Where are you currently based?
The Central Coast, NSW
How did you first start playing music?
Ever since I was super young, I’ve always sang and danced about making up little tunes but I think It wasn’t until my Mum took me to singing lessons that I started to properly play music. I played violin for a little while as a kid and then I moved to guitar and singing as my key instruments. I first started playing music live when I was about 11 or 12 and have done so ever since.
What’s been happening recently?
I just released my debut EP “ELEGY” and had my launch at the Australian Institute of Music which was super fun.
You’ve just released your debut EP ‘ELEGY’ at the ripe old age of 18, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I was experimenting with sound and what I want the production of my songs to sound like. When I was in the process of writing “Silence Song”, I realised I was really leaning towards alternate and dark pop sounds. I think thematically, the EP stems from a place of moving on to better things, transitioning into better places and having hope in moments of self-reflection.
How did you go about writing the EP?
I wrote a lot of it solo however I also collaborated with a range of different producers and songwriters to create the songs that you now hear on the EP. Some of the writing process consisted of me just picking up a guitar and hitting records on my voice memos, while other times I collaborated online writing and recording bit by bit.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
I recorded in a couple different places and worked with a few different people for the creation of the EP. I got to work in Forbes Street Studios with Mario Spate, Studios 301 with Jess Deskovic, The Music Cellar with Rod McCormack, and The Nest Studios with Tristan Barton. I also recorded a few vocals in my home studio and worked with David Turley online recording and writing.
How did you approach the recording process?
I make sure my vocals are feeling good, usually I will have a tea and make sure my voice is warmed up. I’ll then work with the producer I’m working with to record takes of the song. I love layering my vocals and creating beds of harmonies for my lead vocals to sit on. As for other instruments, a lot of it is synthesised or electronic but i love recording my favourite cole clark angel 2 model guitar. If I’m recording from home, I just go through the song chronologically and methodically and make sure I have heaps of takes and layers for the producer to work with.
You worked with a talented bunch of producers to make this EP, how did these associations come about?
I’ve won a couple awards that have given me connections such as winning the Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize that got me connected with Jess Deskovic. As for other connections, they usually happen through my label or publishers. I’ve been really lucky to work with such talented and kind people.
Did music always seem to be the path you were meant to follow?
Music has always been a prominent feature of my life, however, I didn’t really realize it could be something I could pursue as a career until a few years ago. It just makes sense to me as music was always the one thing I felt comfort in when everything else seemed difficult or too much.
How does it feel releasing your first EP?
It feels pretty surreal just because it has felt like such a long time coming in releasing singles and music videos and creating content for it to finally be out in the world. I am just overwhelmingly happy to have it out as my first body of work and feel that it’s a really special thing to have a physical thing that acts as almost an extension of yourself to add to your portfolio of stuff you’ve created.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to a range of different stuff and that changes all the time, but I’m loving Kimbra’s new songs at the moment, BANKS, Dora Jar, Adele and Vera Blue.
What do you like to do away from music?
When I’m not listening to, writing or performing music, I can usually be found spending time out with my favourite people and going out having fun with friends and family, whether that’s at concerts, events, the beach or just out for food and drinks. As a writer, I also really love reading and delving into imaginary worlds that people have built in their heads as I find that super inspiring and helpful for building vocab when I’m songwriting. I am a huge movie buff and could quote quite literally any disney or early 2000’s kids film. I also love trying new things, going to new places, adventuring, getting outside in the sun -not for too long cause i’ll burn as i’m super white-, and i also love just putting my creativity to the test in whatever way i can.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I am going away on two trips in December this year, Thailand with my best friend and then I’m cruising around Vanuatu with my family for christmas. In and around then, I’m finishing off my diploma in music production and sound engineering and doing little solo gigs. Nothing is set in stone for next year music wise but we are planning to organise a band show to celebrate the EP early 2023. I’m also planning to get out there much more with my band, supporting other artists and touring as much as I can. I want to push myself to collaborate with more artists as well next year.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love food and trying new foods so much but my favourite has got to be sushi and japanese style cuisine. I also love curry and south aisian style food too. I love sour patch kids and weird food combos as well like salt and vinegar chips with beetroot dip. There are a few nice restaurants and bars where I live that are great to hang out with friends but the beaches where I live are amazing too so I love to hangout there as well.
Debut EP ‘Elegy’ is out now via Double Drummer.
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