When do you work best?

My most creative thoughts come first thing in the morning, but I usually get the most creative work done late at night when I am free to enter the zone uninterrupted. 

How has your practice changed over time?

My practice has changed over time as I’ve shifted into more formal venues and the audiences have grown. I started off just singing songs and telling stories on corner stages in pubs and dive bars, so performing in theatres and on large festival stages has been a wonderful opportunity.  

What fuels you?

As soon as I wake up and my mind fills with thoughts, I become motivated to explore those ideas and concepts. It’s like there is a universe of potential stored within each of those thoughts and I get truly excited to see how realizing their potential can help shape the world around me.

What material do you work with and why?

I work with words, melodies, environments, and history.  I use each of these to craft experiences. As far back as I can remember I’ve loved to create songs and use my imagination to entertain and connect. It’s a true blessing to get to do this as an artist.

How do you get unstuck?

At moments of creative or professional stagnation, I find it best to let the muse lead.  I just work on the first thing that pops into my head.  I explore even the most frivolous or shallow thought with the same respect and intention as those I initially feel are more deeply aligned. I never know where each road will lead, so I just try to BE creative.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in ordinary interactions, conversations, and activities that happen every day.  And if nothing really catches my attention then I’ll act as the catalyst. I live by the motto, “First be inspired, next be inspiring.”

Who has influenced you and your work?

My music is influenced by the work of Otis Redding, Johnnie Johnson, Bill Withers, and many other rural-raised Soul music pioneers. My storytelling style is influenced by documentarian Ken Burns and author Ta-Nehisi Coates, in addition to many community elders and the folk tales they share orally at gatherings.

Who do you hope to influence?

I hope to influence more rural creatives to embrace our rich diversity and our important role in American history and to inspire an “inside-out” perspective that celebrates our gifts.

Why are you an artist?

It may seem counterintuitive to most, but being an artist is the easiest way to be myself. I experience life in a big way, and I am so glad I can share my perspective with others.   

What advice would you give other artists?

Stop explaining what you do and do what you do. YOU know what you are doing.

What question would you like to ask other artists?

What does the moment when inspiration strikes feel like to you?