How would you describe your musical progress over the years?
From ‘loud, busy and slightly experimental’ to ‘softer, less busy but still slightly experimental’
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
I think song four, Devotion, which uses a vocal sample sung in an unknown Indian dialect. I think that it is relatable yet surprising. I like the idea of being relatable but surprising!
Do you have an artist that you would describe as a hidden gem that we should know about?
David Sylvian. He spoke of trying to “blow peoples hearts wide open” with his music and he has done that for me, many, many times
What would you change in the music industry?
It needs to embrace musical originality more. A lot of current music sounds too similar
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
“Reverence for Life: The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-First Century”. For my musical project HAPPY GHOSTS, I based a whole album around his philosophy and called it REVERENCE FOR LIFE. An extraordinary human being
The LOVED album was created during a time in my life, when I faced uncertainty, high anxiety, personal health challenges, questions about my mortality and in the face of a pandemic. I simply turned to what was comforting, re-assuring and soothing to my mind, spirit and soul. It is and has always been music. I began to listen intently and deeply and it eventually sparked the songwriter in me. I began to pen lyrics to the beautiful melodies I’d hear. I knew that I was on to something. I believed that God was giving me comforting messages for myself and for others as well. With this in mind, I started to reflect on my life as a Christian, on all of the experiences of life and the lessons learned, and most importantly on the fact that in the face of hundreds of thousands of people dying, God allowed me to still be here. So, I felt an urgency to live out what I believe to be my one true calling; to sing the Gospel, to be a beacon of light and hope, in the face of adversity. I suddenly begin to face the fact that every day is truly a precious gift. So, with gratitude, I allowed my experiences of God’s goodness to me, be the central theme and the driving force for the LOVED project. And LOVED was born. I guess you can say that being Loved by God is my testimony.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
Every song on this album is a reflection of me in some way. The songs are a collaboration between my walk with God, my perceptions of humanity, life and how I see the world. Each song holds a belief and personal experiences that enables me to share a more insightful, wiser and a better me. But If I have to chose one song, it would be “HOLY ONE”. The message in this song is where it all started for me; the born again experience, the becoming, getting in touch with my higher self, getting to know God through transition and transformation.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I like them both a lot, but I must say that there is a deep satisfaction that I experience when I am able to create, write and formulate lyrics to pair with beautiful music, to ultimately form a song. I enjoy creating the rhythms, structure, chorus and bridge. I definitely love the creative process; and all aspects of production; recording. But I love the stage and the whole vibe from the live band and connecting with the energy from the fans as well.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I have been creating music for a long time; off and on. And the difficulty, for me, has been finding time for consistency and connecting with the right collaborators with like mind and vision; to be able to create the kind of music I hear. As well, it’s hard to be fully creative, when working and raising a family.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Never stop dreaming. Do what truly brings you joy and complete fulfillment inside, it’s your intrinsic essence; and it’s who you really are.
Future plans?
Right now, I am just really excited about the positive responses that the LOVED album is receiving, so we’ll see what happens. But I can definitely see myself getting back in the studio to make more great music.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
the story behind the song is about how when a realationship was amazing at first but then your past the honeymoon phase and life hits and communication goes out the way. Sometimes we find ourselves wishing for the old days and fantasizing on how to get back to that but in the end we have to get over the past and move on . Sometimes you can try to communicate but it just makes sense to end .
For which lyric you are most proud of?
I think the first line- “let’s pretend that we’re all fools in love” is my favorite line because it’s something you here offer. It’s very Jane Austen- pride and prejudice and and just a tale that everyone is used to. We all wish we could be that fool in love cause we all love love and we just don’t know it till where in it. And as a March Pisces myself, I find myself always being told by someone of just being in a young and wishful place and free spirited. So the simple lyric brings those two stories and personalities together
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I am a live performer for life. I love the energy people bring to live performances. I like to open peoples mind to genres and cultures their not used to. And most importantly I love to see everyone having a great time being free spirits.
When not writing music, how do you spend your time?
my life is surrounded by music no matter what I do so I started a subscription box business that allows people to travel through music every month from the compfort of true or home .
