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You’ve just released the single ‘Does It Get Cold in California’. How does it feel to give your fans a new song after months of work? Is it liberating?
I love the song so much for so many reasons. I wrote it in North Wales, which has quickly become one of my favourite places, especially to write in. Rich and Ifan, who I wrote the song with, are both so talented and welcoming. I loved being in a writing session and hearing the guys switch to speaking in Welsh, even though I don’t speak it. It was just nice to feel at home during a writing trip. I knew it was a special song as soon as we finished the session, and it’d taken me to so many places even before it was released. We filmed a music video on a road trip around California, and it just felt so surreal to be creating a world around a song I’d written. I’m so glad the reception has been as amazing as it has, so it really does feel liberating to let go of it and send it out into the world.
Transforming a passion into a job is a dream for many. When did you realise that your passion for music could become your career? Did this change your relationship with music?
I think I’ve always been slightly delusional in my life, and music is no exception. It’s taken me a while to realise how much work you need to put in for your music to be heard, and it always has to come from you and your passion. But I always thought I could do it if I really worked hard. I think this year has been the first time I’ve looked back and realised how lucky I’ve been with my career so far. If I told little me what I’ve achieved at this point, he’d be absolutely mind-blown, so I really don’t want to let go of that. Music was always the only thing I’ve been slightly good at. I really wasn’t academic, and I absolutely despised any form of physical activity. So, I don’t think anything could change my relationship with music, because it’s always been a constant in my life.
The ‘Good Old Days Tour’ with Henry Moodie has just ended. What was it like sharing the stage with another artist?
I have so much love for Henry and his team. It’s really hard these days to get support tours like the one I went on. A lot of the time, the artist will choose their friends, or it’s tactical with management or a label. I had a very different experience, and Henry chose me simply because he really liked my music. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for that. The tour was honestly one of the best months of my life. I learned so much from Henry, both as an artist and as a professional. He always puts the fans first and is desperate to put on a great show for people. I said it every night—his show was next level, and his songs just sounded so good live. I’d go to the balcony to watch him perform every single night. I just wanted to learn everything about how he controls the show. He’s been doing that for two years, and you could tell! I really hope that one day I can play shows like that!
Speaking of the tour, having performed in so many cities, is there a particular audience that really stood out to you, and why?
Such a good question! It was so surreal going to bed every night on the bus and waking up in a completely new city that I hadn’t been to before, then playing a show! No crowd was the same. I think my favourite run of shows was Zurich into Paris. Those two shows were just so much fun. I remember coming off stage in Zurich and saying to Tom, the tour manager, ‘That was the best show I’ve ever done!’. I just felt on fire! That feeling doesn’t really come around often. I felt so welcomed by the crowd. It was quite similar in Paris. La Cigale is such an iconic venue, and the crowd did not disappoint. My favourite shows were definitely the ones where I felt like the crowd was really giving me something. I loved when people would shout things out, or I could hear them singing along. It felt so surreal!
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You have a large following on TikTok. What’s your relationship with this platform? Do you think it’s helped you in your musical journey so far?
I think, like all independent artists nowadays, I have a love-hate relationship with TikTok. Whenever it’s performing well for me, I absolutely adore it, but if it’s doing anything else, I despise it. I’ve definitely tried to make sure it doesn’t consume me or dictate my lifestyle, but it really is hard sometimes! What I’ve learned is that as long as you enjoy the content you’re making, then that’s all that matters. I started out on TikTok Live; I’d go live almost every night, and I think that’s what helped me build a community. I think it’s all well and good to get a viral moment, but the connection with the fans is always going to be the thing that stays. So, I’m incredibly grateful to TikTok for giving me a platform to build that community.
How do you see your music evolving? Would you be interested in experimenting with other genres in the future?
I think, at the moment, my biggest musical inspiration has to be Harry Styles. I think it’s incredible that fans come to his shows to hear songs like ‘Falling’ or ‘Sign of the Times’, but they also come for songs like ‘Kiwi’ or ‘As It Was’. I really want to try and build that for myself, especially at this point in my career. I don’t want to be defined by genre; I just want to make music that I love. I have so many different tastes and aspirations, and I think that comes across in my music. I want fans to come to my shows expecting ballads, but also upbeat songs, so I can definitely see my music evolving!
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, on a song, who would you choose?
I think I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t say Ed Sheeran. Like every pop boy, I was obsessed with his music as a kid. It’s probably the closest I came to being a fanboy. I think he is a genius at songwriting, and it would be an absolute dream to work with him!
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Total Look Paul Smith – Necklace Ben’s Own // Jackets Lee – Shirt Budd Shirtmakers – Jeans GANT – Tie Stylist’s Own – Boots R.M.Williams – Rings Bunney
You’ve been sharing some intriguing hints about new music on social media. Can you give us a sneak peek into what you’ve been working on?
Oh, so much! I can’t explain how excited I am to put some of the new stuff out into the world. I have a whole project that I’ve been working on over the past year. I flew out to LA with my best friend to film a load of content related to it, and it’s only now seeing the light of day, which makes me really excited. I’m really hoping to get an EP out in the new year. I feel like the new stuff is just getting better and better, and I’m really enjoying getting to write more!
Is there a specific music-related memory that serves as a secret place for you to escape to during difficult times?
There are so many memorable moments; I could name a handful from the “Good Old Days” tour alone, but I’d probably say the main one has to be when I played Cardiff Castle earlier this year. I played a festival called ‘Depot in the Castle’, which I had attended five years ago. The whole day was just perfect. I’m from Cardiff and have been to the Castle so many times in the past. Getting to play with my band for the first time, at a festival I’ve always dreamt of playing at, was just something I’ll never be able to describe. I really want to make an impact in the Welsh music industry, and this really felt like my first step toward doing that! I just remember finishing the last song and taking a second to really appreciate how cool the moment was. I was so happy!
Last but not least, what ‘handshake’ has changed your perspective?
There are so many people who’ve had a significant impact on my career, but I’d probably say the ‘handshake’ that changed my perspective was with my creative director, Finlay. We met almost two years ago now and have become best mates ever since. Almost everything you see online is his work, whether it’s merchandise, the website, or social media—he has an answer for everything. I think it’s important to have people on your team who push you forward toward your goals and always challenge you to do better. My dreams have been pushed so much higher with Fin on the team. He works incredibly hard, and his care for the fans is truly admirable. I’m so grateful that he wants to be such a significant part of my journey.