Where are you currently based?
I am based in Meanjin (Brisbane), Australia.
How did you first start playing music?
I have been pretty musical all my life. My early home videos are of me banging on pots and pans and singing to hi-five. I first started writing songs when I was about ten and then started learning to play bass when I was eleven for the primary school band. My Dad played bass and I wanted to be just like him. I used to jam with my Dad and started writing songs and riffs on bass shortly after I started learning to play.
What’s been happening recently?
A lot! I have been busy planning and organising for this release, shooting a music video and making sure everything’s up to my perfectionist standard. I have also been recording new music and am in the process of finishing my next single as we speak. I’m always plotting and scheming something.
Your debut single ‘Hollywood Ending’ will be released on August 19, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
I first had all the lyrics written for this song but no melodies or riffs yet in mind. I remember sitting down and purposefully trying to tell myself to be open minded to whatever ideas may come because usually I am quite judgemental of them. I didn’t have a specific sound in mind writing this song other than the “ZZADE” electronic pop but still heavy sound I had been trying to curate. I think production and the main bass riff really transformed the song into something I really liked.
How did Hollywood Ending come about and what is the meaning?
Hollywood Ending came to life from two things – a therapy session and a bad dream. Out of feelings of “life is unfair” and “life sucks” bla bla, I remember telling my therapist that I wished life could be like a Hollywood movie – where the good guys always win in the end. I remember saying the words “Hollywood Ending” and thinking to myself that it sounded like a great line for a song. That night I had a dream…more nightmare…about a boy I used to (unfortunately) be involved with. I woke up confused but inspired to pick up my bass and write a song about how I hoped he got his “Hollywood Ending”. The brain is a funny thing and although that dream was a shitty reminder of that person, I couldn’t be more proud to release this song.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
The original demo of Hollywood Ending was produced by Aaron Shanahan who I was working with at the time. He helped curate some of the poppy production elements and the base of the song. A couple of months later I took the song to my good friend and current producer Tom Megalos for the finishing production touches and mixing. It was then mastered by Matthew Gray.
How did you approach the recording process?
I walked into the studio with the song written and a few notes on some of the ideas I had for production. The whole song came very naturally and after about three hours, Aaron and I had drums, synths, bass and vox down. That original vocal take is the same take you hear now in the song. Tom and I tried to re-record another take but I couldn’t top my first one. My overall approach to recording the song was to once again keep an open mind and try new things. I tried not to limit myself by thinking things like “it’s too poppy” or “it’s not ____enough”.
Please tell us about your early days in alternative punk band The Blockades and how it developed your songwriting and stage energy from such a young age:
I had played in The Blockades from ages 14-18. In that time I probably played over 100 local gigs, a few sold out shows, and the climate strike rally of 5000 people. I think playing so many shows so young really helped me develop a strong onstage persona. I learnt early on to be able to feed off my own energy. Whether the crowd be 5 people or 50, I would be able jump around as if it was Madison Square Garden. I also learnt to observe the crowd and how different songwriting styles would be able inspire different crows behaviour. I now always keep that in mind when writing, I ask myself “Will this be fun to play live?” or “Can this be sung along to?”
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I feel extremely late to the party but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have been on repeat this week because they just released two new singles that I love. I’ve also been vibing with locals Full Flower Moon Band and a couple of their new singles.
What do you like to do away from music?
I currently work in childcare and babysit so when I’m not making music I’m hanging out with toddlers. My class I like to think is pretty musical because of me. I write songs for them and play my guitar while they each shake little egg shakers I made for them. I also like to ride dirt bikes on the weekend with my family and am working on my jumps. Other than that, I really don’t do much of anything else but music.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I have a few more gigs planned already, including supporting SOAP this Saturday at Black Bear Lodge. I’m also already in the process of recording and planning another single release.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fav food is definitely nachos or anything from Netherworld. I have a lot of food allergies so Netherworld is always a safe bet for me. Fave place to hang out would be Black Bear Lodge or the studio.