You just released your new single “Be Ok” & it’s awesome! What do you hope your supporters will think of the new song?
Thank you so much! All I can really hope for is that it gives those who listen to it as much comfort as it gives me.
Can you tell us the backstory of this song? Is it from a real experience?
I wrote Be Ok when I was feeling very anxious about the future due to the fear that past trauma would resurface. However, I wrote most of the song metaphorically so it could relate to the people who related to me.
You also have more music coming out in 2020!! Can you spill any details on what your supporters can look forward to from you the rest of the year?!?
Yes! I’m so excited for people to finally hear the songs I have yet to release. I can tell you that my next single is called Coffee Eyes and it’s literally like a shot of espresso every time I hear it. It’s so fun and I love the music video!
Do you have a creative say in your music? Did you help write all your new songs?
Oh my goodness yes! I write all of the lyrics to my songs alone apart from one or two on my upcoming album. That’s really what I love about the process most of all. Before everything, I’m a writer. Words and storytelling are the foundation of everything I do. Since I’m in college to become a filmmaker, I also obviously enjoy creating treatments for all the music videos and working hands on with the director. I often even edit my own cover art. Of course, I can’t be in charge of everything (especially since some of my visions don’t work in a practical sense), but I absolutely would if I could. It’s my image and my name, after all.
What’s it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
It feels natural, like it’s something I’ve always planned on doing. I used to make these awful songs on Garage Band when I was a really young kid. I somehow figured out how to get them on iTunes by myself. I made the cover art and everything using an online editing website. They were terrible, terrible songs, but I’m proud of myself for doing it then and I’m proud of myself for doing it now. It feels good to be releasing songs that are a little less terrible now.
Will there be a music video for your new single? If so, can you tell us about the concept of the video 🙂
Yes! The Be Ok music video just released. I filmed the whole thing in quarantine while I was in Atlanta. I edited the first draft and we got someone with more skills to take it to the next level. I supplied videos of my upbringing so that it tells the story chronologically. I really think it’s the perfect video for the song. We also just finished shooting the music video for my next single, which I’m so excited about. I’ll say one thing: “Coffee, coffee, coffee!” -Lorelai Gilmore.
What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your music career?
Sometimes it can be difficult seeing your image not being represented properly, or feeling like your audience is having difficulty finding you. There’s a lot of people you’ll come across in this industry who promise you the world, who even tell you that they want your voice to be heard, and then try to manipulate your voice to fit their agenda. It takes time to differentiate the friends from the fakes, but it’s amazing once you do. It’s so special to see your vision come to life and have even one person understand it. Being an artist in this day and age captures everything: writing, singing, filmmaking, educating. It’s such an honor to be able to do something with all those things I love in one.
Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today?
I really couldn’t do any of this without my mom. She truly altered all of her priorities to support my music and acting. I came to her at 3am saying I want to make an album and, next thing I knew, she was CEO of her own record label. I’m very fortunate to have parents like that: parents who don’t conform to the system, but define it for themselves. She’s up all hours of the night supporting me and I’m so grateful for her. I also couldn’t be here without my boyfriend going on six years, Gabe. He was the one who inspired me to take a chance on making music and he’s been supporting me all the way ever sense. My dad, as well, gives every ounce of support to my career. Nothing at all would be possible without his support. I’m so grateful for it. The list goes on and on, really. I couldn’t be here without any of the people who are close to me and who work for PMA Records.
What do you think makes your fan community/fandom different from others?
My fans are special because they’re the type of people who like something because they like it, whether there’s some huge hype around it or not. They’re not afraid of being themselves. They find joy in the things I love, even if they’re considered kind of dorky. I think that’s the coolest thing: to not care if people know you care.
How would you describe your fans? – what’s three words you would use to describe your fans?
The three words I would use to describe my fans are: smart, genuine, and original. That’s pretty awesome, if you ask me.
What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?
I want my fans to feel heard, like they’re not alone. Music is a form of healing. Music is medicine. That’s all I can ever hope for my songs to be to them. I want my shows to give a sense of community, a sense of eternal happiness. The best thing about shows is how alive they can make you feel.
Are you planning any IG Live shows to promote your new music?
Unfortunately, things are a little different when shows are virtual, but I definitely plan on creating more virtual shows in the future.
What is it like performing in front of your fans? Are you excited to start performing your own music live!?!
It’s so special performing for fans. The best part is seeing when it’s really affected someone emotionally and getting to speak with them at a meet and greet after the show. It’s crazy knowing that your music has had that effect on them.
What do you want your supporters to know that you think is important?
I want them to know that there’s a lot going on in the world that needs fixing, and that I give them every encouragement to join me in doing whatever possible to fix those problems.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I’ve read ten books thus far in 2020. Also, I put ketchup in my rice.
What’s one word you would use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?
Community.
With an already massive fanbase your fans must they have a name for themselves. What do your fans call themselves? And How did that fanbase name catch on?
You know what, they actually haven’t made one yet and I’d be overjoyed if they did. Let’s get it done, my friends! I nominate something magical and whimsical.
Many of your supporters are starstruck when they meet you Have you ever been starstruck?
Yes! A few years ago, I was at a condo in Ft. Lauderdale and I saw Adam Sandler just packing up a car with his family. I knew lived around there, but I really didn’t expect to be as stunned as I was. I grew up watching all of his films! All I heard was myself let out this pathetic sound and then say, “You’re- you’re Adam Sandler.” It was so embarrassing. However, he was very nice and said, “what’s up, guys” as if we were part of his circle.
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
I want them to know that I don’t bite one bit!
Is there anyone in the music business you are dying to meet?
There’s so many people I’d love to meet! Meeting Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez would definitely be surreal for me. I’ve been a fan of both for so long.
What’s your current go-to song?
My favorite song is After the Storm by Mumford and Sons, but I’ve recently been listening to This is me Trying by Taylor Swift when I go for a run. I like to pretend I’m in the climax of a movie and I’m the protagonist. It’s very satisfying.
Why do you think social media is so important for teen artists like yourself?
I think social media is such a great way to connect with your community and spread awareness about important issues. In this day and age, the opportunity social media gives to artists is like nothing ever before. We’re able to truly connect with people we’ve never met and there’s so much power in that, especially if you’re being genuine.
What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?
I have so many big dreams and big goals, when it comes to both music and acting. My biggest dream for music, however, is honestly just to reach a point where people notice the small details of my work and are heavily influenced by it. That way, I can begin creating real positive change.
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
I want to thank my supporters from the bottom of my heart for supporting me. It means so much to have a community that understands me and feels understood by me. I’m forever grateful for them.
