Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?

My Guardianship and Conservatorship and fighting that – led me to pursue music. I saw the possibility as a concert photographer and as a singer without an actual project at the time. However, my experience being trafficked, subtracted severely from my attempts to pursue music. Until I had to fight for my freedom.

I had done a lot of networking and photographing of bands and singers by the time my dad was claiming that I wasn’t sane. His accusations only surfaced after I made these abuse allegations against him. He did what he did. Why he chose to bury himself further – and kidnap me in court is beyond me. How he expects to continue working and getting clients, is also beyond me. Every corporation that works with him lets me down. So I picked up a pen and Paper one day, in my downtown apartment at the time and sat at the Piano, and just matched the chords I played to the topline & words in my head. And the first 20 or so songs I wrote were written like that. I took them to my writing coach and he was impressed. Within a few months, I was headed to California to record the first 5 tracks that I dropped. Within a year of that trip – my dad let go of me and his claims. It worked well enough that I just kept writing. I’m glad I chose to start though. That’s what brought me to music.

What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?

Coffee, cigarettes and weed. I also don’t listen to music while I’m writing. To starve my brain of music and eventually, I come up with something while playing out chords on the piano.

I need to collaborate more in the future, but I enjoy the process of creating on my own. Also, knowing that I’m healing when I create, and that I’m transferring the energy of my negative experiences into art. That motivates me a lot as well.

As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?

I have developed my skills over the course of many years. Over a decade in photo pits at concerts, taught me a lot about entertainment and the industry. I have also had guidance from friends, like Steve from Antics & Mechanical Kids, or Miles David, of WalkrXY. I have several friends in the industry, but I met them while pursuing music and photography. They have been very helpful in my process.

Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?

I honestly riff on the piano, sometimes for an hour with no ideas. I’m at the point where it’s very formulaic in some capacities, though – so once I have two or three chords, I have a general road map of where I want the song to go. 

Sometimes I come up with nothing, or it’s too happy, or it’s too ignorant in the lyricism. I throw those songs out.

Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?

I am struggling to figure out my finances – which were ruined by my parent’s overwhelming grasp on my life and choices. The guardianship and conservatorship were a nightmare to navigate. I am happy I have control again. I make good decisions and all that. Thats what it comes down to. I buy my groceries in bulk, and get delivery. I optimize my time and am always focused on something creative, as well. 

I rely on some medications (non-habit forming) to maintain my pain levels and keep them at a minimum. 

Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?

Working in the studio with Bradley Walden, and then replicating that process on my own, within a week of getting home. That was a memorable moment, and I landed my first show off of that song as well. I called it “Storm” and released it under my old moniker.

With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?

I try to stay on top of the trends, I rely on several tools to promote my music and engage with my audience. Using reverberation to distribute and promote has been useful too.

Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?

No, but my additude changed to total positivity from working with Bradley. It’s not the decisions made in the studio, its’ the confidence behind the decisions made that impact the sound the most. From the chords chosen, to how every note is sung. I also learned how to stay focused.

Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?

I like that I use multiple kits on my songs. It adds a unique touch to have different drum kits on a song. 

What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?

I am not performing right now due to health issues associated with my brain and neurological health. Touring would only subtract from that effort.

Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?

I can’t seem to get it into my mom’s head that my life is going well right now. Writing music and producing those songs counters her narrative. “Your Heart Didn’t Break My Soul” is about my struggles to love myself due to my mother and father’s abusive actions toward me. I express extreme happiness, apathy, love and empathy in this song over bright chords, and synths.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?

Getting back to a healthy baseline and not being sick everyday would be nice. One can dream.