How do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
It’s always different. Sometimes I’ll have some pre-written prose that I use as a jumping board. Sometimes songs fully form in my head as we’re writing. Sometimes I really have to dig. I have a folder in my Notes app on my phone that I use to write down phrases or ideas in when they come to me. I’ve learned to always write down everything, because ideas come and fade out of my head.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Authenticity. Believe in what you’re writing.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
Not really. Growing up, music saved my life. Hearing lyrics I could relate to was the only thing that kept me from feeling so alone. I hope that my lyrics can be a lifeline for someone else.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
My songs are like my children, so I don’t choose favorites.
What inspired your latest single “I Could Be Your Man” ?
I Could be Your Man was inspired by my frustration with labels. As someone who considers themselves fluid, both in gender and in sexuality, I’ve found that no matter what, society will always try to put you in a box. This song grapples with that.
And “Siamese Flame”?
When I met my partner, we both had the same dream one night. It was almost as if we both were reliving a memory in our dreams. This song is about soulmates, and the people that keep returning to you in every life.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Loveless”?
Yes, I remember because we wrote it in our practice space, and I had been watching 3 days of alien documentaries non-stop. The lyrics are all about aliens that feed off of loneliness.
What was the best moment of your career? And the most difficult one?
The best moment of my career was self-releasing the EP that my band and I wrote together. It was such a labor of love and it followed the most difficult one, which was getting out of a bad label deal.
What are your plans for 2018?
We’re currently releasing a slew of singles and writing a new EP. We’ll be doing 1-2 more shows in and out of LA and then going into the writing cave!
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your latest song “I Could Be Your Man”: Free.
- The best show you ever played: Seattle.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: Water.
- The soundtrack of your childhood: All that she wants.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: “Shake the Disease” by Depeche Mode.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Build every relationship on trust, and always follow your intuition. Be independent. Have your own life. Don’t hinge everything on another person.