I started singing in church when I was about 7 years old, followed by playing piano and guitar. As a little girl I would always make up songs and rhymes about my daily experiences and things I observed about life. Though I was quite shy, I continued to sing and play over the years for community events, weddings, funerals, in various choirs, bands, festivals etc. After years of performing covers, I started writing and releasing my own music in 2019.
As artists we all have stories to tell and making music is a way to express emotions and share common experiences. My main motivation however is that my music can connect with others experiences while sparking some hope, happiness and healing. With “Hurricane”, I was inspired to empower those bouncing back from a difficult time. “Second Chances” was all about moving forward with forgiveness and faith. “Can’t Do Christmas Without You” was an anthem of comfort for those separated from loved ones during the holiday. And my upcoming release “GOOD THINGS” is about believing that Good things are coming despite struggles with depression anxiety, loneliness, failure etc.
Though everyone must start somewhere, the worst experience for me probably would be releasing my first EP to absolutely no listeners or audience. It can be discouraging when something means so much for you and no one seems to be there to care. Now I am patient and trust that the music will reach those who need to hear it and will relate to it in its own time. For me the best and most rewarding thing is when someone expresses how much a song helped them get through a tough time, or sings it/covers it and shares that with me. This is the kind of impact that not only surprises me, but encourages me to dig deep and create with passion, positive energy and authenticity.
There are a number of female artists who have inspired me to pave my own way with confidence and embracing a unique musical sound and message. These include: Dolly Parton, Amy Winehouse, Jewel, Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries), Alanis Morisette, Katie Melua, KT Tunstall, Shania Twain, Ingrid Michealson, Frances England, Leslie Feist and Florence Welch. Furthermore, I grew up listening to a lot of Elvis Presley, Abba and Boney M which were feel-good staples in our family home and definitely influenced my music.