What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?

My inspiration is all over the place!! I love punk, ska, reggae, jazz, musical theater, and most kinds of rock. My music listening and writing cannot be constrained!

What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?

I’ve been singing my entire life! Both of my parents are music teachers, and my first real performances were a community production of Brigadoon when I was 6 years old. I continued to perform in musicals, choirs, a cappella groups, and more, throughout my entire life. I’ve always loved going to concerts big and small. I learn about most of the bands I know by seeing them live first!

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I had just graduated college and moved across the country in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. I was in a new job for 5 weeks before I found out I had a brain tumor and needed surgery as soon as possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. I found Teen Cancer America while I was out of work during treatment. They were doing some fun online AYA programming like game nights and a makeup class! Right before I went back to work, I learned about Play it Back, and I’ve been writing music ever since!

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?

I had never written music before learning about Play It Back. I probably never would have started without the experience!

What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

When I heard I could work with a songwriter/producer in LA to make my own music for free (I suppose “complimentary” with cancer purchase), it sounded like a dream come true!! I’ve always loved singing and performing, but always other people’s music. Now I perform my own music!

If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it?

I write whatever I’m in the mood for! Right now I have songs in jazz, pop, grunge, and ska. Now that I’ve started writing music, it seems strange that most artists stick to one sound for all of their music! I don’t know how they do it!

Anything else you want to share?

This question made me laugh because usually my fun facts are that I like to sing and I had a brain tumor, but both of those are already covered here!! Haha!