What inspired you to write ghosts?
I began to struggle again with my depression after transitioning to a new life I had made moving to Florida. I wanted to do something different with my music, so that I could be true to myself and make something that I could find hope in as well. It was all about transparency and being honest with the way I had been feeling. If I want to help inspire other people I have to be truthful. I was feeling alone and empty. I couldn’t write a song about “you’re not alone” because that’s how I felt at that time.
How does your new sound differ from your previous music releases?
I had to dig back to my roots of indie folk/ singer songwriter music to truly find my voice so that I could transition it into my love for alternative music. My song “ghosts” is about feeling alone in a world of billions of people. I had to bring every emotion into this song so that people could feel my pain and know that it’s okay.
Who are your music influences?
My all time influences are jxdn, XXXTENTACION, Bon iver, Machine Gun Kelly and beauty school dropout. They all have a strong sense of realness in their music. They inspire me to shift my perspective in life to better myself as an artist and a person.
Happy one year anniversary since you started releasing music! How have you grown as an artist so far?
1 year ago I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I knew wholeheartedly that music was my purpose. I believe God put music in my life not only to help me, but to also use me as a vessel to speak life into people’s hearts the way it did for me. It saved my life and I want to give people hope the way it gave me.
Will there be a music video for ghosts?
There will be a music video for ghosts. This is my second music video and I felt it was right to share with the world my visuals behind it.
Any advice for new aspiring artists?
Yes! Love music like it’s in your blood and never give up. The music industry is a very hard career to make it in, but if you have faith and believe in yourself all things are possible. When shit hits the fan you just have to get back up and keep pushing forward. People will hate on you, people will tear you down, but never let another soul stop you from doing what makes you happy. I believe in anyone who’s trying to pursue music. Stay true to who you want to be and always remember to love yourself. Never let anyone change you.
What ways have you tried standing out and finding your voice?
I’ve always found comfort in being true to myself when it comes to being an artist. Some people might not ever understand why I make the music that I make, but the most important thing that I have ever done is kept negativity out. I love to be different. I strive to make a difference with my music. I dove back into my roots of soft emotional folk music to find my voice. I remember recording a song in California with Nathan and the one thing that’s ALWAYS stuck with me is hearing him say “Nope do it again. We are not going to do this again” he meant my vocal takes. So every time I’m recording I can hear his voice saying "don’t bend your notes. Do it again", haha.
Is writing music something that comes easily to you or is it something you have to work harder than most at?
Writing has always been something God has blessed me with. When I decided to pursue music full-time lyrics poured out of me. Whatever I'm feeling in the moment comes out. That’s why I’m such an emotional person. I allow myself as an artist to be as transparent as possible so people can truly feel the lyrics.
Talk to us about the process of finding your voice as a musician
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Growing up I never had the confidence to sing. I would go up to the hospital parking garage every night and play my guitar and sing as if I was the only person on earth. It was my safe place and I knew nobody could hear me. It was the place I began to feel most comfortable. Soon after, I started posting videos of myself playing and singing and it has been therapy for me.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Jxdn. He’s the whole reason why I fell in love with music. I don’t know what it is about that kid but since we both have similar upbringings it's only natural that I gravitate towards his message of hope. For example, his song "tell me about tomorrow", talks about how important it is to have hope that there is a new day to come. This song saved my life. When I met him a week ago and he said something to me that I’ll never forget. He told me that I 'have to love what I do to do it.' There’s a part of you who has to love music because like I said before it's very hard to find commercial success as an artist. He truly continues to inspire me. I believe we’d make a beautiful song together.
Where do you see yourself musically in the next five years?
I ask myself this all the time. I never thought I’d be where I am today and I’m extremely blessed to be surrounded by Nathan and my IWXO family. I just pray in 5 years I’m on stage doing what I love and performing for thousands of people who can feel my message of hope.
Do you play any instruments?
I taught myself how to play guitar and piano. I can’t read music but I can play by ear.
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