How was the Nashville trip? What did you record there?
Oh my God, it was really good. It was great. I had a lot of fun. I worked with a producer named BAERD, and if you don’t already know his music, you should definitely check it out! It’s so good. I hadn’t planned on going back to Nashville, but my mom had some work scheduled there, and she asked if I needed to record another song. It ended up working out really well.
I recorded one new song called All in Moderation. Originally, it wasn’t going to be on the project, but I had written it and thought, Wow, I love this song so much. When I found out I could record one more track, I sent BAERD two songs and told him to choose. He picked All in Moderation, and I’m so glad he did.
What can we expect from these new tracks?
Well, God You Get Meis probably the song that’s gotten the most attention, and it’s one of my personal favorites. I was really vulnerable in that one, it felt authentically me. This upcoming EP has a similar energy, but it’s like me on steroids. There’s a little bit of everything, which I’m really excited about.
How does “Look What I’m Learning” differ from where you are in life right now?
At that time, I was really lost and struggling with personal things, including being deep in an eating disorder, which I’ve spoken about before. That project was my first big emotional release, and I wanted it to have everything: a little pop ballad, some indie, and something stripped down. Now, I’m just writing for myself. This new stuff feels more authentic. It leans into indie folk while still having that indie rock element, because I’ll always be an indie rock girl at heart
You released a music video on Valentine’s Day. How do you approach creating visuals that complement your music?
That video was so fun! I made it with my best friend, Nora, they directed and shot it. It was super impromptu. We just walked around my neighborhood and captured my everyday life, which fits “God You Get Me” perfectly. That song feels very introspective, very alone-in-your-head, and Nora captured that really well. They’re incredible.
“God You Get Me” is such a beautiful love song. What’s the story behind it?
It’s about my partner but also about me. He was on a trip to Germany, and I started noticing all these little things I relied on him for, like remembering a capo or just being there. It’s true what they say: distance makes the heart grow fonder. The song is about love that’s real-growing, changing, evolving I’ve been with my partner for four years, and I love the ups and downs. There aren’t many love songs that capture that kind of realism.
If “God You Get Me” could b in a rom-com, which one would it be?
When Harry Met Sally feels like the right fit, it’s a classic.
“Counting Sheeps” feels so dreamy and intimate, what inspired that song?
So much of my writing comes from the feeling of not being enough. “Counting Sheeps” was written at 2 a.m. in one of my darkest moments. It’s about self sabotage in relationships. When something is good and beautiful, but your brain tries to convince you it isn’t. That’s what the song explores, along with all the questions that come with that insecurity.
“Good Lord! I’m Trying! is so punchy and cathartic. What was the recording process for it like?
I recorded it with my friend Ben Coleman, an amazing producer in New York. I was going through a tough time and brought the song in, knowing exactly what I wanted: full indie rock. It came together naturally but not quickly. We recorded, paused, came back a month later. It needed time. Even the vocals took effort. I kept thinking, This isn’t guttural enough. That song is about ripping your guts out emotionally, so I wanted to get it just right.
How did you discover you wanted to become a musician?
I’ve been writing songs since I was eight or nine. It was always something I did. But only recently did I realize that if I didn’t go for it fully, i’d regret it. Songwriting has been a constant in my life. My parents really supported me, they were like, Why not just go for it?”
What kind of music did you grow up listening to, and how does it influence you now?
I was a pop girly through and through, I was always listening to the top 100. But as I got older, I found artists like Soccer Mommy, Madi Diaz, and others in the indie folk/rock space. My dad also introduced me to some niche 90s dad rock, so it was a mix. Now, I’m still a sucker for anything catchy, I’ll replay songs to death.That’s why my music usually has hooks you can grab onto. The mix of pop and sad indie stuff definitely made me more in tune with myself and my writing
How does your songwriting process influence your production choices?
Songwriting is very natural for me. But when it comes to recording, I get in my head. I’m really hard on myself. I want every song to do justice to the emotion behind it, and sometimes I have to give myself a pep talk in the studio. Trusting myself in writing comes easier than in recording.
What’s something you’ve learned recently that has deeply impacted you?
This project has made me confront self doubt and feeling like I’ll never get where I want to be. Seeing others succeed while you feel stuck is tough. Depression plays into that, too. I’ve also been thinking about what it means to be an artist in such a chaotic world. Sometimes I wonder if I should be doing more to help, but at the very least, I hope my songs make people think and feel something meaningful.
You’ve been releasing music for a while now, what milestones have been the most impactful?
Social media is a love-hate thing for most musicians, and I’m in the middle. TikTok, specifically, gave “God You Get Me” its first real boost. I made a mood board for it, and it went viral. It was the first time people really tuned in and connected with the song the way I always hoped they would. It meant a lot.
You recently opened for Gillanares, what was that like? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
That show was amazing. I love playing with insanely talented people, Sara Devoe was also on the bill, and their sounds were both so cool and inspiring. This new EP is for people who feel super lost, especially in their 20s. As for pre-show routines: I’ve gotten really into tea! While recording in Portland, the producer Zach introduced me to Smith Tea, No. 47, and now I always drink it before shows. I also warm up (in the shower, multitasking!), and I love wearing something weird, like my favorite brat shirt. I’m on Spotify and TikTok. TikTok is where I post early ideas and snippets of new stuff. But honestly, Just go for a walk or drive with your friends and put it on. That’s the best way!
Aside from music, you’re also a photographer and designer, how do you manage the creative direction and visuals for your music?
It really helps that I do photography and design because I can contribute visually in a hands-on way. When I work with musicians or collaborators, they’ll give me a vision, and I run with it. With my own work, I’ve been trying to define the visual world of my next project more intentionally-finding collaborators who get it and sticking with a cohesive vibe.
Which up-and-coming artists should everybody be listening to?
Molly Parden, Beeson, Mer Marcum, Mia Lorelei, and Thumber!