What inspired you to begin a career in music?
I wrote poetry for years and met a songwriting mentor/teacher who taught me how to turn some of my poems into songs. I became obsessed with the process and quickly started taking songwriting classes, and I also taught myself how to play guitar so that I could write on my own. At the same time, I was working part-time in the music industry, and I was cast to lip-sync a Dusty Springfield song on the NBC show Aquarius. I spent hours in holding, and the person who was playing the drums on set was Scott Seiver, of Tenacious D. We talked about music and songwriting. I told him that I was writing music in my bedroom and recording songs on my phone, but that I never professionally recorded anything. He invited me to his studio where we ended up making a 4 song EP. It was then I realized I wanted to have a career in music. I fell in love with the entire process of creating music.
From the beginning idea of a song to the final mixing and mastering. Long story short, I never had intentions of doing this. I fell into it. I actually thought I wanted to be an actress and was pursuing a career in that field when music caught me by surprise.
What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?
I think there is awesome music in every genre being made right now. I think the biggest thing that separates me from other up and coming pop artists is the way I deliver songs and messages. I tend to write songs that are positive. The other side of the darkness and pain because I’ve really been through that. I’m able to turn back around, reflect on it, and share some of the things that helped me.
I want my listeners to feel inspired to keep going, to feel like they are welcome and included, and to feel empowered in their life. I draw inspiration for production from other genres. Like how can I take this totally bonkers wacky sonic landscape and put it into a mainstream pop song. I think Charli XCX does that pretty well!
Your latest release ‘Confetti’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and explain the meaning behind the single?
The idea for Confetti came from a poem I read. The line was something like, “if I have you then everything else is confetti.” I thought: what a beautiful sentiment. The concept is that if I have the people I love in my life, then everything else is confetti. Everything else that comes is just extra. Of course, given you have your basic needs met, which leads me to the other idea in the song.
As a collective, we don’t need to place value on material items like fancy cars and purses. I think in Los Angeles, especially, there’s pressure to have flashy things. But, to me that’s not the end goal. The end goal is to have a full happy life with meaningful relationships.
Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as a musician, when you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
Hah! I definitely experience bad days. The thing that keeps me going and pursing this dream of mine is my love for it. I keep telling myself that as long as I continue to love making music then I will keep going. I will trust that everything will fall into place when it is supposed to. That’s the only way you can do it without going insane, at least for me. Also, meditation and yoga! It keeps me grounded when my thoughts want to take me for a crazy ride.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
I think the most meaningful song I have written is a song I haven’t released. It is a song called Tiny Hands, and no it is not about Donald Trump. Haha! It’s a song about my mother. I will put it out eventually, but I am not ready to just yet.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?
Absolutely! I think every milestone, every little step forward, and every victory big or small is a “wow” moment. Recently I was added to Spotify’s Fresh Finds, and I was like “wow, I feel so lucky that my music is being supported.” I have that moment after every live show I play. I think, “wow I can’t believe people show up and are into my songs,” I feel so grateful. It’s important to have humility and recognize that every small achievement is huge. To celebrate it! Oh, and I also think “wow” with my collaborators.
I still feel this sense of awe when they show up for me the way they do. That they believe in me so much that they give me their time, work, and talent to help my music come to life. I wouldn’t be in any position like this without my mega-talented friends. I feel very grateful.
What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them?
The people you surround yourself with is everything! You have to take time to find your team of collaborators who really get your vision and who you work well with. It’s important to grow with them, to move up together. Music is collaborative so finding and nurturing those relationships are key.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Take the time to develop yourself. Never give up if it’s what you really love. Be in the game for the right reasons and be in it for the long run. Treat everyone with kindness and build a like-minded team around your project. Support other artists, songwriters, producers, etc. What you give is what you get.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
I am releasing my sophomore EP, Vol. 2, later this year so you can expect a lot more music from me.
Anything else you would like to add?
Be kind to yourself and to others as we navigate through these crazy times. Stay and be well.
‘Confetti’ is available now via all major platforms.
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Photographer credit: Anisha Sisodia
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