Interview by Carol Wright
Has music always been your go-to creative outlet?
Definitely! I have many creative outlets but music is by far my first love. I come from a musical family so growing up we were always at a show or the radio was on in the house. I learned how to write by listening to and learning other people’s songs. The piano has always been my safe place.
You create rock music but are also a classically trained pianist. Is film score or classical music ever an inspiration for your work?
Classical music is a big inspiration! I find that I’ll write classical leaning melodies without even thinking about it sometimes because that’s a lot of what I grew up playing. Film score is something I’ve been learning more about in the last couple of years. I’ve always been drawn to theatrical, cinematic themes. I was recently invited into the studio for a session with the ever-gracious Billy Ray and Henry Jackman where I was able to learn first hand and watch it come together before my eyes. Being there in the room was an experience I will never forget. That evening a whole new world was opened up to me. I felt so honored to be there and I can’t wait to do more! It’s a new goal of mine to score a film.
Tell us about your song “Invisible.” What inspired the lyrics?
My latest release is called “Invisible (Dan Heath Orchestral Reprise). This is a song that I wrote with my guitarist, Dre DiMura, one rainy day after a show we played in Hollywood the night before. I had just gone through a breakup and we were painting our toes and chatting about it. The song is a comeback song for me. Listening to it now it’s less about the actual break up and more about the clarity and growth that came from it. It took me a long time to step into my power and take back control. I learned a lot just by writing this song. Cut to Dre – pulling out his guitar, strumming a few chords and the words falling out. We wanted to keep it simple and raw with this one to match the sentiment. It eventually landed in the hands of Dan Heath who has worked on many of Lana Del Rey’s greats and he has, in his genius way, remixed it, adding in this beautiful blend of strings.
What was it like collaborating with Dan Heath on the Orchestral reprise of “Invisible?”
Working with Dan Heath was nothing short of incredible. I’m such a “too much is not enough” person that my immediate response is to add and add notes and melodies but Dan knows how to skillfully and tastefully use strings and crescendos to build a song from start to finish.
As the world begins to slowly open back up. Are you looking forward to being able to have live performances of your own and also attend other artists shows?
Absolutely! I have been fantasizing about that day for a long time! I miss the loud noise, the cacophony of chatter, sweaty bodies, flashing lights, the loading in and tearing down of equipment, all of it! And with my new EP coming shortly, I am more excited than ever. I have all brand new songs and performance ideas swirling around in my head. I am ready!
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Be absolutely fearless in the pursuit of your passion, work hard, and never let anyone define you! You have the power within to create the world you want and nothing is ever impossible!