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

I have an eclectic taste in music, meaning I love songs from every genre you can imagine. I will always love and fall back on indie, alternative, folk, and bluegrass. Love me some Tame Impala, the 1975, flipturn, Glass Animals, (current song obsession: Gooey by Glass Animals).

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

I’ve always felt an emotional and spiritual connection with music. My parents raised me on some good tunes (gotta love 80’s music). I remember writing song lyrics in my diary after school, creating my own stories. I performed in choir for 7 years in school. Turning to music whenever I feel any emotion (sadness, anger, happiness, etc.) is a default for me. Music has always been a safe and comforting space.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed with brain cancer (anaplastic ependymoma) in 2022, while I was a junior in college. My support system, as well as music, have both been two things that have positively impacted my wellbeing throughout my journey.

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

Getting diagnosed with cancer forced me to turn inwards and reflect on what I truly value in life. I was able to channel these thoughts into my music. This is when I learned how powerful music can be. We are all human. We all crave authenticity and vulnerability, in music and in life in general.

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

I joined Play it Back in 2022, several months following my diagnosis because I needed community and I wanted to re-form my connection to music. Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatments is terrifying. Having a community of people who understand what you’re going through is life-changing. And getting to express your story through music is both liberating and empowering.

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

My earlier music is definitely more feel-good, pop vibes. The music I am creating now falls more into the moody, indie, alt category. I’m really focusing on examining “what truly matters” in life, and how our choices impact and define us.

Anything else you want to share?

Fun fact: I had the amazing opportunity to record in Benny Blanco’s studio with Kenli and a couple of other PIB artists, and it was truly amazing! I’ll forever be thankful for that opportunity, as it brought me so much gratitude and joy.

Also, I have a weenie dog named Oscar Mayer, whom I love very much and whom is very spoiled by his mama!