You are only 17 years old, but are already a successful musician. What is itlike to be so young but already so well known?

It is incredibly humbling to be considered a well-known artist but, I’vedefinitely got a long way to go! The fact that people are starting to listento my music is truly mind-blowing to me. I never thought that I’d bebeginning to work on a lifelong career as a 17 year old. 

 

Project MIOS is focused on creating opportunities through music in ourschools. What drew you to Project MIOS?

Growing up, music had always been a prominent influence in my life. Iwould sing every day, listen to new songs constantly; music became apart of me. I feel that Project MIOS is helping to expose students tomusic and is going to make a difference in someone’s life by helpingthem discover a musical passion just like I did growing up.

 

You mention you have been singing since you can remember. Do you knowwho taught you how to sing? If not, do you remember the first time yourealized you loved to sing?

No one really taught me how to sing, it was just something I had doneand loved to do! My mom tells me stories today of  how I would singmyself to sleep as a toddler and how, by the age of four years old, I hadmemorized all the lyrics to Faith Hill’s song “Breathe”. I knew I loved tosing since I was a little girl; it was a passion I couldn’t deny.

 

Can you tell us about a favorite music teacher you have had? What has made them so great?

My favorite music teacher is probably my current voice coach, Marianne Prinkey. She is 72 years old and has this energetic, spitfire of a personality! Her loving self and funny wit allows us to get along extraordinarily well. She not only understands me as an artist but, her teaching techniques have strengthened my voice and have made me a better musician because of it.

 

You have performed all across America. Where has your favorite place beento preform so far?

Performing in Los Angeles was probably one of my favorite memories. I wasn’t an established artist at this point but, being on stage in front of 2,000 people was a sensational rush! Singing in LA helped me to realize that I wanted to be a recording artist and that I could become a successful recording artist.

 

You have recently released your first EP, titled “American Girl.” What wasthis experience like?

Making the “American Girl” EP was truly an amazing experience. I was blessed to have had the incredible opportunities to work with some ofthe best producers, videographers, photographers, and sound engineers in the business. Watching my lyrics and music come to life was such a humbling experience. Recording this EP further helped to catalyze my want to be a successful recording artist; it is an experience that is still driving me today.

 

Can you tell us about the song you will choose to feature on our collaborative CD?

The song “American Girl” is all about embracing who you are and being yourself. Growing up, and especially as a teenager, I didn’t have the desire to do the same things everyone else was. I used to wonder why I felt so different and, in my mind, “not normal”. “American Girl” is a song to tell people to be yourself and to be proud of who you are!

 

You’ve mentioned that finding out who you are is a struggle, and you want people to know that it’s okay to be different and your own person. What other inspirational messages do you have for teens?

I know that this is such a cliché saying but, I would tell teens to never give up. I’ve hit points in my music career where I have wanted to call it quits but, if I had given up, I would only be hurting myself and I wouldn’t have the potential ability to help make a difference insomeone’s life through music. Perseverance and determination  are everything, continue to work towards your goals and aspirations!