Congratulations on the release of Night Diving! This album explores new sonic territory—what inspired this shift in your sound compared to Wandering?
I’ve been growing into my own sound as an artist, and the shift could be attributed to discovering newer influences such as Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams.
Your new single, Better Me For You (Brown Eyes), is deeply introspective. Can you share the story behind the lyrics and what inspired you to write it?
Better Me For You (Brown Eyes) follows the journey that my romantic life took following the acquisition of independence. I wasn’t the person I wanted to be, and it took an amazing girl coming into my life to help me change for the better.
Your journey from busking on a pier to selling out headline shows has been incredible. At what point did you realize your music was truly connecting with a global audience?
The streams continue to feel surreal to this day… but I would say a pivotal turning point was when fans started to send videos of them hearing my music in stores and on the radio.
Your song A Lot More Free has amassed over 80M+ streams and had a viral resurgence on TikTok. What do you think it is about that song that resonates so strongly with fans?
I think the subject matter of A Lot More Free can translate into many different experiences. The pain-filled sound of the vocal performance, coupled with the broad language of the chorus and verses, creates a global and digestible track.
You’ve turned down opportunities from major TV talent shows to walk your own path. What led to that decision, and how do you feel it has shaped your career?
I feel as though that decision was pivotal in my artistic journey. Although I have nothing against the shows themselves, I felt I had established a career already and was hesitant to let that career be attributed to success on a game show.
You’ve spoken about your brother’s battle with cancer and how it influenced your journey. How has that experience impacted your songwriting and personal outlook on life?
Several songs have been directly influenced by my brother’s battle, specifically Can’t Hide Light and Freezing In November. In a more general sense, his journey has allowed me to “zoom out” my perspective and keep close to me the things and people that are truly important.
With Night Diving produced by Jamie Kenney, what was the most memorable moment in the studio while bringing this album to life?
The entire writing session that created Night Diving was one of the most memorable experiences. It allowed me to explore within myself and treat the experience like it was a therapy session.
You’re about to embark on your debut headline tour, including newly added shows in Australia and New Zealand. What can fans expect from your live performances?
At every live performance, my goal is to place myself in the mindset I was in when each song was written. By doing this, I hope to embody the emotion and make each person in the crowd feel less alone.
Billboard recently named you Country Rookie of the Month, and CMT spotlighted you as a Next Up Now artist. How does it feel to receive that level of recognition so early in your career?
To be accepted by the music community is extremely rewarding. I think sometimes people have digital success and lack the acceptance of the industry itself… all in all, I am extremely honored to be recognized.
As a Nashville-based artist with roots in Oregon, how have your surroundings influenced your songwriting and the themes you explore in your music?
My physical location doesn’t play as large of a role as one may think. I use nostalgia and memories as primary drivers in my songwriting and very rarely rely on my current location to inspire my songs. I hope to go on a peaceful camping trip on the West Coast and write some music inspired by the Northwestern woods soon.
