6 Things You Don’t Know About Me:
Native of Louisiana. Musical theater and opera performer. Guitar and piano proficient.
First song writing credit at age 13. You won the Nashville Dreamin’ songwriter contest with “The Little Girl in Me,” a song about your grandmother’s cancer battle. How does your family continue to inspire your musical journey?
I am happy to say that my grandparents are both doing very well with treatment: I could not ask for a better team of supporters. Just knowing how much they love hearing new videos, seeing performances or listening to a new song that was just written keeps me going. My mom and I work so closely. We are a team and I could not do this without her. My family travels to see me perform whenever possible.
Currently a Belmont University student, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. You shared that you dreamt of going to Belmont since you were 15. Which classes will you be taking this fall?
I feel so lucky to be in the Songwriting program in Curb College at Belmont. I am surrounded by talent and it just makes you work that much harder to make sure you are staying in top of your game. The crazy thing is that I only have one class that’s directly related to music this semester. It was rumored that we were going to have Brad Paisley as the instructor for it, but unfortunately that is not going to happen. My other classes this semester are Spanish, copyright law, microeconomics and my toughest class to date, Aerobic Walking.
Nominated for two Josie Music Awards, Rising Star of the Year and Vocalist of the Year. You recently underwent a tonsillectomy, a surgery that can be a risk for a vocalist. Can you share tips for new singers to keep their voices healthy?
So excited about my nominations. Josie is such a great supporter of independent artist and I am so honored to be included. As far as the surgery it was the best thing I have ever done. I was pretty anxious, but the unknown is always scary. While they were in there they also found a pretty large cyst they had to remove. I no longer have to battle with constant sore throats or a hoarse voice. My mom says I was actually singing one of my songs in recovery to show her I could still sing. All the nurses and patients were having a good laugh about it. I was still pretty out of it at the time so I don’t remember much.
In terms of overall composition, what is your favorite country/pop song and why?
Right now I would say “Humble Quest” by Maren Morris. I love the build up in it. It’s one of those songs that you listen to driving down the road and it just makes you feel better. I think the whole album is trying to inspire hope, no matter what stage of life you might be in at the time.
What are some ‘off the beaten path’ things you’ve found in Music City as you explore the town?
I don’t know how off the beaten path they are, but I love going to TPAC with friends to see Broadway shows. I am a big theater girl. We really enjoy going to The Listening Room to see shows as well. We have a few places we like to get some of our favorite treats as like, Humphreys Street Coffee Shop, The Cookout, or Chatime for Boba. There are a lot of other cool places, but I can’t get into them unless I am performing because of my age.
Now that you are a Nashvillian, which restaurants would you recommend to a new visitor for fun dining experiences?
I love going to Thai Esane. Nashville has really good Thai restaurants for some reason. I have actually gone to several that were good in the surrounding areas. My friends and I love to grab a healthy breakfast at Grain & Berry. I am a big fan of Açaí bowls. Another yummy breakfast place is Maple Street Biscuit Company. Koi Restaurant is great place for sushi and I like Pastaria and North Italia restaurant for some good Italian food. I am use to really good restaurants growing up in Louisiana and Nashville has a lot to offer.
Can you share 12 songs that have influenced your life and career?
The National Anthem
Really started my love of performing for a crowd. I started doing this when I was 9 and there is nothing like the roar of a baseball crowd. It’s an honor and a privilege getting to perform it.
“Tomorrow”
This was my dream role being able to be Annie. Theater is something I truly love and this was my first lead to compete at Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta. I am hopeful that one day I will be able to perform on Broadway.
“House of the Rising Sun” Animals
This song was the first song I performed with a live band and I was 10. They could not believe I knew all the words to it. It’s a pretty long song.
“Work” by Rihanna
This was the first song I recorded for KidzBop. I kinda used an accent when I did it and they really liked it and I was asked to come back to do more.
“My Church” by Maren Morris
This song was the cover I did on Instagram which ended up landing me a meeting at Radio Disney Country in California. Years later Radio Disney Country supported me, my debut song, and my music video for “No Sweat.”
This was a goal of mine and I was so appreciative of them and their support on my debut single. “My Church” was also the song I sang at my debut at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
“Teardrops on My Guitar”
Because I can’t go without mentioning Taylor Swift. She was definitely an inspiration and role model influencing my singing path. What girl didn’t want to be Taylor?? This is really bringing back some memories. I got to play Taylor Swift and sing one of her songs at my grammar school fair. I even wore the blonde wig.
Another big influence for me was Kelly Clarkson
She just seems so real and genuine. She is one of those people I would live to meet. One of my favorites by her is “Because of You.” I grew up watching recorded tapes of American Idol with my Granny after she picked me up from school. She always was a big fan and it was kinda our thing.
When it comes to writing and writing style I am a big fan of Noah Cyrus
One of my favorites is “Mad at You.” It takes real emotion to write and touch peoples souls and she definitely has her share of that. I am a sucker for a sad ballad. Her song “Lonely” which is another favorite was actually part of the inspiration behind the production of “Back to Me.”
“Back to Me” by me and the my amazingly talented co-writer Michael Farren
This song has so much meaning to me because of the raw real emotion in it. This was a turning point for me. I laid it all out and exposed myself and my feelings to everyone. It was definitely a stepping stone into adulthood for me personally and with my music. Everything in my life was changing so fast at the time. The breakup, starting college, living 8 hours away from my family, being away from my friends I had grown up with, etc. etc etc. This song will always be special to me because it helped me heal at a very difficult time in my life.
“How Far” Laine Lonero
