Pop singer/songwriter • actress
What are you up to right now, music-wise? Current or upcoming recordings, top secret projects, etc.?
Well, I started learning guitar this past May and since then, I’ve been writing a ton. I’m writing on my own and the music I’m working on is all vocal and acoustic guitar based. The music will be on my next record, which is being produced by Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown. We’ve already started experimenting in the studio with different mics and I’m sooooo excited to record these songs. I’ve also started playing guitar at my gigs, which is mega-stressful. I love it but the stress is exhausting — I keep wondering, why am I doing this to myself? But I can’t stop.
I also just released my first record, which was produced and co-written by the awesome Leo Sidran. It’s available on iTunes and Amazon and I’m really excited to finally have it out in the world. It was a long time in the making!
Does your best songwriting come from active, conscious thinking about what a song should say?
No, I wouldn’t say that it does. My ideas can come at any time, but usually they come in the morning, sometimes before I’m totally awake, and sometimes while I’m still sleeping. I always have a dictaphone and a pad handy so that I can record my ideas whenever they come. I could get an idea for a lyric or melody while I’m on the subway, or even watching TV. Sometimes I sit down with my guitar or at the piano and some chord catches me. I try not to involve my conscious mind until after the initial creative impulses are out. I feel like if you have to plan what a song “should say” it’s probably not as true as what would just come out when you’re not looking.
What are some of your likes outside of music?
I’m an actress. I love dance. I’m also a very enthusiastic foodie. I love Food Network and when I have time, I’m fairly awesome in the kitchen.
Could you provide a little bit of context to your featured song?
“It’s You” is a song on the self-titled record I just released. It’s one of the few songs I’ve written on piano and I think it is definitely influenced by the jazz standards I listened to growing up. It was also recorded the day I broke up with someone. It was a pretty raw day, but I think that was a good thing.
Listen to the featured song!
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
