March 18, 2024

Can you start off by telling our readers a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been singing since I was about 5 and was completely convinced I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (still mostly think that). My priority with my music is that it’s actual stories from me. I’m a very straightforward person. I live in New York. I love avocado rolls, my band, and grew up on a dynamic balance between Britney Spears and Regina Spektor. My first guitar was purple and the first song I learned to play was Hey Jude by The Beatles, which really satisfied me in my full-fledged Beatles obsession.

You just released a new video for your single “Like A Wave”! How did you come up with the idea for the music video?

I worked with this awesome director Travis Kopach. It was important to me that the video wasn’t obvious or one dimensional. I really like the story because it flipped the script in a way of “you got me good,” which I say over and over throughout the song. I start as the muse for the guy in my life, but I find that I want to be the artist taking charge, and I follow that desire and take control. I also live in New York and I feel like that atmosphere is so central to my experience so I wanted that flavor to be tangible instead of a beach feel.

What was it like creating the video? Any fun moments on set?

I woke up super early so that we could start with the sun rising over Greenpoint, Brooklyn. That meant setting an alarm for 4:30 am, but I was up at 3:30 am because I was ready to go and excited. It was my stylist Julianna Alabado’s birthday so we had cupcakes and a mini party at lunch. Hanging out with Phillip Mayberry all day, chilling in bed and trying to use up that awesome transitioning weather between summer and fall was perfect.

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

I think that I’ve surrounded myself with such a mix of different writers and artists, and everyone has their own mood and approach. The whole point of music is that it is personal and general at the same time. I feel accomplished because I’ve kept my specificity and haven’t been swayed. I feel like I’ve validated my thoughts and lyrics in their honesty and that’s an accomplishment and a goal at the same time. I never want to lose that.

Why is music so important in your life?

All art acts as a mirror and that’s so valuable. If I didn’t have music, I wouldn’t have the same understanding of myself that I have. I don’t just mean my own music, but the feeling that I had in my first heartbreak listening to Iron & Wine gave me a sense of recognition that was beyond comforting. I think everyone deserves those moments.

What message do you want to send your supporters through your music?

I’ve had so many times in my life when I’ve had to make a decision and choose whether to speak up and acknowledge how I feel or just go with the flow. All the times that I’ve listened to how I actually felt have seriously paid off. This matter of fact awareness and ownership of how I feel is so key to my music in one way or another. It gives me a confidence when my songs remind me: how you feel and what you want is real, now go get it. I hope that when you listen you get that and it makes you sit up and go after it.

Whats most important in your life right now?

I’m insanely ready to release more music. Like a Wave is just a taste. Besides that, something that makes me happy every day is the fact that I live in NYC with my sister. She’s top 3 of the funniest and most talented people I know.

(photo credit: Shervin Lainez)

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