First of all, tell us about yourself, who are you and what do you do?

I have a few different jobs, one of which is as a performer and songwriter with a band called The Cornshed Sisters. I also produce a writing project for New Writing North called Young Writers City at Academy 360, I lead choirs and arrange pop songs for voices, run songwriting workshops, sing on other peoples records and occasionally do some acting too!

Why did you choose to become a musician/songwriter?

I don’t remember consciously choosing to be a songwriter, my family were always singing and I used to write poems and stories from being quite small. I guess the thing I chose was to keep working at it. I find it can help me work things out and deal with difficult times in a way that just talking about it doesn’t. When someone tells you a song you have written also has meaning to them in their lives too, then that gives it more of a sense of purpose.

As a young musician/songwriter, who were some of your biggest inspirations?

I’ve always been interested in writers who write about things in a slightly different way and who reward you on repeated listenings. One of my favourite songwriters is Joni Mitchell she allows you to look into her world and talks about things that matter to all of us but in a totally unique way. Her melodies are always unexpected and beautiful, some of her songs i’ve listened to so many times and still make discoveries when I listen to them.

What do you feel is your biggest achievement in music so far?

I would say working with the same amazing women in a band for over 10 years and still managing to surprise each other and grow together is my biggest musical achievement… Playing Glastonbury was a definite highlight too. 

What are your biggest aspirations within the music industry?

To continue to perform, write and record songs. I’d love to get the chance to do some touring outside of the UK too.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice as a young musician/songwriter, what would it be and why?

Learn to play the piano! The ability to play piano would make writing, arranging communicating music much easier. It really sets up the foundations of a lot of important musical knowledge and performance skills.

Why is music education so important?

Music allows people to express themselves, builds connections with others and develops your brain.