Honky Tonk Heroes
Do you consider yourself a “country” artist or do you find that too restrictive? Is the concept of “genre” dead?
I don’t know that I would consider myself a country artist. If I am country - it’s definitely not traditional country. But I have also realized it doesn’t matter what genre I am. I just want to make music I believe in and people can decide what they think it is. To me it’s a blend of country, rock, pop, Americana. But that’s just my own opinion.
What challenges has the pandemic presented for you, especially while trying to release and promote your new album? What adjustments have you been forced to make?
Well, I finished recording the record a week before the world shut down. So like everyone else I have been adapting to life without big public events. I was touring quite a bit before the pandemic, so taking a break was good for me. I could look at the shutting down as a bad thing, but I can also look at it from a positive standpoint. I have been able to write more since being at home as well as take care of my health and mental health. I have also adapted like everyone else. Thankfully we have technology so I can be anywhere I need to be virtually. It is strange putting out my first record and not being able to tour for it. I am hoping that by the fall we will be able to get back to touring and playing. I definitely miss it.
What is your media consumption like these days? Any particular movies/TV shows/books/records that you are feeling particularly passionate about?
Well, since The Office is no longer on NETFLIX, I have been a little bitter haha. I have almost finished Grace and Frankie, and I’ve really enjoyed watching that. I like comedies for sure. I have been reading a lot over the pandemic. I’ve finished all of Robin Sharma’s books and I just finished reading all of Ryan Holiday’s books as well. I am currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. The best book I have read thus far is Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. 10/10 recommend! I keep going back and listening to Machine Gun Kelly’s new record Tickets to My Downfall, definitely my favorite record right now.
How would you describe your approach in the studio? How was working with Sadler Vader different from your earlier recording sessions?
This studio approach was much different than any recording experience I’ve had before. We knew exactly what we wanted to do before we went in there. I was also working with a lot of really talented people in there, so everyone brought something unique to the table. Working with Sadler has been the best possible thing for my career. He is just as much of a mentor as he is a producer. Since working with him my writing has improved and I credit that to him challenging me, and pushing me.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the “business” of music from your beginnings in Floyd until now? If you could change anything, would you?
I’ve learned that it’s not an overnight success. It takes work, it takes playing to empty rooms, and not making any money. Making a career in music means you have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. I wouldn’t change how things have gone, they have made me who I am. I believe I am right where God wants me to be during this journey.
How has sobriety (congrats!) changed your approach to writing?
Obviously - my content is much different now that I am sober. I feel getting sober has made me face myself and dig inside to see what is going on. I am not self-medicating anymore, so I have to sit alone with my thoughts and figure out what the heck is going on. Sobriety has made me be more real.
As a woman how do you handle those music “fans” that objectify artists rather than focusing on the content of what they are trying to convey?
Honestly, ignore them. I’ve learned that if you give them attention, they just continue. I don’t think it’s right. I would much rather have people talk about my voice than my looks, but at the end of the day there will always be those few that comment weird stuff. I just ignore that and focus on the positive.
You’ve spoken in the past about how individuals must follow their own paths and that what works for you may not necessarily work for others. However, do you feel that there are any “universal truths?”
I do think there are universal truths. One being that we all have a purpose. I do not believe we were just put here to live and die. I believe there are actual purposes for our lives. I also believe in listening to the inner voices we have. I silenced my inner voice for a long time, and that inner voice always pointed to music, and for a very long time I ignored that calling. I can’t imagine what I would be doing now if I didn’t listen to myself. So for me understanding we all have a purpose, and that we should listen to our inner voice are two big universal truths I believe in.