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Your sound blends traditional country with a modern LGBTQ+ perspective—what drew you to country music as your primary genre?
I think growing up I never felt like the kids around me liked the same music as me, they were all into rock and heavy metal. Then one day I saw a group of people doing a line dancing class to Shania Twain in the local supermarket carpark and I loved her sound. She’s been a big influence on me and my music and a cover some of her songs in my covers set as well. I was a country boy from then.
Country has historically had a complex relationship with queer artists. What has your experience been as an LGBTQ+ artist in the UK country scene?
I have been quite lucky so far, I haven’t experienced any homophobia at any of my shows, and iv played and queer and straight venues. The only hate I get is online. That used to bother me but its always a faceless profile and iv learnt to just ignore their words now
Your new EP is getting attention—what’s the story or theme that ties the project together?
I currently have 8 singles out on streaming platforms, and they each have a separate and unique story, so I knew I wanted the EP to have an overall theme and vibe. I also wanted it to reflect what modern country can sound like from a queer perspective. Its sexy and empowering.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind the EP? Were there any songs that evolved in unexpected ways?
The Day You Don’t Love Me is a heartfelt ballad I wrote after waking up from consecutive nightmares that my boyfriend had broken up with me. I woke up after the third of fourth time of having this same nightmare and knew I needed to write the song. It explores who you are when the person you love does love you anymore and I think it’s very beautiful and raw. On the flip side of that, Boys In The Barn, my sexy rodeo song on the EP was written based off a fantasy I have when I was drunk in park. Inspirations comes in all different forms!
Is there a particular track on the new EP that feels especially personal or important to you? Why?
Apart from The Day You Don’t Love Me, for obvious reasons mentioned above, I would say the lead song from the EP, He’s The Devil. It perfectly captures the vibe of the EP and with the help of some amazing friends, @matt1981h and @stefanowithef, it became the song to my first ever music video which is out now on YouTube. I’m very proud of it!
How do your personal experiences influence your songwriting, especially when it comes to identity and storytelling?
When I write music, the story always comes first. I want to take the listener on a journey. Almost all of my songs are drawn from personal experiences, whether its growing up in a small town, dealing with heartbreak, or facing adversity. I aim to make every story feel authentic and personal, so the listener can truly connect with it.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within country
and outside of it?
Shania Twain is a given, I think she’s amazing! I have also been really inspired by Lainey Wilsons’ story, especially how she was living in her camper trailer for 10 years while she constantly tried to break into the industry. That kind of perseverance is really empowering as a new. I’m also deeply inspired by musical theatre, which is why I love incorporating of drama into my own music.
The UK country scene has been growing in recent years—how do you see your role within it?
I love that the UK country scene is growing in popularity. I hope to be a big part in making sure that, as it grows, it does so inclusively, so everyone feels they have a voice and can find home in a country song. After all, “Y’all Means All.” (that’s one of my songs )
What do you hope listeners—especially queer listeners—take away from your music?
I hope my listeners feel a sense of community from my music; I am small enough that I respond to every comment and I want to get to know my audience. I aim create a community that supports each other through music. I hope my music empowers them, gives the strength, and brings them joy.
Looking ahead, how do you want your sound and message to evolve after this EP?
I have so many plans already before the end of the year, I have new music after the EP, a UK pride tour and a Christmas EP all in the works. I’m constantly learning, evolving, and pushing myself to be better. I can’t wait to see where all this hard work takes me!
https://youtu.be/GupALL678vc?si=XcE9BLxOIn9Qe42H
https://open.spotify.com/artist/757uBkhdjpYHxyMtLuTpNC?si=ylzjGHc1QqebV_13HDG3Tg