Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
“This Fire” is my latest release, It’s a song I wrote about what I could’ve had for a life. Divorce in a heterosexual relationship, maybe a daughter, and peace. Instead, I’m stuck in benefits trafficking, broke at the hands of my parent’s lies, and refusal to corroborate my past work history, education or disability. It is maddening to me. So I wrote a song about the life they ruined.
They ruined it through grooming, neglect, emotional trauma and medical abuse. Through making me a cash cow for the state and federal government, a cash cow for the corporations my dad works for; as well as my family’s benefit.
Without them – I envision I would have so much peace in my life I’d be dating women. It’s a joke in many ways, but I don’t have peace (yet) so I haven’t entertained the idea of even settling down. I think the butterfly effect is fascinating though.
My parents are keeping me stuck like that. Time is passing us by.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
I approach the process of songwriting by starting with a beat in the computer program I use – Logic Pro X, or a chord progression on my piano. Or lyrics on a page.
In any event – Lyrics and chords are usually done by the time I go to record. Those two things give a good roadmap for the track. Everything feeds into itself, so the chords move with the drums, the drums move with the melody. Everything has to be cohesive like that.
I have used music to express a lot that I hadn’t said. A lot of my early work focused on depression and addiction or just coping in general.
In the beginning – I was in the guardianship I went through. I had a lot to say – and I feel like that is why it worked so well to get me out of my situation.
When approaching serious subject matter like that, in life or art, the emotion of apathy comes into play (for survival) eventually, so I include that in the vibe for many of my songs. Sometimes it’s a dark chord progression, and other times it’s minimalism.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
To me, they can be a chain reaction that becomes a balancing act. If it has commercial appeal, it’s possible to be an afterthought to the authenticity of the song – not an either-or situation. So it is possible to have both. If that happens for me, I’d be grateful. I wouldn’t hate being in a more serious project though.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
Saying something different than what’s being said, or finding topics that haven’t been written about.
Also, paying rent in Denver got harder for me when I moved out of my old place. That’s a situation in itself. Those two feed into being a struggle that comes and goes. Rent and authenticity.
If I were signed to a deal, the songs would be different. Maybe they’d be better. In some aspects I know they would be, mixing wise – for instance. but I wouldn’t be saying the same things.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
When I’m collaborating, the process is different. The vibe is more melancholy and more bold. Working with another creative offers a different and refreshing perspective. That’s what I get out of collaborating. Their influence on the song they offer is something I wouldn’t otherwise achieve.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Technology plays a huge role, as does Social Media. I rely on my Mac to record, mix and master the songs I release. I also edit photos, either on my phone or my laptop. I’m heavily connected via tech.
I also make a heavy effort to connect with people in twitter spaces to get new opportunities as well.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
There are certain artists whom I like whom I try not to listen to.
Emo is all over my lyrics – but I listen to a lot more pop than emo. The artists whom I’m tuning out are too close to what I hope to achieve with my own music.
The only way I know how to write my favorite song – a song I love, is to tune out all the music for a brief period. It could be a day, it could be longer. I just try to create silence for my own thoughts to exist.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I use twitter spaces a lot. I also use ReverbNation to build press kits and stuff like that. Sometimes I’ll drop a song oin soundcloud and run an ad. In the end, I just like making music that I like.