EDM topliner, producer, writer

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been singing and performing since the age of 4. Taking vocal lessons, learning songwriting in classes and groups, and performing consistently throughout my childhood. However I stepped away from the arts when I was 16, and pursued an academic route. I went to the University of Toronto for English Literature, with a specialist in Poetry. The program I was in taught me so much about how to communicate effectively through the written word, so that my message would always be understood. It also taught me how complexities in poetry, allow the mind to read between the words on the page and find deeper meaning. It taught me how to convey nuanced emotion, adding intricacies in patterns and rhythms, that unveil subtle layers underneath the general context. The secondary emotions, that are present when rhythms shift, or flow together. This ability to dig deeper into the human experience, to have the ability and understanding to put it into words - is addictive. And so, I started writing poetry, for myself for about 2 years. Then I shared one poem with some friends, and that led to me being invited to a songwriting session (as a writer, not a singer). I sang a line to add in the session, and the producer who was leading the group, asked me to record a song for him. That was my first time recording in a studio, and that night I found music again. I decided to dive head first into pursuing a career as an artist. So even though I've been singing my whole life, I have only been professionally singing and recording for 2 years.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is a mix of vulnerability, sensuality, darkness, and desire. My vocals are emotionally charged and cinematic.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Melodic techno is where my style thrives, but trance is a close second.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring skilled story telling, whatever the mood of the track is (eg. flirty, sombre, hopeful, defiant, etc.), it will always show progression from beginning to end. The story telling is always present both, lyrically and melodically to capture the audience from the first listen, and to retain their captivation as they learn the song more deeply. Most importantly, my delivery and writing skills make people feel something.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Typically, I receive a demo or finished instrumental. If I am recreating a finished song (that has demo vocals), I start learning the melody, and words to the song. Then I study the stylistic choices of the demo vocal, where it finds breath, and how the vocal is conveying the emotion of the song. Once I've practiced it, I start recording. After the initial lead is complete, I go back to find any harmonies, any ad libs or background vocals. Then, I send a demo back for any notes or critiques, and ask if they would like any layers of doubles. Once everything is approved, I export my stems to send to the producer. - Alternately, when I am songwriting I like to ask for emotional or contextual direction for the theme, atmosphere or topic for the song. After I understand what's asked of me for the particular track, I listen to the instrumental a few times thoroughly. Once I feel I grasp the melody, I record myself singing over the instrumental, free styling a melody (and cadence / vowel - consonant flow which acts like a loose guide for words - basically, gibberish), and sometimes I go through this step 2-3 times, to see what naturally flows and what variants work. Next I either choose a take or I combine bits and pieces together until I get a melody line that feels right. Sometimes I do this in sections to distinguish changes per verse (or pre chorus, or bridge etc.), and sometimes I carry on to the next part naturally letting myself improvise off of the flow of the instrumental. Either way, by the end, I've formed the skeleton of the song, adhering to the general structure of whatever genre / sub-genre the project is in, and what the instrumental dictates as well. Then I review my direction from my collaborator (if any) and start to build off of the notes I received - and if I was not given direction then I would feel the mood or emotional message. Then I select a theme/topic/perspective or compose a single line that launches the rest of the lyrics. Once I finish the first draught, I go back and make any edits to either help the flow, or strengthen word choice / create more complex rhyme patterns to make it more interesting to the ear. Once all of the edits are done, I record the demo, and add any ad libs / harmonies. Then I send the demo for feedback, make any necessary changes or additions, then export the stems and send them to my collaborator.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Mic: Shure SM7 Interface: Apollo Solo DAW: Logic Pro. I record mostly in a partially sound treated room, and have had great results, however I do have access to a studio, if necessary / when requested.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: HAYLA, BANKS, Loreen, Benni Benassi, Above and Beyond, Cosmic Gate, Rufus du Sol.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Songwriting and vocals.