What have you been up to this year & what can we expect in the coming months?

I’ve been very busy this year launching my solo career, building a great team around me, and learning the industry all over again after a 2-year hiatus! I’ve released 3 singles so far, ‘Bounce Back’, ‘Drama King’ & ‘Disassociate’& an EP release called ‘Saving Lilibet’ that came out on the 4th July. Next up my band & I are working towards an EP launch show at the Penny Theatre in Canterbury on 8th August - I’ve got lots more up my sleeve though, so watch this space!

What are your thoughts on AI and its effect on the music industry?

I am all for real humans! I can see how AI can be useful in certain sectors, but it seems to be sucking all the creativity out of the world (as well as stealing it from other people!)– I think human creativity is so much rawer and more meaningful – I’d rather hear a thousand bum notes than listen to a robot any day. AI is literally using people’s real singing voices, without permission, to generate music… As a small artist trying to break through, that’s terrifying! It’s not like there aren’t already enough grass-roots artists struggling to be heard out here – now we have to compete with robots as well?! It’s bleak – but it will never put me off pursuing music. Bring back individuality!

Is streaming a good or bad thing?

It’s very hard for small artists like myself to make money these days. Streaming is cool for new people to find you and support you, but I hope in future more of an income can be made for all artists big & small to support their art. I’d love to see a resurgence of CDs! Kids these days are really missing out on the thrill of opening the album sleeve and squinting along with the lyrics to their favourite tunes – good times!

If you could play with any musician, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Alanis Morissette hands down! She’s an absolute legend for good reason – her Glasto performance was epic! She’s been my ultimate hero forever. Loreen the Swedish pop artist is amazing too, I would love to work with her!

What are your 3 favourite moments in your career?

Tough one, but I’d say the first is meeting Fuji Hideout, my producer, who rescued me when I was trying to find my feet starting out again - and he gave me the best vocal sound! Second would be all of the gigs I’ve played where the audience have sung my lyrics back – as a musician, there really is no better feeling that that! Lastly, I’d probably choose touring up North! The people up there are so welcoming, and they really get into the music and let their hair down! It’s always a great experience!

Who should we be listening to?

This one’s easy - Fuji Hideout! @fujihideout on socials – he’s my incredible producer, and he’s also a solo artist in his own right – he’s such a huge talent, and he has the most awesome sound. Definitely check him out and show him some love!

What can save our venues?

I think Covid was hugely detrimental to live music – and all the financial & economic issues we’ve had since. People don’t go out like they used to, it’s really altered the industry. I think we just need to remind people how awesome live music really is, make it affordable and accessible for people to attend gigs - it’s a struggle for artists too though as it costs so much to put on live shows, it can be a real double-edged sword. You want people to come, but you also have to sell tickets. I think people just need to take a chance on going out to smaller shows again and remembering the buzz you get from it – it’s always worth a few quid on the door to potentially discover your new favourite artists! And as artists, we need to support each other, too – we’ve got to stick together in this, big each other up, attend each other’s shows…  It’s something I try to do as often as I can, I really think it makes a difference and gets the word out there!

Where is your favourite venue?

I absolutely love The Penny Theatre in Canterbury – they’re the most amazing, supportive team, and playing there is always a blast! I can’t wait to play the EP launch there in August! 

Ramsgate Music Hall has been high on my list for quite a while now too. The sound, the stage, the backstage, the layout, it’s such an awesome venue,

Anything else you’d like to share?

My EP ‘Saving Lilibet’ is out now on all streaming platforms. Please show it some well deserved love .