Hi! I really loved your song ‘Loud and Proud’ and find it absolutely brilliant. If someone hasn’t had the chance to listen to it yet, how would you best describe the track?
A: Loud and Proud is an upbeat and positive acoustic pop song about the determination it takes to pursue one’s dream. Music, much like starting a small business, is not an easy road! Sometimes we know what we want in life but don’t have a blueprint yet. It’s okay not to know. Sometimes we learn as we go!
Where was it recorded?
A: The song was recorded in Burbank at my friend Patrick Joseph’s studio.
Do you have plans to include it in a bigger release, like an EP or album?
A: I don’t have plans to put the song on an EP or album, however I will say that this was a bonus track I recorded after one of my first Kickstarter campaigns. One of my fans wanted me to write a song about the story of his business. We drew parallels between being an artist and running a company from scratch.
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your true passion?
A: I began doing music simply as a hobby in my free time because I enjoyed it and it was an outlet for my emotions. I think I always knew that singing has been my passion but needed to experience life and fight for it in order for me to practice and value it everyday.
Part of the reason why I sing and write songs is because I feel that I can truly express my feelings and personality in a genuine and authentic way. When I was a teenager and in my early 20’s, I felt that I could not fully be myself due to my a negative peer environment, upbringing and financial situation. Coming from a low income household, I felt that I was often judged by others and lacked confidence. I felt that I was confined to the boxes that my parents, friends, teachers and coworkers put me in. They saw me as shy, reserved, and low confidence. When I began singing and writing, I felt very empowered and free to express my truth. I find that singing gives me authority over my life. I still work on this everyday as a musician even when I’m
not singing. I definitely think I’ve grown on a personal level tremendously through my craft. All this passion has fueled my consistency and commitment to playing live and busking as much as possible. My passion for music has come from overcoming my internal struggles and fears.
Your music blends various styles and sounds in a captivating manner. If given the opportunity, who would be your ideal collaborator and what is the reason behind your choice?
A: Thank you so much for the compliment! I believe I’m influenced by not only folk, but pop, Americana, and soul. I would love to collaborate with Sufjan Stevens, Deb Talan from the Weepies, Natalie Merchant, Maren Morris or Brandi Carlile. Any of these artists would be wonderful co-writers. I love Sufjan’s and Deb’s lyric writing and sad Melodie’s. I love the topics that Natalie Merchant writes about. I love the tone, and range in Maren Morris and Brandi Carlile’s voices. I believe each artist has a strength that would compliment my songwriting abilities.
What has been your favorite musical experience so far?
A: Last year I had the opportunity to perform in South Korea at the 1st Buskers World Cup in Gwangju. It was an incredible experience. I performed in front of almost 1000 people during the finale of the competition singing my song Wolf Cry. I met artists from all over the world and explored Korea art and culture. It is a beautiful country that values the arts. I felt very connected with the performers on that tour.
Where are you located? Can you describe how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
A: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I live in Eagle Rock. The local music scene is very diverse here -we have artists who write rock, country music, folk, hip hop, pop and electronic music. I think I am influenced by such a wide range of genres because that’s essentially what the artistic community is! Most people are transplants to this city.
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
A: I’ve always wanted to perform in at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. I feel that people would appreciate my style of music there and it has such a rich history. To Grace the same stage as so many American legends would be an incredible opportunity!
What was the first album you remember owning?
A: The very first album I owned was a cassette tape my mom gave me of The Beatles-it was either “Help” or “Rubber Soul”. My first CD was “Dreaming of You” by Selena. I also remember owning some Bonnie Raitt, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Elliot Smith, Franz Ferdinand, Vanessa Carlton, Cat Power, Feist, Wilco, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton. Of course I had a bunch of boy bands from the 90’s such as NSYNC and Backstreet Boys.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what are your plans for 2024?
A: For the time being I am recording as much as I can and working many cover and corporate gigs. I do have some original shows coming up such as Monday Monday at the Hotel Cafe on 11/13/23 as well as Belle Epoque on 11/17/23 in Hermosa Beach. I will be accompanied by some trios for those shows. I plan on releasing more singles and eventually an album in 2024 as well as doing a bit of traveling to Europe!