Where are you currently based?
I’m currently living in Cairns, and have been for 7 years now, although I’m originally from the tiny Isle Barra off the West Coast of Scotland.
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve been around music and the arts my entire life and, coming from Scotland, it was a huge part of my soul/culture. I was brought up as a Highland Dancer and played the fiddle and piano at school (but NOT the bagpipes!). I’ve always loved the idea of being a singer, and a couple of years ago started writing my own songs in a little homemade recording booth in my parents garage. The success of my debut single Heebiejeebies inspired me to continue to chase this dream and I’m now following a path to make singing my career.
What’s been happening recently?
I finished school last year (yeay!) and just started my Cert 3 in Music at TAFE. It’s great fun being around like-minded people and getting to be a full time music student. I have lots of new music coming out soon. Still the Same was the first single of my debut EP of 5 new original songs coming out in March. We’re releasing the second single from the EP on 11th February, called Stockholm – and it’s something a little different from my normal. We’ve just finished filming the music video for this one, in the rainforest in the heat of summer!! I also have my first co-headline gig at the Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns on 18th Feb and then will be performing at The Powerhouse in Brisbane April 24th. So I’m very excited for everything that’s happening over the next few months and can’t wait to share my new music with everyone.
Your latest single ‘Still the Same’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I read a book called ‘The Invisible Life of Addie Larue’ and was super inspired by the concept of time passing and growing as a person, but still having the same feelings you had for someone from your past, a love that never really went away. It’s a very heartfelt song and the lyrics reflect on whether your old lover or yourself are still the same person you were. Something I think everyone can relate to, so definitely give it a listen if you haven’t!
How did the concept for the music video come about?
I wanted a super homey-type video. Inspired by those scenes in movies when families watch their old home videos. I wanted it to look as if I’m turning through the pages of my scrapbook and I’m reliving the memories. It’s a cute and simple concept, and includes footage from the live performance from the Single Launch at Bar36!
Where did you film and who did you work with?
My sister and best friend filmed me awkwardly running around the Esplanade for the ‘memories’ haha. My good friend also took the video of me singing live at Bar36, so it was a very personal video made by myself with the help of my friends and family. It’s supposed to be quite raw and not so professional, and I think that’s translated well in the video.
Your upcoming single ‘Stockholm’ will be released soon, how did this track come about and what does it mean to you?
Stockholm was a song I wrote on a random Thursday in my Garage. I had this concept of being in love with the villain and the little idea spiralled into the huge song that it now is. I worked with some of the boys from a progressive rock band Forest, and we turned into a powerful, heavy song that I don’t think people are quite expecting from me. It releases on 11th Feb.
You’ll be releasing your debut EP soon, please tell us about this project:
It’s my first time putting out more than just a single and I am soooo excited!! Songwriting for me is all about storytelling, and the EP tracks are in a very specific order telling a story of falling in love and then it progresses through the falling apart and things quickly going downhill. The lyrics are so important in this project! It’s also my first time delving into different genres of music. Previously, my music has only been pop. But on this EP, I have funk, rock, jazz and a little doo-wop! It’s quite eclectic in the best way possible — there’s something for everyone!
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I had plans to record with Simon Cohen at Studios 301 in Sydney, but covid happened and I ended up recording in Brisbane at The Plutonium Studio with Aiden Hogg! It was such a fun experience as I’m used to doing everything myself. It was nice to be able to JUST sing and let someone else do all the work.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m a huge bookworm & love creative writing. I guess that’s why I’m so obsessed with storytelling in my songs and making sure my concepts have depth and connect with listeners.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m always listening to Frank Ocean, Mother Mother, Bo Burnham, Tyler, the Creator, very different music to what I sing.
What’s planned for 2022?
MUSIC!! I want to keep writing, singing, recording, releasing, and performing live — hopefully some festivals, maybe a tour? And keep chasing my dream to make music and performing my full time career.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love pistachios, corn on the cob, potato and green Thai curry…Weird mix, I know! And my favourite place to hang out is probably just at home with a book, or on the beach.