It’s a funny trajectory in some ways. My first musical ventures were much more influenced by the 2011-2013 cloud rap. Venturing more into what I liked about it led me to explore ambient music then leaning more into modern classical progressively and, well, once I discovered Scott walker it was over for me.

I always come at my work from a listener's perspective. When I think about the music that has brought me solace in the past, it’s always the songs that peel layers back… I went over this question myself recently actually. Questioning what made me feel like what I had to say was valuable/unique enough to be put into the world. The conclusion I came to is that it isn’t unique, that’s exactly why it should be out there because many others probably feel similar if not identical things.

Most definitely, I found solace in symbolism from a very young age, realising that sometimes the 'truth' can't tell the whole truth. I think creating these mythological spaces in my music has been heavily influenced by such things. I’ve recently been watching the BBC adaptation of his dark materials actually, the books were a personal favourite as a child, and it’s been fun kind of realising how formative those tales have been for me.

I mean, when I was first thinking of making music all I could talk about for a while was RVIDXR KLVN (or Raider Klan) and Clams Casino, amongst other cloud rap acts like Yung God, etc. They definitely have been filtered through a lot of more recent influences but I think the focus on atmosphere and creating a 'space' in ones' music has stuck with me.

I am obsessed with the ballad format, as I’m sure it is apparent (laughs), it’s just so eternal and universal! Over the course of this record, I lean into it more in a few spots but there are definitely a few left turns that allowed me to express things with more vivacity vocally. I think it touches upon more of my 'modes' than past music I have released has, though more sporadic in style.

Definitely not, though it is the one that expresses so most clearly. I’ve left a lot of the gruelling and gruesome details for my album… But that is very much a focus of my lyricism in general and since having come out I’ve felt the ability to lift that veil more.

It most definitely is. In the past, having practically only worked with my closest friends, in particular DVIANCE, I didn't feel that I would have anything to explain while making the songs, there was an innate understanding. It was daunting working with others with such a huge part of myself hidden. I think having that weight lifted has clearly helped me be more open to letting others near that process.

The record is in a way a lot more disparate in style and approach than my past two EPs that I suppose exist almost as just short albums with a true arc. Here I’m truly presenting five songs that are only connected through, well, me and my experiences since being an out trans woman. Therefore, it made sense to simply name it like that and I hope me addressing my experiences is a gift to people going through similar things.

Again, I’m very excited to be able to present myself in different instrumental and emotional contexts with this one. They feel less metaphor-laden than my previous EP and I hope the directness in both style and substance will shine through.

I need to finish an album, so a lot of problem-solving with that. My current big activity is collecting strings and ribbons to pin to my wall. Very domestic goals for now. In more seriousness, if 2020 taught me anything is that I have no control over the outside world, so I need not rely on it to bring me joy or contentment, so figuring out how I can get that for myself, from myself.

I just hope I can be radically me and that will feel somewhat comforting for others. I’ll be manifesting the opportunity to spend more time in Spain and Italy too.