Where are you /your band from?
The Midnight Sun and I, who I perform with live, all live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ryan, the drummer, is originally from Washington, and I’m originally from the Twin Cities area.
What type of music did you hear the most growing up?
I grew up listening to Disney songs, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and CCM music. I was in my teens when I heard the White Stripes and branched into Rock, so I’ve always said my biggest influence is Disney/musicals and White Stripes.
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Being in front of people always made me nervous, but singing has always given me joy. But it wasn’t until I started writing songs at 16 that it really became a possibility in my brain. There’s something powerful about knowing that you can create the melodies and words coming out of your mouth and experimenting with that.
What sets you apart from other bands/artists today?
Gosh. This is a tough answer to give. Music is something that builds upon itself. For me, the thing that always makes music different to the consumer is the person creating it – the story they must tell, the words they write and the way they communicate it. So, for me, I write from a perspective of being the shy, quiet one who finally gets what she really thinks about a person or situation out with her songs. Ha. I’m much sassier and more emotive in a lyric than in person. But getting out of my navel-gazing, my friends and fans would probably say my voice sets me apart. It’s unique. Can’t say why. It just is.
For those who have never seen or heard your music before, how would you describe your music for the public audience?
It’s rock/soul/pop. I love pop music. I love the quest for writing a good book. I love the power and emotion of rock music and I love the way soul music drives straight into your heart and doesn’t let go. These are powerful genres for me, and I’m always inspired by them in my writing and the band that I play with help make it happen.
If you had to categorize your music, what genre would it best fit?
Ha. I guess I answered that above. If I had to add anything is the Midnight Sun and I love dynamic and we always challenge ourselves to make sure no two songs sound like identical.
Are there any stories surrounding your songs that you’d care to share?
We just released “I Like the Way – Live” from our recent single release show in Tulsa. That song came out of a period when I was writing songs with more of a bitter angle towards relationships and men. I became aware of that trend and challenged me to write something that wasn’t so pessimistic. So, out came “I Like the Way”. I’m proud of the live version we did recently. It involved a trumpet player named Nathan Hairston and my dear friend, Mykela Krieg, on BGV’s, so we really amplified the overall feel of the song and made it into something special for that night.
What do you do with your time away from music?
I’m a nerd, so I watch nerdy shows or movies. I also love puzzles or just connecting with a friend. But, I will mention, Ryan, the drummer, does love to skate. Tulsa just had this great new park open up called the Gathering Place and there’s a great new skate park in it. You might want to check it out. Anyways, before it opened in September 2018, Ryan went ahead and tried to skate their first. I can’t remember if he made it or not. HAHAHA! But he tried, so kudos to him.
Any upcoming shows/tours/news?
We’re going to be releasing a music video for our latest single “Letters” soon. Super excited about it! Also, planning on doing a tour through Texas early 2019 as well! – MB
