Where are you currently based and what are you up to?
I just wrapped up shooting a Rom-Com movie called My Fake Boyfriend in Toronto yesterday, so I’m headed back to LA and into my full time music headspace. It’s harder to focus on it all when I’m on set for 14hr days, so i use the late nights and weekend where I can – thankfully I was able to find a dope studio and engineer here in TO to record my next release.
How did you first start playing music?
It started with dance really. As a kid I would edit my music for certain stage performances, i loved mixing songs together by splicing from multiple cassette tapes. Eventually, I learned computer programs to get finer cuts & more dynamics, and then in high school at about age 14 I started constructing original songs on my laptop & recording vocals. Once I started getting into actual recording studios at about 16yrs old it was all over for me – I knew I’d be hooked for life.
Your new single Rhythm & Music is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Definitely an MJ influence within the music and writing. I wanted something I could really break out and dance to, not just bop around but like really give every bit of feeling to. In terms of writing, I felt like I had too much love & music in my heart, and I always felt like the people I dated were wanting me to contain it for them… this was my rebellion, and invitation.
How did you go about writing the single?
Same way as most of the tracks on the album, my producer / roommate at the time Louis Futon just recorded at the house, it probably started with me venting about relationship patterns and desires… Usually he’d pick up an instrument, play around on it, and then I’d start singing a melody and lyrics inspired by the sound and the conversation… or vis-versa.
Where and when did you record/produce/master?
Recorded mostly in my house in Los Angeles, and also at Steakhouse Studios in North Hollywood. Masters were done also in LA with Michael Freeman.
What influenced the music video?
Our main influence vibes were Michael Jackson, Dirty Dancing, Kanye’s “Fade” video with Teyana Taylor, Flashdance etc. And the location was chosen because of my dance competition background, I was always in a hall like that most weekends growing up… in fact it’s likely that I’ve performed in that same hall before at some point ha, I really wanted to call back to my dance roots.. this song was the perfect choice for that.
Where and when did you film and who with?
We shot back in June 2020 at Balmain Town Hall. The entire crew had a history of dance as well, we had worked together many years earlier before I moved overseas.. so the whole project felt like this beautiful reunion. Cat Santos choreographed, Rowena Rasmussen directed along with husband Joel Rasmussen who was DP, Jason Lewis produced, & Dylan Mahoney was first AD as well as assistant creative director. Adam Saunders played my love interest, we’ve also known each other for many years through dance music and film in Sydney.
What did you most enjoy about creating the music video?
It was a family affair with my Aussie dance community. Getting to create back home again in Sydney with best friends and peers who’ve known me for over 10 years.. during a pandemic at that, was really a dream come true & massive blessing. I loved getting back to my roots as a dancer & pushing hard, there’s nothing quite like it and I never wanna forget that part of me again.
What do you like to do away from music?
Oooh.. I like to game from time to time. I’ve started getting into martial arts this year which I really enjoy. And I chill with my friends, I’ll kick it at a rave party every now and then, or go to a music festival. But to be honest, music always finds it’s way into every thing.. and I love it.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Past couple weeks it’s been Joyner Lucas, Obongjayar, Peter Collins, and James Fauntleroy. I’m about to get into Kanye’s Donda.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021 going into 22?
Is alllll about the rhythm & music baby ️ we got 3 other music videos to share & I have more to shoot, got a big live show I’ll start rehearsing for pretty soon & am currently planning out the creative for, and I’m also back in the studio writing new magic and finishing what we’ve worked on this year. It’s a dream year.
What’s your favourite food and place to hang out in your down time?
I love me some chocolate and I love hangin at home – I do so much travelling so at this stage my home feels like the vacation. Either solo or having friends over, it’s peaceful.
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