Tell us a few things about “Trust Me”. What is the main idea behind it?

Life brings peaks and troughs. As we see people come in and out of our lives, it can feel quite uncomfortable and isolating. Venturing into music I was going through a tough time both during the lockdown and whilst entering a new industry. It’s in these moments you feel you’re giving people all you’ve got but the exchange of frequencies and energies is not the same. I took the time to do some self-reflection and learning to grow in my own power. Ironically, this slow rebirth of myself and my music saw a reconnection with those who don’t have the time or right intentions previously. So this song is a message to anyone who is in this situation. Done with playing nice and ready to fly up to their own planet.

Tell us a few things about your creative process.

When I started this music project, this song came around track 4/So I’d be hopping in and out of sessions and finally getting used to recording music. For “Trust Me”, I was really proud of the chorus harmonies. It was a nice moment while recording. The ideas and execution stage in the booth was a lot of fun! And when I received the vocal track on its own it was one of the first times I listen back and felt proud of a session I did without being self-critical.

For which lyric you are most proud of?

“If something I’m doing, comes in your view and- remember nothing will stand in my way”. I remember the lyrics at the end felt like a bunch of convoluted words flowing out of my mouth and they genuinely were haha. But what it sounds like, to me, was a mantra and a reminder to not let anyone or anything stand in my way. I won’t and nothing will.

Artists and people who have influenced and inspired you?

It’s a range of artists, to be honest, and it changes constantly. MJ to Frank Ocean. Eurythmics to Daft Punk. But RnB music is something I bring up all the time, because of the emotive style of singing, the fun and creative vocal ideas and the fresh style of the 90s. It was the pop music of my era growing up. But I also have been inspired by modern music blending of sounds as seen like talents like Janelle Monae. It would be a dream to do a project emulating the genre mix she has explored.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an artist so far?

If I’m honest it’s the mental challenges. You are constantly wrapped in the idea of not thinking you’re good enough. Being nervous at every release. Finding networking is a challenge when you feel you’re on a back foot. Managing music (and everything that comes with it like marketing, videos, promotions) and your daily life. It can all feel exhausting BUT when you take healthy breaks, put yourself as a priority and keep enjoying the music is can feel so magical.

In which state of mind do you imagine people might listen to your music?

All my songs, unintentionally incorporate the idea of change in some form. So when you feel ready to leave the past behind and embrace a new YOU, put the song on, forget the haters, and get ready to fly up to your planet where you’re living out your dreams and not where the dreams stay as fantasy.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

During my school years, I went from super quiet to class clown, and I’m not sure what I should share now hahaha. Ironically I got the most in trouble at school when I really stood up for myself. I remember getting picked on at school and there was one day I just enough. So I stood up for myself but ended up getting in trouble. Although being older, I understood that there are better ways to deal with situations, I was proud that at that moment I didn’t let them get the best of me

Thank you!

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Describe your sound in 3 words

Distinct, Melodious and vibrant

Tell us a few things about your new song ‘changes’.

Changes is my second single, and the message continues from my debut; as a song that encourages transformation and change for anyone who feels like there isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. There is and you’ll get through this!

You want your music to be uptempo and fun. But there is still emotion in it. How difficult is it to achieve this in a song? Tell us a few things about your creative process.

It is quite difficult but I feel necessary. Music for me needs to move you, make you feel. And even if the message is upbeat, you need to be able to connect with the listener. That can be through lyrics , melodic choices and instrumentals. I hope my musical choices helps people understand that the song although is about being excited about the change in our lives in the near future…still comes from a place of pain, frustration and sadness.

Favourite album of the past decade?

Great question but so difficult to answer. I’d say it’s a toss up between Channel Orange by frank ocean and janelle monae the archandroid. Frank was able to bring an album that has such a unique flow – a while since we had an album that really tells a story in such a fantastic way. Janelle gave us such a novel album, showcasing sounds that were unexpected but mesmerisingly brilliant! Both artists are so incredible.

A PhD student writing music. How do these two fit together?

As a phd student there’s a lot of writing, a lot of analysing and a lot of independent work. So when you step back it’s not much different to being an artist/ songwriter. As an artist I had to write, analyse and work solely. They both share that sense of isolation sometimes as the projects are bespoke to the individual…. So in a way they fit perfectly.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Everything is okay, your time is now and the world is yours for the taking.

Thank you!

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