I am a songwriter, a creative educator and a leader. I am also an artist – and I have been in hiding for rather a long time.

Ten years ago, I had a career as a singer-songwriter. I had been fortunate enough to attract the interest of an independent label, who sent me to Austin, Texas to make a record in the summer of 2012. After the first and only single was released, and following two promotional tours, my unresolved mental health issues became chronic and so I needed to take a break from being a performing artist. A ten-year break, as it turns out.

I did think about quitting music altogether – but then realised that I had absolutely no idea what I might do instead. So, I decided to focus on building a creative career that didn’t require me to release my own records or to get on stage and perform: writing songs for other artists and working in songwriting education. And I love it. 

My cowriting experience has taught me so much about songwriting and the power, beauty and challenge of musical storytelling and creative collaboration. I have been – and continue to be – inspired by artists' bravery, vulnerability and their drive to make themselves heard. This is what I am returning to now - for myself. 

As a songwriting educator, I have worked with hundreds of writers. I am immensely grateful to these writers for the thousands of songs they have shared and discussed with me. Through this collaborative activity, I have learned so much about songcraft, as well as the many ways in which we can liberate ourselves from our self-imposed creative limitations.