rockyourlyricsHow do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
It varies, but I generally come up with a guitar melody or progression that I start singing to. If it feels right, I’ll start thinking about topics. The topic generally comes to me when I start free-styling the words. I try to record everything on my voice memo for those moments where good ideas come out naturally without thinking too much. My best songs generally write themselves and happen rather quickly.
In your opinion, what is the most important thing in songwriting?
Technically speaking, there are too many important factors in making a great song. If we are breaking it down to one word, I would say “honesty.” Mean what you say… Don’t hold back.
Are you ever scared of revealing aspects of your personal life/experience to strangers through your music?
I used to think about that when I was younger, but I never really let it hold me back. I say what I want, and I know I can’t please everyone.
What is the best lyric that you ever wrote (the most meaningful for you)?
“City of Cards.” It’s on my new EP coming out October 12. I wrote that song at a pretty low point before realizing I needed to move out of LA.
What inspired “Can’t Take It” , part of your upcoming EP “Somewhere Between Love & War” ?
“Can’t Take It” was inspired by a sort of toxic relationship. I was with someone who I cared for dearly, but was holding me back. That song wrote itself rather quickly and I tried to keep it quite simple, because the message was clear to me of what I needed to do…
And “Supernatural”?
“Supernatural” was written about my experience with getting a Visa and moving to America with the help of my amazing mother. Looking back at how we were able to come here, it all felt very magical and super human. We got denied two different times for a Visa, but my mom was able to argue her way into getting us to America the second time around. It’s crazy how I’m here…I always think about that and try to remember how lucky I am.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Unavailable”?
I do. I wrote that song right after I took a songwriting class with Judy Stakee. I really felt like that was the turning point for my lyric writing. That was one of my first songs that I really, truly just laid it all out there for the listener without caring what people think.
What was the best moment of your career? And the most difficult one?
Too many difficult ones to list haha. One of my best moments was performing on the pier in Santa Monica to support myself. It was not easy, but I was able to connect with so many people of all ages.
What are your plans for 2018?
Well, 2018 is almost over. I’m about to go on tour in Texas with Jon Pattie and then after that I will focus on a couple music videos to close out the year… I can’t tell ya which songs 😉
To conclude the interview a short Q/A session, please answer the first thing that comes to your mind:
- Define in one word your EP “Somewhere Between Love & War”: Transitional.
- The best show you ever played: Hotel Cafe in 2017.
- The one thing that you must have in your backstage: High Quality H20!
- The soundtrack of your childhood: “Siamese Dream” – Smashing Pumpkins.
- Your favorite song lyrically speaking, but not written by you: “Time” – Pink Floyd.
- Last question is “unusual”, we want to know your best relationship advice: Don’t get into something just because you’re afraid of being alone. Find someone who empowers you and makes you a better person.
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