Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
My first exposure to the idea of pursuing music as a career was through my mother, who was a folk singer/songwriter. I started playing musical instruments at a young age and singing in choirs, but I didn’t seriously think about an active career in music until I was almost out of high school. It took me a year or two of trial and error to write original music that I actually liked, but once I started really liking what I was creating, then I took the pursuit of music more seriously.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I have many influences. Some of the biggest have been Pearl Jam, Tool, Radiohead, Elliott Smith, CSNY, PJ Harvey, Richard Buckner, Tori Amos, Soundgarden. Too many to list here, really.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
One of the most impactful for me has been Tori Amos. Her “Under the Pink” album changed the way I thought about songwriting. It’s so full of whimsy and fantasy, but deals with very real human issues.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
I usually begin with some aspect of the music, either a chord progression or a melody. Then vocalizations follow, but not necessarily words. Once I have gotten deep into the writing process, I eventually figure out what the song is “about.” I find that I am most inspired by human creations and experiences.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
I can’t say I have one favorite, but one recent favorite is the song “Old State Street.” Our indie-folk band, The Secret Trails, released this song a few weeks ago.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
This is a song that is partially about my family’s history, and partially about our relationship to the land. It discusses trying to find a balance between our tendency for material possessions and wealth and our need to live in some kind of harmony.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
Our latest song is called “Fault.” It is kind of sarcastic, and it deals with victim mentality. What that means is that it’s about people who complain that the world is out to get them, yet every decision they make seems to completely ruin their situation. One of the most important things facing the human race is the notion of accountability. It seems that most problems arise from people not taking responsibility for the repercussions of their actions and decisions
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
One of my favorites was when I opened for Vanessa Carlton in Scottsdale, Arizona. The crowd was awesome and the stage was great. It was the biggest crowd I had played for at the time, and they were super supportive of my music.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I have many hobbies and interests. I love to cook, and we have a yearly garden. I do a lot of media production, so I am a photographer and videographer. I teach English at the college level, so that is both a passion and a “day job.” I also love to travel, hike, camp, and spend a lot of time outdoors. Earlier this year I published a book that is a short novel and a few short stories, and I continue writing works of fiction, some of which can be read on the official The Secret Trails website: www.thesecrettrails.net
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
It would be amazing to collaborate with Jackson Browne. He is one of my favorite songwriters, and he seems like an all-around good person.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
The best advice is to be honest with yourself, learn when to say ‘no’, and don’t give up at the first sign of rejection. The entertainment industry is tough and unpredictable, so it pays to revise what you consider to be “success.”
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
The Secret Trails will be releasing their debut EP over the next several months. It is 5 songs produced by Nashville artist and founding member of Wilco, Ken Coomer. Each song will be listenable on all streaming platforms. Then we will be working on a full-length album and starting to tour. You can follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook