SUNDAY STONE TALKS COULD I NOT BE THE ONE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

What is 'Could I Not Be The One' about?

I would say it’s about reclaiming parts of yourself that you once rejected and how certain relationships show that to you, which can be both a powerful and confronting process. So I guess it touches on the transformative power of love both for others and for yourself. I think it came from a place where I started opening up to others and also myself a lot more after a period of being quite closed, and had lost myself a bit. That brought in a lot of newness and change for me which was so positive because it helped me reconnect, but it was also daunting and confusing, because I was letting go of a lot of old thought habits and patterns. I felt like I was restarting myself. (Laughs) The lyrics were actually originally written as "could it not be the one you’ve got to save" but in the process together with Myles who produced the track it kind of naturally morphed into ‘could I not be the one’ which is interesting to me, it definitely feels a lot more bold and empowering. For me that speaks to taking ownership of yourself like "you are your own saviour". I think of it as returning home to yourself and also opening up to a much larger experience by embracing your vulnerability.

How long has pop been a part of your life?

Music has been a huge part of my life since I was little, and I am super grateful for that! I started piano when I was seven years old and then in my early teens I started doing a lot of songwriting. It’s definitely always been a closely held "dream" of mine, you could say. But on the other hand it’s been a bit of a journey to get to the point now where I’ve really committed to it and am kind of embracing the fear of seriously putting myself out there, that has taken a long time. (Laughs) That is also something to be said for pop-music, it is so unashamed as a genre, like it doesn’t care about being cringe or cliche or think too much. (Laughs) It’s not really an energy of hiding away.

What does it mean for you to have music as an outlet in your life?

I feel lucky to have this as an outlet, it is pretty vital for me and I think everyone obviously needs one. It definitely gives expression to what otherwise can not really be said but I also think now I view it more as something for others as I think the gifts we are given aren’t really for us in may ways, they’re kind of for you to pass on to world. I’ve found so much solace and comfort in others’ expression whether it be music, art, teachings, writings, doesn’t have to be a tangible. But there is just that empathy and a feeling of connectedness in it that is really powerful when it comes from that authentic place. So beyond it being a personal outlet, if anyone hears the music and they feel seen, resonate or are inspired in any way or just find something in it for them then that’s everything!

This is your second single after ‘Image of a Lover’, which only released in July?

Yes at the moment I think I’m in a phase of releasing this particular batch of tracks as an introduction to myself as an artist, and also putting it out there for it to kind of find its people. I am trying to stay present in that, but I am also excited and a bit impatient for what is next. (Laughs) I’m also trying to keep the pace relatively quick which is not usually how I operate, but I am liking the feeling of creating momentum for myself to avoid perfectionism, stagnating or overthinking.

Is there anything in particular you feel are tying together the songs you are're now putting out?

Some of the songs I wrote years ago and others recently. I think there’s a certain vulnerability perhaps that ties them together, and they are linked in a sense that they are all related to or written in a period for me where I felt kind of lost and isolated so there’s definitely undertones of those emotions in there. The songs I’m releasing currently feel like a little nod to that time in my life and I do think what I write about now is slightly different. Songwriting-wise, though, my approach is always to be as open and honest as possible and let it flow organically rather than try to make it be anything or control the outcome.

Both of the two songs so far were produced by Myles Simeon?

Yes all the songs are produced by Myles, who I’m so lucky to have been able to collaborate with. He is such a talented producer and artist. He’s definitely got that ability to feel into a song and translate a particular vibe and atmosphere into the sound so well. Usually the creative process involves a combination of working together on some elements and then bringing our own individual ideas and contributions into it, we are pretty aligned on a sound and taste-front which is quite crucial so often we’ll do a lot of the arranging and instrumentation together. Myles does the production, mixing, and mastering which is a major part, there is a lot of his magic in there which I’m very grateful for!

You live in Australia but also have a more Scandinavian–side?

Yes, my mum is Danish. It is for sure a huge part of me, my family are over there and I have spent a lot of time there throughout my life, Denmark has a big place in my heart! My mum always spoke to us in Danish growing up and so it played a big part in how I was raised, so I guess the music I do also is influenced in the way that it is a product of that. (Laughs) Like I do think there is an honesty and a directness in how danes communicate though and I think that’s something I don’t really shy away from in my writing, so maybe that’s an element that comes through.