Congratulations on the release of “Relentless”! What does this song mean to you personally, and why did you choose it as the title track for the album?
Thank you! This song is a reminder of my resilience, persistence and ability to overcome. I was facing a particularly challenging time in my career when I wrote this and it gifted me renewed hope and faith in things to come. I had already finished writing all the songs for the album but serendipitously I was heading back to the studio that week to work on final vocals and told my producer that this song had to be part of the record and alas it made such an impact that it became the title track!
The video for “Relentless” was filmed on your property and features your horse, Cash. How important is your connection to the land and animals in shaping your music and storytelling?
It’s extremely important, especially being a rural based artist and born and raised on the land. It’s who I am and the only environment I truly know, it inspires me endlessly. Sometimes it’s not in an obvious way, yet even just writing all my songs from here allows the music to carry the energy of this beautiful place. I believe where you create from does have an impact on the art.
This is your second studio album, produced by Rusty Crook. How did the collaboration come about, and what was different about the process this time around?
Rusty and I have been working together from the very beginning of my recording career and he knows my music so well I couldn’t imagine recording with anyone else. He almost instantly knows which direction to go as soon as he hears the song and always brings out the best in my work. The first album was recorded over a few days at the studio and I’m still so proud of that body of work, however the growth and progress demonstrated in my new album is evidence that I’ve settled into my sound and style. This album was a slow and intentional unfolding. I’d drive down to Tamworth every few weeks and we’d only focus on a couple of tracks at a time. I think it allowed the songs to be really worn in and the process to unfold organically. That was important for this project and where I’m at as an artist.
You’ve described each track in the album’s track-by-track guide. Was there a song that was particularly challenging—or cathartic—to write or record?
The most challenging was probably ‘Can’t Fake That’, I rewrote that one a couple of times and it didn’t spill out as effortlessly as some of the others, but the end result was worth it. It was really good for me to practice editing and rewriting as in the past I’ve often left it sit too long and lost interest. Higher Ground, Someone’s Enemy and Relentless were all really sore points to write about, as I stated above, Relentless was a result of career challenges. Higher Ground was a song I wrote after facing the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and having to be rescued by a boat and watch a town I love destroyed by the biggest natural disaster we’ve seen in our lifetime. Someone’s Enemy was just me trying to process my feelings around a broken down friendship but it ended up so cathartic and healing and the feedback on that song has been really incredible, I’m glad it’s out there now for anyone who may be needing it the way I did when I wrote it.
You’ve been through some incredibly difficult times, including being rescued by boat during the 2022 Northern Rivers flood while pregnant. How did that experience influence your songwriting on this album, if at all?
As stated above, Higher Ground was the track dedicated to this experience. Honestly it took me a while to even start talking about it, let alone write about it. But 11 months later I was ready to put pen to paper and I had the song written quite quickly, but then singing it without crying was the next battle, but I’ve overcome that now.
Country music often thrives on real-life stories. Do you find writing about personal hardships healing, or is it more about connecting with listeners who’ve walked a similar road?
It’s a dance of both. I do really write for therapy and to process certain experiences, but I always have the intention and hope that my music finds the people who need it. There are songs that have really pulled me from the depths, I want to be able to create that music for people to lean on and maybe take the edge off certain challenges in life. Impactful music is always my goal.
You’ve got a run of upcoming shows across NSW and QLD. How do you prepare for performing live, and do you have a favourite venue or town you’re especially excited to return to?
We’ve been rehearsing for this since last year and I’ve been testing set lists out at local shows and really ticking all the boxes to create a great show for the audience. It’s been great to grow more in the area of live performance, work consistently with a band and really nurture that craft. This tour has a great variety of venues but my favourite so far was returning to do my home town show at Mummulgum Hall last Saturday night. I was expecting some friends and family to come out for it, but we actually ended up selling out and having to quickly arrange 12 extra tables for the massive crowd that seemed to just arrive out of nowhere. It was surreal and a huge confidence boost.
Your music blends traditional country with heartfelt lyrics. Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they helped shape your sound?
Alison Krauss, Kasey Chambers, Joy Williams, and a lot of 90’s country music artists. There’s no denying the evidence of that influence in my music, but it’s been nice to tap into my own unique style.
What’s something about Relentless—the album—that you hope listeners really notice or take away after hearing it?
I really hope they’re able to find themselves in it, relate or connect to the concepts and stories. I hope it has the same cathartic and impactful effect for the listener as it has for me, the writer.
Looking ahead, where do you see your music heading after this release? Are there themes or stories you’re already exploring for future work?
I’d love to keep the momentum flowing on performing live shows and working with my band. I’d really love the opportunity to play more festivals and connect with country music lovers just like me. I’m really excited because I have been collecting bits and pieces and ideas for new songs and that really excites me. I’m looking forward to focusing on more writing throughout this season.
