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Where are you currently based?
I’ve actually just moved from my hometown Newcastle to Sydney in Australia!
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve played music for as long as I can remember. My dad is incredibly creative and was always dragging myself and my 4 siblings around to play at any event he could wrangle
I remember getting piano and guitar lessons sporadically but my dad always taught us to play music by what we hear. I have this distinct memory of him handing me a guitar and telling me to play along to the song we were listening to. I remember whinging that I didn’t know how to play it and he told me to keep playing chords until it sounded right!
That is something that definitely influenced how I write and play music even to this day.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been in writing mode for most of this year. My latest EP ‘All the things I could never say’ has had such an incredible response which I’m so excited about, but I’m looking at taking a slight change in direction for my next record so I’ve been buried deep in that!
Your latest single ‘Rhiannon’ will be released on the 26th of August, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I am a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac. Rhiannon is a song that’s up there in one of my all time favourites, so I was really excited to cover this song.
I wanted to put a fresh spin on the original sound while still keeping true to the essence of the song. The vocal swells in the chorus were the most pivotal part for me, so it was really important to keep them just as central to the song.
I’ve always been heavily influenced by folk that came out of the 60s and 70s so my sound has always been more folky. I’ve definitely leaned into more pop sensibilities for this track which is really exciting for me.
I guess modern influences for this song would be artists like LEON, Gordi and Bon Iver.
How did you go about recording this track?
I recorded this with my dear friend and producer Jackson Barclay.
We started by laying the piano and vocals down as a base, then slowly added layer upon layer onto the track.
We always have such a fun time in the studio, experimenting with different sounds and instruments. A lot of the percussion for this song was recorded using bits and bobs around Jackson’s studio (think an old toolbox, a bicycle wheel and some kitchen cutlery).
Trent Dobson mastered this track as well! We love Trent.
How did you approach the recording process?
I love to go into recording with a couple of days rest behind me. I try to go in with a clear head so I’m open to experimenting and pushing my own boundaries a little bit.
Coffee is a must, and Jackson and I love a cheeky gin and soda break somewhere in the day!
What does this single mean to you?
For me, even though I didn’t write this iconic song (I wish!), it represents a change in direction for me. I’m excited to step into something new and fresh in terms of sound and style and Rhiannon is the first step in that journey.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m absolutely loving Widowspeak, a duo based in Brooklyn. Big fan of Orla Gartland’s new album ‘Woman on the Internet’ and I’m probably permanently listening to Adrianne Lenker’s album called ‘songs’ released in 2020.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m a bit of a bookworm, so I love to read! I’m also (supposed to be) studying interior design as well as music. I’m super into thrifting, so always pottering around my local op shops looking for fun, quirky pieces of clothing, furniture or nic nacks!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I’ve got a whole lot of writing planned for the rest of the year. Hopefully a handful of shows where I can, and definitely recording the next record is a top priority. I’m so excited for 2023. It’s going to be a great year!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I could eat dumplings for the rest of my life and at the moment, my favourite place to hang out is my new apartment! I’m absolutely in love with the process of setting it up as my new home.
