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from supporting these artists?
As a support artist, it’s your job to start the night off with good energy and create a vibe in the room before the headline. Doing shows like these have really taught me that the crowd is already on your side. When people come out for a show, they’re wanting to have a good time- and I think learning to lean into that mindset has been super beneficial.
Signing a worldwide deal with AWAL US is a huge milestone. Can you walk us through how that opportunity came about and what it means for your career moving forward?
That journey really started from focusing heavily on my songwriting for a number of years – so that when it came to having the conversation with labels I had a big catalog as a sort of proof of work. I’ll Be was the song that set it into motion, with the amazing Mike Taylor joining our team and helping to set up the deal with AWAL.
With your debut album on the horizon, what can fans expect in terms of sound, themes, and songwriting? Are there any particular influences shaping this project?
I feel like my music lives in the world of rock influenced singer/songwriter. I’m very inspired by stripped 60’s folk to modern pop, rock bands to cinematic soundtracks. Most of the songs have originated in writing on either guitar or piano, and centred around themes of self-discovery, purpose and love.
Your music has resonated with both live audiences and online listeners. Do you approach songwriting differently knowing that your music connects in such varied ways?
In my writing I mostly try and follow what the song feels like it wants to be- both thematically and musically. Sometimes I’ll know when I’m writing that it could be well suited for live performances, and other times I’ll be writing a simple slow folk song with no chorus that will be less live suited. The song is the boss!
You have a captivating stage presence. How did you develop your live performance skills, and do you have any pre-show rituals to get in the right mindset?
Thank you! I’ve been playing live since I was 8 years old – singing Michael Jackson in a school production haha. Then writing, busking and doing gigs most weekends from around 12- travelling Aus in a caravan for 6 months with my family and playing everywhere we went. I just really love it so much and it’s huge reason for pursuing music. My pre-show rituals are mostly just warming up my voice and listening to some songs to get me in the right headspace.
As part of Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH series, you’re joining a lineup of rising talent. How does it feel to be part of this platform, and what are you most looking forward to about the Melbourne event?
It’s awesome to be included in this incredible series. To join a great list of past performers is exciting and I’m super keen to play the Gaso- it’ll be my first show there!
The Australian music scene is evolving rapidly. As an artist navigating the industry, what are some challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
I think finding the right team is so important. I kept writing and focusing on the music for years until I felt confident in the team around me to achieve a shared vision. I’m grateful and excited to be starting this new phase of my journey with some awesome and talented people.
Your career is on an exciting trajectory in 2025. What are your biggest goals for this year, and are there any dream collaborations or projects in the works?
I’m looking to spend some time overseas this year playing gigs and touring new places… I’m super excited by that! Working on these songs with Eric J Dubowsky has really been a dream collaboration… we’ve written songs together that will be on the record and he’s producing and mixing. A really cool relationship with someone who’s Grammy and ARIA winning.
For fans discovering your music for the first time through ONES TO WATCH, what’s the one thing you’d like them to take away from your performance?
That I’m in this for the long haul! I’ve been focused on music since I was a kid and yet this now feels like a new beginning. I have so much to give moving forward and would love if people connect to lyrics or a feeling I’ve facilitated.
