- When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?
I first discovered theater when I began taking musical theater/dance classes at 8 years old. I remember vividly it was the first time I’d ever experienced true self expression and creative freedom, and I fell in love with it. I spent my adolescence learning more about singing/acting through my participation in school plays, musical showcases, and theater company productions, ultimately realizing the special passion I had for music.
- When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?
I received my first Taylor Swift album, Speak Now, for Christmas when I was six years old in 2010 and immediately fell in love with the writing. Since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be able to tell stories through words and music like her and the other singer/songwriters I grew up listening to at home. I started writing songs at age 12 and it quickly became my outlet and my escape. Whenever I’d be going through something significant in my life, I would turn to my piano or guitar and start sorting through feelings of confusion, frustration or wonder and finding the words and music to give them expression.
- How do you describe your style/work?
Considering how much I’ve been inspired by Nashville-style songwriters, I'd say I gravitate toward writing music with a country influence. I love the storytelling aspect of country music, and I try to incorporate that into most of the music I write. That said, I've been inspired by listening carefully to the songwriting techniques of a wide range of artists including Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Lady Gaga and Adele who bring such unique creativity to their writing.
- What is most rewarding to you about writing music?
I love the mystery that unfolds in the creative process. Sometimes I’ll stumble upon a chord progression I love or strum my guitar until a melody pops into my head that I really love. Other times, a lyric will pop into my head and I’ll immediately grab a napkin and a pen and write it down. I have a list of lyrics on my phone that’ll come to me in the middle of the day (most of the time when I’m in class). There are days I’ll clear an afternoon in the hopes of writing a song and I’ll just end up staring blankly at the piano for hours. And then there are days I’ll be sitting in the classroom, writing a test, and an idea I love will pop into my head and I know I need to write it down immediately or forget it. The process follows me everywhere. No two songs are written the exact same way, and you never know when creativity is going to strike. I’m just always chasing the feeling I get after finishing a song I'm proud of.