Songs such as “Blueprint” seem to be drawn by a harrowing personal experience, is it relieving to write a song like that?
Like most of my songs, Blueprint was inspired by someone who deeply affected my life. The situation I was going through was really strenuous on me emotionally. So, yeah, it was extremely relieving to finish writing Blueprint. Whenever I finish writing anything, though, I feel a huge sense of relief. It takes me a long time to finish writing a song in general, just because I’m so particular with the way I want everything to sound. So, sometimes it can take weeks to finish something. But when it’s done, I feel like I can take this giant breath of fresh air.
The renowned singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell once said, “If you listen to that (my) music and you see me, you’re not getting anything out of it(…) if you listen to something and you see yourself, you are getting something out of it” – how much do you agree with this in terms of how people perceive your music?
Well, I take from my own experiences when I’m writing. Some people may identify with the experiences word-for-word, and others may not have had experiences like them at all. If someone hasn’t been through the same things I have, that’s okay because I find that people connect more to the emotion of a song and its honesty, rather than specifically identifying with each experience. I do try to make my experiences through songs easy enough to understand, that way someone could put themselves in those shoes, but I don’t expect every person to experience life the same way as each other.
What initially drew you to the piano?
I remember when I was just three years old, I lifted myself up onto the piano bench and started poking at the keys. What got me to have that moment, though, was that I was raised on the music of The Beatles, Ben Folds and Stevie Wonder – all amazing musicians with piano being prominent in their music. Listening to those bands at such a young age was impactful enough to make me want to start learning how to play.
Did you set out with a particular style of music you wanted to produce?
Well, I knew that for my first record, I wanted the sound to be authentically me. I’ve been writing music since I was twelve, and the sound you hear in my EP has been the sound in my head ever since I was that young, writing songs. I wanted to stay true to my original vision for this particular work.
In the past you have asked for your images not to be edited, how important is this to you in today’s society?
It is extremely important to me, as I hope it is for anyone who is trying to be impactful via social means, to not edit myself in images. I’ve actually had to deal with a situation recently where someone posted a photo of me that was edited to the point where I didn’t even look like myself! It’s important to have people represent me honestly and truthfully in photos for one big reason. In this day and age, it is so incredibly easy to swipe a certain way on a photo-editing app and immediately get rid of your stretch marks, cellulite, and to even change the shape of your body. I think it’s important to be proud of who you are by representing yourself honestly and truthfully, that way you’re not lying to yourself and those around you. I also think that if you have a decent following on social media platforms, you can show the people who look at your photos that you embrace what society considers to be your flaws, and that they can and should too.
You’ve recorded music in the same studios as some world famous stars, do you have a particular goal or point you’d like to reach?
Yeah, it’s been incredible to record at EastWest Studios. Frank Sinatra originally owned the studio, and so many legendary artists have used the studio since. I would love to be on tour and to have my music impact as many people as possible. I’d also love to play at Madison Square Garden someday. I write from the heart so that people will be able to connect with my music, so I would love for as many people as possible to be exposed to it and to connect with it.
If you could duet with anyone, who would it be?
Oh man, that’s difficult to decide. I would love to duet with anyone from Paul McCartney to Fiona Apple. I’m going to take the liberty and say by anyone, you mean anyone dead or alive. And in that case, I would have to say Elliott Smith. I wish he were here so that this actually could happen, but all I can do is just sing harmonies to his existing music. The chord progressions he decided on and the melodies he made were absolutely incredible, and to duet with him would be such an extraordinary experience. Maybe in the next life, though.
Do you enjoy performing live?, where has your favourite venue/audience been so far?
Performing live is always nerve-wracking for me because I want each show to sound as good as it can. The best show I’ve played so far was my EP Release Show in November of 2016. We performed in Studio 1 of EastWest Studios. We were able to get most of the original band to come out and play, so the show sounded almost exactly like the record! All the people who helped with the album and all of my friends were there, as well – it was seriously such a fun and intimate night.
Outside of music, what else do you like to do to pass the time?
I love painting, although I’m inexperienced and don’t know any form of technique. I also love binge-watching Netflix. I’m currently watching Black Mirror and re-watching Stranger Things – so good! I can’t wait for it to be summer again that way I can drive with the top of my car down, go to the beach, and spend time at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, watching movies on the graves and the grass with my friends. It sounds kinda morbid, guaranteed it is, and it’s also so much fun.
Interview by Ian Casey
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato
Styling by Amanda B
Clothes: Black & white top by Miss Sixty – white top by American Apparel – Black & white top by Miss Sixty, breeches by American Apparel, Jeans by Reiss – Black top by American Apparel