While creating this album, I was both developing my sound as an artist and discovering more about who I am as a person at the same time. Naturally, the concept of creating music using only my voice manifested completely on its own, without any prior intention or agenda. Upon reflection of the process to create ’II’, the ‘voice’ concept feels almost obvious, as I was truly developing and expressing both my personal and artistic ‘voices’ in tandem with one another. The result is not only the new album ‘II’, but changed versions of the self and artist behind it as well.

I felt inspired to create something that was truly my own – not trying to sound or be like any one or thing in particular, but letting the sound in my head translate in as raw and unfiltered a way as possible. This was a sonic parallel to the truth I would learn and choose to express – revealing my struggles with mental illness in tandem with the music’s release.

Through this album, I am speaking openly and honestly about my story with Bipolar Disorder in an effort to raise awareness and end the stigma around mental illness, and am donating proceeds from streaming and sales to organizations supporting mental health awareness and anti-stigma.

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have had a strong support network. I’ve known where to go for help, who to talk to, and had loved ones there for me when things went awry. However, there are so many struggling who do not have that same privilege. This is why I have chosen to make mental health advocacy as part of my mission as an artist, and support crucial organizations like the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association), in an effort to provide to others the same opportunity for help that I have had. 

Through this 1.5 hr cinematic and experimental concept album, my hope is simply to inspire emotion in my audience — a feeling of connection in those who struggle, and sense of compassion in those who struggle to relate.