Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?

The songs on this album all came together in their own time, over many years, and after gathering them up, polishing and preparing them, I realized that they all shared some common themes and messages. Completely unintentionally, they all touch upon issues of abuse, in various forms. Substance abuse, abusive relationships, emotional abuse, physical abuse, abuse of power… The further I got into the process of creating this album, the more I saw the songs reveal themselves as a flowing story, with each song acting as a snapshot from different people’s lives, all coexisting. All of the characters are either current victims of abuse or moving through recovering from abuse, and some of their paths cross in other songs. “Got Damned” for example, imagines two people who have gravitated toward each other through common traumas. Both struggling with not letting the past circumstances of their lives dictate their future. “Stick & Stone” goes further into a similar relationship, with a young man coming to terms with the fact that he is possibly letting himself become everything he wanted so badly to escape from.

Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?

This has happened SO OFTEN throughout my life, and continues to happen regularly. If I had a dollar for every time I dropped what I was doing to go sit in front of the stereo speaker and ABSORB what was coming out… There have been times where I’ve had to pull the car over because a song was hitting me so hard. Sometimes, a song can completely re-write my plans for a day. Music is an extremely powerful art form.

Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?

I have no rituals or routines… Each moment of every situation is it’s own. I try to just approach every show and every recording session with no expectations, and just ride the wave as it flows.

Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?

“Morning’s for Surviving” is about struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks—Using the full moon & werewolf concept as the metaphor. Recognizing the signs/triggers (full moon) and knowing what is coming (werewolf)… Taking precautions, breathing etc., and remembering that the sun WILL rise again, it WILL pass. The song is structured like a panic attack as well… The unpredictable rhythm, the waves of intensity and calm, etc.

Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?

“Jump on These Blues” was written as an anthem for women’s rights. Dedicated to ALL the incredible females in history who have pushed through boundaries and responded to « no, you can’t » with an enthusiastic middle finger. Taking their anger, pain and frustration and using it as fuel to persevere, and prove everyone wrong.

Other songs of mine, not on this album, that advocate for justice and positive change, include: “Until We All Rise,” “It’s What You Want,” and “Break Me.”

The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?

I have no idea what to expect, I just hope I can keep up!

Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?

Just going to continue to ride the wave, wherever it takes me, and continue to take every opportunity to improve and grow