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You were born in Australia and raised in England. How have these two countries influenced your music and the way you express yourself?
I think the two countries share both similarities and differences. Since I only moved back to Australia less than two years ago, my songs aren’t heavily influenced by Australian artists which might actually give me a bit of a unique perspective here. British people have this stereotype of not being very open with their feelings, which is kind of ironic because all of my songs are pretty self-confessional and brutally honest! It’s been amazing being surrounded by incredible art in both countries.
Coming back to Australia after growing up in England was probably quite emotional. Was there a moment when you truly felt like you were home again? And was that feeling tied to any specific memories?
It was a really cathartic experience. My dad was Australian and spent half his life here before I was born. I lost him just a few months before moving back to Sydney, so the whole return was definitely emotional. It took me a few months to really sit with those feelings and reflect. We used to come to Australia often to visit my dad’s side of the family, so I’ve always felt a strong connection. But now I’m creating new memories here, which has been amazing. The only thing I wish is that I could tell my dad all about it.
You said that you love writing. How does writing help you when you’re feeling emotional or vulnerable in your songs and your everyday life?
Writing honestly feels like therapy to me. It’s like a subconscious way of lifting weight off my chest. I write pretty often, whether it’s a full song or just a couple of words in my notes app. It’s definitely helped me become more comfortable with being vulnerable in person if I’m super honest in my songs, I feel like I owe it to myself to be that way in life too.
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Today, everything moves fast — especially music. How do you keep your songs honest and true to your feelings?
For me, it’s all about taking my time with the lyrics. I hate the idea of writing ‘filler’ lyrics that feel vague or generic, so I always try to be as specific and intentional as possible. I listen to a lot of different music and pull inspiration from a wide range of artists and bands, which definitely helps me write more honestly.
A handshake can be simple but very human — it can mean hello, goodbye, or peace. Was there a handshake in your life that you’ll always remember? What did it mean to you?
Off the top of my head, I remember shaking hands with family members as a kid and feeling very grown-up. I was always taught to have a firm handshake, even when I was little, and I think you can tell a lot about someone from their handshake.
Your songs are very emotional. When people listen to them, is there a specific feeling you hope they take away? Or do you want them to feel whatever they need to feel?
Honestly, I write the songs for myself — but once they’re out in the world, they’re not mine anymore. I want people to connect to them in whatever way makes sense to them. That’s what I love about music. Someone might relate to a song in a completely different way than I intended, and that’s beautiful to me. It shows how universal music really is.
If we opened your Spotify right now, what would be the most played song? And are you proud of it or a little embarrassed?
Right now, it’s a track called ‘U’ by Nashville-based artist RUDEY — and I’m not embarrassed at all! He’s super underrated but makes amazing music. I’m sure it won’t be long before a lot more people discover him.
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What’s one totally normal thing that instantly makes your day better — like a good coffee, a walk, or a funny meme?
Honestly, just knocking on my roommate’s door and having a laugh. I don’t take myself too seriously in social situations I’m really just a big kid at heart. I love spending time with my friends, and I think that’s when I’m at my happiest.
Is there a sentence or a line you’ve written in a song or in a notebook that really shows who you are? Would you like to share it?
Probably a line from my latest single ‘The Comedown’: ‘I’m either feeling it all or nothing.’ That really sums me up I either give 100% of my energy and emotion to something, or I don’t give anything at all. I’ve always been like that. I don’t do anything halfway, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Imagine giving a handshake to your younger self. What would you say to him? And what do you think he would think of you today?
I’d probably just tell him to hold tight. My life has changed so much in the last two years from losing my dad, to moving across the world, starting over, signing my first major label record deal, and touring internationally. It’s been a totally unpredictable path, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I think he’d be proud and maybe a little surprised!
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