Your occupation, job title, artistic discipline (or very brief description of what you do).

I’m an RnB/pop singer/song-writer with a passion for performing and inspiring people with my lyrics.

I also work for my Mum’s educational training company, The GET Group, an NZQA accredited Category 1 Training Provider​ that creates fun, inclusive, safe and educational opportunities for all people. I also work hospitality on the weekends to earn some extra money. My goal is to soon be making a living from my music.

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in) beginning with the place of your birth?

I was born in Wellington. When I was a toddler my family moved to a small beach town called Himatangi. We then made our way up to Pāpāmoa where I went to primary school. Then we found our way back to Welly where I went to college. I then studied at Palmerston North UCOL to get my certificate in music, and moved out of home to Mount Maunganui when I turned 18. I’ve done lots of moving around but the Bay of Plenty is where my heart is.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing? The ones that told you about the world?

I have always adored my parents’ stories from when they were younger because they inspired me to live my life to the fullest.

But one story book that I still remember is Don’t stop, fill every pot. It’s about a woman and her children trying to make money by selling oil! She only has a limited amount of oil left, but as the story goes on they’re able to fill every pot they own. It taught me at a young age to always believe in your dreams, even if it seems impossible.

What’s your favourite Bay of Plenty landscape, park, building, location, suburb, or side street? Why?

Te maunga mauao, Mount Maunganui will always be special to me because as a kid my dad would carry me up on his back, and now we walk up together every week. The view at the summit will never get old!

What’s an average day in your life at present?

I always start my mornings with a coffee and a walk on the beach with my dog, Nacho. Walking on the beach gives me a sense of peace and gratitude. It’s also when I feel most creatively inspired to record some lyric ideas.

My days are always different depending on what I have going on. My ideal day is jamming in my home studio, getting some house work done, then catching up with family and friends for an arvo drink. But sometimes I’m travelling and working my other jobs which I have so much fun doing.

How do you want your music to make audiences feel?

I write lyrics that anyone can relate to. I have my own story behind my songs but I want listeners to interpret them in their own world. I want my music to feel like nostalgia and memorable moments. Like a night drive with beaming city lights, or a quiet hidden beach at sunset. I am a visualiser, so my music is perfect for people like that.

If you could open a show for any musician in the world (dead or alive), who would it be? Why?

The dream is to open for Billie Eilish and H.E.R. Their music is my biggest inspiration. If I were to perform with any historic people it would be Mac Miller and Queen. Absolute legends.

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing?

Since I could speak, I was singing. There was no doubt in my mind that I would become a musician. Although when I was five, I did say I was going to be a “marine biologist by day and a singer by night”.

What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence?

My family and I used to go to church every Sunday, so gospel music was the reason I started learning guitar. As I got a bit older I started finding music I loved. I bought every Katy Perry CD and sang her songs at all my school performances. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her influence.

Now I’m very much into RnB, and hip hop music.

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?

My mum is the most creative, innovative thinker I know. She gives so much good to the world and she will always be my guideline in life.

I love the way Tyler the Creator presents himself and his ideas, he has shown me the importance of having confidence in your work.

Billie Eilish is also a huge influence on me because she started off at a young age (like me) and she writes vulnerable lyrics (like me).

Looking back at your teen-age self: what one sentence describes that person?

I’m still 18, but I would describe my younger self as a people pleaser who cared too much about what others think. Now I’d describe myself as a happy individual who is grateful to be living this awesome life.

In one sentence, can you define art?

Art is a way you can express yourself, your feelings or thoughts with no boundaries. No rules, just fun.

Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

I will travel the whole world one day. I could see myself living in coastal countries in Europe and settling in the Gold Coast for a bit, too. But Aotearoa has my heart and I’ll always end up back here.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring creative person?

Fake it till you make it! If you’re not confident in yourself and your career then no one else will be. Also, don’t compete with others, you’re your own competition. Lift others up and be kind to yourself.

What is your dream of happiness?

I’m already living the dream. I practise gratitude everyday to remind myself how great life is and how it continues to get better. One day I hope my business Indigo 555 grows big enough for a foundation where I can help musicians and spread my messages around the world. I launched Indigo 555 this year. It aims to be an independent label and music distribution hub for myself and other musicians. The goal is to support Indigo 555 musicians, whether they be singers, producers or instrumentalists. Indigo 555 is a safe space in the music industry and I can’t wait for it to grow.

I am releasing a new single this summer! It’s all about being ‘human’ and how important it is to be there for yourself through all the ups and downs. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

---