Vibrant, energetic, and transparent are the three words I would use.
Tell us a few things about your new EP.
This is my debut EP. These four songs came from a period of my life where I had a lot on my mind and was processing how I felt about a lot of topics and people in my life. This EP came at a perfect time in my life and was a saving grace for me to be able to process and express how I was feeling.
Which song of the EP reflects you the most?
I think the opening track I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely reflects what I stand for. At the time, this was the most vulnerable I had been in my songwriting. It was important for me to start on the right foot in terms of what kind of an artist, producer, and songwriter I wanted to be. Like with the rest of the songs on my EP, I Don’t Wanna Be Lonely came at the perfect time and accurately depicted how I was feeling at the time.
Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?
My influences are The 1975, Adele, Lorde, One Direction, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, and Glass Animals to name a few.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is not being able to do live shows and tour in the capacity that I would like to. I’ve not been on tour, but i’m itching to go on tour soon. It’s just hard right now with Covid and everything going on with that.
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
The best film I watched during quarantine was Crash. It’s an old film, but it worth a watch if you haven’t seen it.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
One time in high school, my parents took away my electronics for a week after a certain time at night to help me focus on getting my grades up in school. Other than that, I can’t think of anything super serious.
Tell us a few things about your new song “Losing my mind”. What is the main idea behind it?
The story behind, was inspired by people, who are unable to answer to your questions, or people, who are not confident enough, and drives you crazy with their strange behavior. Well, those people make me lose my mind. First I wanted to make a rock song for losing my mind, but my producer had the idea to make something pop, disco. So I recorded the vocals again, in a different tempo, and I also felt, and knew, this was the right decision.
What first got you into music?
I started singing as a kid, and I always felt, this is something natural for me, I was created for this. I had a long-long break in my music career, and I started making my solo album during the pandemic.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
I love making the songs more. Especially best friend was a long process, with dogs. It was so nice to experiment. Losing my mind was done in the shortest time, it was like having fun, having a party. Now I started having smaller concerts as well, I enjoy them too. It’s a hard question. Whenever something is touching me emotionally, and I find that event beautiful, by writing a lyrics or music about it, recording the song, building the story up in a song, makes me live that moment again. For example, in the last days, I’ve met someone, who is inspiring to me, and loved spending time with him. Meeting that person is basically fuel for my single, I am working on now.
Your also have lovely grooves. Tell us a song with a groove you wish you had composed yourself.
I love the Dua Lipa disco, groove sounds, and also the Diana Ross: Upside down.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
Losing my mind is perfect to get ready for a party in the city, helps you to have the mood for it. However, it was composed for flying with paragliders, and we are working on making the video. I think dancing is the key for this one. On the other hand, if you are sad, and need something to cheer you up, Losing my mind is perfect for you! If your partner made you angry, listen to it and “Shake it! Shake it!”
When was the last time you danced?
This morning. I was dancing after I got out of bed. I almost dance and sing every morning before work. Thank walk my doggies, jump on my bike and go to work.
The new album is a commentary on many of our social dilemmas and my own personal struggles and observations. It is the first of two EPs discussing these topics. The second album will be called What Unifies Us and will be coming out some time in 202The second album will be discussing things that bring us together as the title states.
You blend many different genres.
We blend Hip Hop with most every other genre out there. I don’t like confining ourselves to one category or another. Music is fluid and open to whatever style speaks to the concept and mood of the song.
What is your creative process like?
We work in many different ways. Sometime jamming on a tune and freestyling lyrics over it then taking it into the studio and working up a rough idea then refining it. I also have started writing my own music now. So I will record the rough idea, bring it to my team and elaborate on it then record the finished song. I like to leave things open to my collaborators as much as possible because I don’t always have the best ideas. Collaboration is all about getting everyone’s input and bringing the best ideas to the table.
Which song of the album reflects you the most?
Pices of Me and Concerning Karen. They portray both my serious side and my goofy side.
Do you think there is a true underground hip hop sound today?
