Home Town: Gatesville, TX
Music Genres: Traditional Country and Western Swing
What makes you unique as an artist? I have been told I have a unique voice and put a lot of emotion in my songs. I sing a lot of traditional country music, but also throw a little bluegrass and western swing in there. I play some old time fiddle as well.
What instruments do you play? I play fiddle and guitar.
Tell us about yourself: I am 16 years old. My grandma started teaching me piano when I was 9 and I also started playing the fiddle the same year. I taught myself to play the guitar when I was 12.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music. I enjoy fishing and riding horses.
What inspired you to start playing and performing music? My grandma told me a story about her grandpa playing the fiddle and I thought it would be a great thing to learn. She was a great piano player and helped me by playing with me every day after school.
My fiddle teacher encouraged me to do fiddle competitions and recitals, which helped me get over my stage fright. A couple years later I started performing with the Mckedy Band and now I really enjoy it.
What makes a song great? A great song needs to speak to you and have a great melody.
Do you write music? Yes, I have written about five songs, including a song with RT Valine, one of my mentors.
When did you first perform and what was it like? My first performance was at Jana Jae’s fiddle competition and it was really nerve-racking. I made it through the competition and actually won 1st place.
Who are your influences? Loretta Lynn,Patsy Cline, Bob Wills and my grandma.
What awards have you won for your music? I have won or placed in several fiddle competitions. Most recently, with the help of Austin McKedy on guitar, I won second place in a talent competition at the National Sand Bass Festival and got to open for Mark Chesnutt.
What advice would you give someone that is trying to break into music? Be yourself, find your comfort zone and sing like nobody’s watching.
If you could meet anyone, living or otherwise, who would it be? I would’ve loved to meet Loretta Lynn. I recently met her granddaughter, and she had a lot of good stories to tell about her. I love Loretta Lynn’s music, and I think she would’ve been fun to know. I think she might’ve been feisty like me.