Interview by Carol Wright | Photograph Courtesy of Zach Brandon
Was music a large influence in your life even as a kid?
Definitely. My mom loved musical theater her whole life, so I listened to a lot of ABBA in the car growing up, and my dad loved classic groups like The Eagles, James Taylor, Etc., so that was always playing in the house. My dad, brother, and I recently watched home videos, and to my pleasant surprise, I would confidently say that 25% of the time I was on camera, I was either singing or playing the drums on some sort of surface.
Tell us about “Live and Let Live.” What message did you want to send with that song?
Live and Let Live was initially a song about how we should focus on our similarities instead of our differences, but as I got more time to sit with the song, I realized that that message wasn’t something that would necessarily be good for everyone, and that was when I learned the real meaning of the song. Focusing on our similarities was what I thought might solve our complex problems of today, but what is really important is that we have open discussion. I hope that Live and Let Live can spark honest, comfortable discussion between people with opposing views. Too often, people today are willing to hear other views, but they are not willing to listen, and there is a distinct difference between those two things. Let’s spend more time listening to each other’s stories and viewpoints, and see how we can live for each other, not ourselves.
What was it like co-writing with Charlie Midnight and Jan Fairchild? What did you learn from them?
They are two of my best buddies, so as always, it was great. I think what I learned most from them is how to make terrible jokes lollll.
How involved were you in the the music video-making process for “Live and Let Live?” Was it rewarding to see the final project?
Very. Shantie was a great director, and editing it with Jallal was really fun for us because we got to bring the shots to the right place of emphasizing my feelings that sparked the song – that we are all just people and we are all united.
In this quarantine/COVID era how have you been keeping yourself motivated?
I’m working a lot on understanding things that are more practical for the long term than the short. I’m trying to really learn the ins and outs of the recording process- everything from my recording software to why certain speakers need certain power sources and what happens if they have the wrong amount of power. The feeling of control that comes with that knowledge is very comforting to me.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Practice a lot – and hit up @katykmusic for virtual lessons in this covid era. She is the BEST of the best and she will teach you how to keep your voice healthy for the long haul… and that ‘s what we’re all in it for, right? The long haul? I know I am!