I think Hip Hop is ever evolving so I don’t think there is one true Underground Hip Hop sound by an amalgam of different sounds and styles. To answer this in full I would have to discuss it in a conversation.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
They definitely hold a lot of cards seeing as they are the main streaming platform. All the same I think they need to respect artists more and pay them more for their streams and find better ways to give back to their community that makes them tons of money every year. I personally think they are rather scandalous in how they work right now.
In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?
In a reflective and thoughtful state of mind.
One last thing we should know about?
We are currently working on a bunch of new singles and a whole new full band album as well as a full Video and audio spoken word album. We are constantly evolving and looking to inspire people from every demographic, through multiple styles of music and media.
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the main idea behind it?
The main idea behind “Intentions” was to write a song that expressed why I make music and put those intentions out into the world. I want to bring others joy and offer a sense of love and connectedness through my music.
For which lyric you are most proud of?
My favourite lyric from “Intentions” would be, ‘embrace your scars – especially the ones on your heart’.
What do you enjoy most? Writing music or performing your music live?
My favourite moments are always within the first 30 minutes of writing a new song. Where nothing but memories, experience, current mood, imagination and craft create a story and something tangible and audible – whether its lyrics, a melody or instrumentals. Bringing the song to completion is the hard part for me. BUT when I get to perform my music live, its the next best thing!
What would be your dream performance venue?
Riverstage in my hometown of Brisbane. I’ve been to so many concerts and festivals there and have been inspired by so many different artists I’ve gone to see at that venue from Missy Elliot and Wu Tang Clan to Vance Joy. There’s nothing better than live music in an outdoor setting on a summer’s afternoon/evening.
Which book should we read while listening to your music?
I couldn’t pick! But I was reading The Alchemist when writing “Intentions”.
One last thing we should know about you?
I have more fun music coming soon! So stay tuned! 🙂
Tell us a few things about your new song. What is the story behind it?
Loyalty was written in one night, no re-writes. I felt so absolutely betrayed and hurt and just started writing. I put all my thoughts on a page. It was therapeutic and seemed like a poem at first. Once I spoke with my therapist about the experience, she suggested I combine the two things I love writing and singing and then I started creating music. My overall hope for this song is that helps my listeners get through a challenging time in their life where they feel betrayed by someone they care about; whether that’s a friend, family member, or romantic partner.
Do you like the idea of collaborating? Is songwriting a lonely process?
I don’t think there is anyway to make music besides collaboration. The instrumentation and music behind ‘Loyalty’ was created by an incredible artist named Gwyn Wheeler. She captured the essence of what I wanted to express in this song so perfectly. The two background vocalists are from a theatre company, which I own. They wrote their own harmonies and added so much to the piece. Tyler Reeves and Gabriella Sferlazza are their names. The song wouldn’t be what it is without them.
Favorite album of the past decade?
I would say my favorite album of the past decade is a tie between Ariana Grande’s “My Everything” and Justin Bieber’s “Justice.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?
I think for a long time I have always cared so much of what others thought about me, and on top of that I would always compare myself to others. I would say things like, “I can’t sing like him” or “I am not in good enough shape like he is, who would listen to my music.” It took me a long time (and I’m still working on it everyday) to not compare myself to those besides me and rather celebrate what makes us all different; it’s what makes art special.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
The most trouble I’ve ever gotten into would probably have to be when I was in high school and I attempted to call myself out from school sick and pretend to be my dad. It did not work and it did not go over well with my parents. Go to school, learn something!!!
Tell us a few things about your new song “Like this like that”. What is the story behind it?
This song is different from my usual sound, as it has an element of “pop”… Like This Like That is about confidently shooting your shot and is meant to get people dancing and moving.
What first got you into music?
I’ve always loved music and singing; however my songwriting abilities really motivated me to pursue it whole heartedly.
Is Spotify the music industry’s new Gatekeepers?
hmmm I honestly never thought of Spotify as the music industry’s gatekeeper…. I’m not sure tbh…
What was the best film you have watched during the quarantine?
HipHop Paranoia 