Hometown: Divernon, IL
Genre: Americana / Country
Influences: Ashley Monroe, Alison Krauss, EmmyLou Harris, Gillian Welch, Lee Ann Womack
When did you move to Nashville?
“I moved to Nashville at the beginning of this year. After considering dropping out of college multiple times, I waited until I graduated and had the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural class of Segue 61.”
Segue 61 is a one year certificate program provided by Catawba College. The hands-on learning experience in all aspects of the music industry prepare students for their career. Learn more about the program here.
How did you find Segue 61?
“I had heard about the program as it was being developed, but Guthrie Trapp was the one who kind of convinced me that I fit the mold. At 22, I had just graduated college and had never really been formally educated in music whatsoever. I felt pretty vulnerable at first, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, I’d recommend it to anyone.”
How has the Segue 61 program helped you with your music career?
“I have gotten to make lifelong connections with my fellow students, professors and mentors. I’ve learned so much about the actual ‘business’ side of the music business. The program covers everything from pub deals to pro tools. I also know how to mic a drum kit now, even though it might take me a day or two.”
Your debut self-titled album came out two years ago. What are some of your favorite songs from the album and can you tell us the stories behind them?
“I can’t believe it’s been two years. Crazy. I honestly just had to check Spotify to see what songs were on it. Haha. My favorite song would definitely be ‘Mary Ann’. I wrote it in like 10 minutes one day. It’s not an epic story that I lived through necessarily, but everyone knows someone… I’ll just say it’s my own version of ‘Jolene’.
My second favorite is probably ‘To Each Their Own’. I notice that this song gets through to people for some reason. It’s basically about just letting people live as they please. I had someone make a comment about how gross it was that I was drinking Miller Lite one night at a bar, so this song is a result of that experience.
The best part about the whole recording process was getting to work with such amazing musicians… and Jon Randall on BGV’s (fangirl).”
What is your new single, ‘Shoot to Kill’, about?
“Someone in my life was a very insecure person, always wanting to find some reason to argue. But no matter how hard I tried to change them, I just couldn’t. I felt helpless. This recording is raw. I walked in one morning (in my sweats), and we just started recording, just me and my guitar.”
Is there a release date for your new album?
“Well… I don’t know yet. We did a ton of recording at Segue, which gave me the opportunity to step into roles that I hadn’t before. I was able to produce a couple of songs that I wrote and continue to write more, so I’m just enjoying the process for now. There will be more songs coming one way or another.”
How did you meet your touring partner, Damon Atkins?
“Damon and I officially met at Segue after having many mutual friends the last couple of years. We wrote some songs together and realized we are both laid back and our sounds mesh well together. There’s a lot of mutual respect there and plenty of sarcasm.”
What is your favorite part about touring?
“Traveling. Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to see new places and experience new things. Now I get to do that and play my music and meet new people. It’s all good.”
When you’re not touring, where can your fans see you perform?
“My shows have been pretty sporadic as of late. I play a lot of rounds around town but have also played places like Acme and The Basement. I just love playing live, whether there’s two hundred people in the audience, or one. I try to keep my socials updated if a gig pops up.”
What is your favorite place to listen to music in Nashville and why?
“The Station Inn or the Basement. The intimacy is unbeatable to me.”
Favorite vacation spot?
“Oh this is tough. There’s this place in Laona, Wisconsin called Johnnie’s Resort. I’ve been going up there with my family since I was a kid. It’s where my grandparents went on their honeymoon about 70 years ago. We pretty much just hang out and fish, play music, and drink beer for a week. It’s amazing. But, I did go on an epic trip last year just exploring Wyoming and Montana. Basically, anything outdoors and I’m in.”
