Growing up in Vale, North Carolina, what was your first exposure to country pop music and what artists or bands inspired you to start writing and recording your own music?

I grew up listening to country music when at my grandparents’ house. They loved 90’s country and classic country. Artists like Reba McEntire, Deana Carter and Martina McBride were some of my favorites. But then I listened to classic rock and Top40 with my mom…so artists like Richard Marx, Chicago, The Eagles and Tom Petty were huge inspirations.

Congratulations on the release of your new single "Catfish"; tell us about your creative process for its development and whether it was based on a real life experience.

I love fishing and I have always been told about the sounds a catfish will make to throw off predators. The same is true with social media and people these days. Anyone can be anyone they want to be.

I don’t have prior experience being “catfished” by someone thank goodness…however, I have met many people that turn out to not be who they pretend to be.

If you could select any artist to appear on a remix to "Catfish", who would it be, and why?

Hmm…that’s a great question. I really like the idea of mixing genres…so my initial thought is to include a Hip Hop or Rap. Or go bluegrass and have a breakdown banjo and mandolin solo. I think Post Malone could bring a fun twist to things.

"Catfish" will be a featured song on your upcoming EP "Songbird: Part 2"; what can you tell us about the project, and how it will be different from Part 1.

Part One of Songbird outlined a toxic relationship from start to finish. It left the listener with all the questions you are left with once that relationship ends and you are messing parts of yourself.

Part Two is about putting blame where it needs to be and beginning to find your voice again.

Can we expect a music video for "Catfish" or any other songs on the upcoming EP?

At some point, yes. I have a concept in my head for pretty much every song I write…so one of my goals is bringing some of those visuals to life in the coming year.

With "Songbird: Part 2" dropping soon, what are some of your other goals musically heading into 2023?

I am releasing my new holiday single on 11/25. It is the first sneak peak from my Christmas project I am working on for next year.

I have been playing a lot of shows this year, so I want to continue that while also taking part in festivals like SXSW this upcoming year. I also want to expand my touring area to California and Texas.

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