I absolutely loved it. The performance went really quickly and it was a lot of fun, but the most memorable thing was actually the people behind the scenes. The band were all incredible musicians and it was so cool to work with them. The Lakeside team are focused on creating a warm and friendly atmosphere with all involved, and it really is like that.
Frankie was so nice and treated us all like we were just as important as each other. Overall just being able to play was amazing. I've been going to the Rotorua Lakeside concerts for as long as I can remember and it was a real honour to actually be on the stage this time.
What made you want to get involved in music?
One day when I was about 6 I sang to my Dad and he was really encouraging. I'm so lucky that my family has always supported me ever since. I really enjoyed singing, but I didn't realise it was a passion of mine until I spent a day in a recording studio when I was about 16. I was like - wow this is where I want to be!
What musicians inspire you?
As a kid Brooke Fraser inspired me because she was a Kiwi doing great things. Two of my favourite concerts I've been to were Beyonce and Ed Sheeran. They both blew me away, in their level of musicianship and professionalism but also in their absolute dedication to their art.
My peers that I study with are amazing musicians. I'm just inspired by people and their passions, really.
What are your plans for the future as musician?
The last two years I have been writing a lot of my own music. Just experimenting and working on improving my craft. I want to finish studying and I'm also recording demos at the moment and working on an EP. Ultimately I just want to go as far as I can and not set any boundaries - just see where it takes me!
What would be your dream job?
Definitely a job in music, it's something that you can never stop learning about and I'm so interested in it. There's so many pathways to go in the industry. Whether it's working with a record label or being in a regular gigging band. My dream would be to be in a position where I can perform my music all over the world.
What do you think about the New Zealand music industry?
Right now is such a good time for New Zealand music. That is largely credited to the success of Lorde which is awesome. The world has taken notice of us. I think that there's a good community of New Zealand artists as well, there's a sense of pride whenever someone achieves something big or small. Everyone's rooting for each other - and that's really cool.
What are three things most people would not know about you?
I did hip hop dancing for five years.
I love to sketch and paint. Art was my favourite subject in high school.
When I was younger I wanted to be a gymnast. I broke my arm really badly doing a flic flac and I changed my mind!
