You’ve worked with incredible producers like Kyle McCammon and the team at Evoke Sounds. How do you approach collaboration in the studio — are you more of a vision-first artist, or do you like to build the concept together from scratch?
Yes, they’re the best Every song and producer I work with is different, but I love starting from whatever I’m feeling or is top of mind at that moment and building the song from there. Sometimes with a melody or a musical hook, other times it’s just a lyric I jotted down in a note on my phone. I’ve been lucky to work with producers who are open to following the creative process wherever it takes us, even when it leads us somewhere totally unexpected. In collaborations, I try to stay open and curious. The best work happens when there’s trust and no ego in the room.
There’s a cinematic quality to your music — especially in “Stone Cold.” How intentional is that storytelling lens when you’re writing or producing? Are you visualizing scenes as you create?
I wouldn’t say I necessarily set out with that intention, but I come from a background in acting and before pursuing music, studied Acting at the Victorian College of the Arts so storytelling feels second nature to me. I write music from my own lived experience, so naturally there’s always some sort of a narrative- a character, a moment, a shift. Whether intentional or not, it’s all storytelling and I think that’s what brings the songs to life.
The official video for “Stone Cold,” shot at Archie Brothers, is vibrant and unexpected. What drew you to that location, and how did that playful aesthetic contrast or complement the song’s deeper message?
I had many long brainstorming sessions with the Director Frederick McHenry before we came up with the idea for the “Stone Cold” music video. We kept coming back to this idea of “playing games” and loved the idea of shooting it in an arcade or something similar.
Once we found Archie Brothers it was perfect- we even used one of their escape rooms that was Rubik’s Cube-themed, which felt symbolic in all the right ways. We knew we wanted it set at night, but we were drawn to the contrast of bright colours, slow-motion action shots and something a little dreamlike, almost intoxicating.
My good friend Ed McCullough, who studied with me at VCA, kindly stepped in to play the “love interest,” which added a whole new layer. Amid all the chaos and neon beauty, it’s the quiet looks between us that hint at something shifting… like things could change in an instant… could turn stone cold.
You’ve already achieved impressive chart success with tracks like “Beautiful Liar” and “Hold Me.” How do you mentally and creatively handle the pressure of following up high-performing singles?
That’s a great question and honestly I think I’ll always feel that pressure- but I put it on myself! However, I’ve been incredibly lucky and proud that so far each release has outperformed the last…phew! Hopefully I can keep it that way.
While I’d be lying if I said things like streams or chart success don’t matter, I’ve learned not to let the numbers define the work. At the end of the day, they’re out of my control. What is in my control is the quality of the music. So I try to focus on creating songs I’m proud of, music that feels honest and intentional. I’ve learned so much in the relatively short time I’ve been releasing music and with each track, I try to offer something fresh and meaningful. Especially in an industry that’s as fast-moving as this one.
Your sound blends R&B, soul, and pop with an international polish. How do you stay grounded in your Australian roots while building a global identity as an artist?
Australia, and Melbourne in particular, has such a rich live music culture and I love testing out new music there and watching how people respond in real time. There’s a special magic in live music which always reminds me why I love doing it.
In Australia, we are influenced by so many different cultures and music genres which is amazing. While I think my sound is global, there’s something inherently “Aussie” about music that is straight to the point, real and a little rough around the edges…I don’t know if I’ll ever stray too far from that.
There’s a noticeable thread of emotional honesty in your work — even when the production is sleek and upbeat. How do you balance vulnerability with musical confidence in your songwriting?
For me, vulnerability is the foundation. I can’t create without it. It’s the honesty in the lyrics that gives me the confidence to share the music with the world. If I’ve lived it, felt it, and can articulate it in a way that feels true then I trust that someone else will connect to it, too.
Having been endorsed by tastemakers like Hernán Cattáneo and featured on major platforms, how do you decide which aspects of your artistry to evolve and which to protect as core to your identity?
Yes that support was amazing and a huge confirmation that I was heading in the right direction. I think as artists (and as people) we’re always evolving but I try to stay rooted in what made me start in the first place: real lyrics, emotive melodies, and a connection to story. That core doesn’t change, even if the sound around it does.
Your upcoming EP is titled Reasons I Can’t Sleep — a striking concept. Can you share some insight into the overarching themes of the EP and how “Stone Cold” fits into that emotional landscape?
I love that you asked that. The title came out of a conversation with my manager almost a year ago- we were talking about how so many of the songs on the EP were quite different in their vibe, but the themes were all things that kept me up at night. If you know me well, you’d know I’ve struggled with sleep my whole life- whether it’s from jet lag, being out too late, overthinking, disappointment, or hope. Reasons I Can’t Sleep is a collection of the things that have kept my mind racing at 2AM (the title of my previous release). “Stone Cold” is one of those reasons I couldn’t sleep for a while- you only have to listen to the lyrics to figure out why.
Looking ahead, what does “success” mean to you now — especially after seeing early international traction? Are there new markers of growth you’re chasing, creatively or personally?
Honestly, seeing “Stone Cold” land on playlists and charts around the world has been surreal. It’s one thing to make music that you love, but it’s another to know that people in places I’ve never been to are connecting with it. That kind of reach has definitely shifted my idea of success and I’d really love to tour my music. I’ve done original shows in Melbourne, but now I’m dreaming about how audiences might respond in other countries. That’s the next chapter I’m chasing.
Creatively and personally, I feel like I’ve found my stride and I just want to keep that momentum going. Keep releasing music, stay inspired by other artists, places, and people, and build something that lasts.
