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“A River to Cross” carries a strong emotional and LGBTQ+ message—can you share the inspiration behind the song and what it means to you personally?
Well all my life I've always fallen for the wrong people, usually straight men! Whilst I've had quite a few long term relationships spanning years, I always seem to get into trouble in between relationships and I think I form friendships and read signals wrong. I found out this is actually a medical condition called limerence a few years ago which was actually a relief for me as once I knew that I could make changes and recognise patterns I can keep myself out of trouble. So the song is really about my relationship with and unrequited love for several (mainly wonderful) straight men who put me through hell, hopefully unintentionally!
What was your songwriting process like for this track? Did the LGBTQ+ slant influence the way you approached the music or lyrics differently than other songs you’ve written?
I wouldn't say the song has an LGBT slant, I think it's probably relatable to anyone who's gone through the pain of loving someone who doesn't love you back. The video however, intentionally, tells a story I've lived through many times over my life ...falling for a straight guy!
Working as one‑half of Thereza Bazar’s Dollar, how have your musical roots and past collaborations shaped your approach to tackling meaningful social themes like identity and acceptance?
It's a tough one because being a certain age and gay means you have to learn acceptance yourself given the new generation of LGBT people and what that phrase means to them. I have struggled with that myself if I'm honest. When I was younger our collective mission was to create a world where nobody cares if you're gay or straight, a world where gay bars and prides were no longer required because nothing was an issue....for better or worse, we seem a million miles away from that world as people want to celebrate their sexuality and identity. That has taken some getting used to for me but I'm tolerant and accepting. It just does seem a little strange to me that so many people want to wear their identity like a badge of honor when I've said many times, being gay is the least interesting thing about me! This internal struggle has always had a big influence on my songwriting for sure.
Have you had any reactions from fans—particularly within the LGBTQ+ community—that stood out to you since you released “A River to Cross”?
Not yet, although one of the straight guys I had an unrequited love for asked me if it was about him... I told him it was about all of them haha.
Do you view your music as a form of activism? How important is it for you to include themes of LGBTQ+ experience and visibility in your art?
To be honest that would be a no, I am happy to write about themes that inspire me at the time but I would never actively decide to write a song about a certain issue. My songs always come from a personal, emotional place rather than political or social issues. They may creep into my songs but it would be because of an experience I had rather than a purposeful display of activism.
Looking ahead, are there other stories or themes you’re excited to explore in your music, especially ones that might continue to highlight underrepresented voices or experiences?
Well all my creative energy is going into my album which is already written and in the process of being recorded so for me I can't look beyond that, but I'm hoping to do some writing with Thereza Bazar for a Dollar album this year so maybe something might come out there.
