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Your new single “Chasing Lightning” drops February 6th—what’s the story behind the song, and what does that phrase mean to you personally?
I teamed up with Tomas Altamirano for “Chasing Lightning.” I live in Nashville, but we met at an event in L.A. and wanted to work together. This was our first collaboration — totally virtual. We sent tracks back and forth; he produced the track, and I recorded and produced the vocals. It’s always fun to collaborate in person, but I’m also so grateful we have ways of collaborating long distance.
Tomas sent the beginnings of this stellar track, and I mostly let the groove and tone inform the lyrics. It made me feel like someone was racing down the road so intensely that streaks of light were passing by. That made me think of hustling, working hard, action and movement over waiting for permission. That’s ultimately what “Chasing Lightning” means to me; it’s a song about someone who uses grit and determination to make things happen. I think the line in the chorus, “I won’t wait, I’ll make my moment” really embodies the tenacity of this person.
You’re rooted in Southern soul and blues-rock. How did growing up in South Carolina shape your sound and the way you approach songwriting?
I grew up performing in community theater in Columbia from the age of 3. I would do a show every summer called Showstoppers that was a musical review. I was exposed to a wide variety of genres and classic songs — from oldies and Motown, to gospel, blues, jazz, pop, country. You name it. Songs spanning from the 1920’s to what was then the early 1990’s. No doubt, this unofficial music education shaped my sound, my taste, and the way I write melodies and phrasing.
You’ve worked closely with Keb’ Mo’ as a co-composer and vocalist for Netflix’s Leanne. What was it like collaborating on music for a TV series versus writing for your own records?
Writing for TV is a ton of fun! I’m a part of a team, and we’re ultimately there to deliver what the producers want for the show. In that regard, it’s very different from making my own records where I call the shots and make the creative decisions. That being said, I really like collaboration and being given a challenge to deliver a specific sound.
The main title theme for Leanne plays a big role in setting the tone of the show. How did you approach capturing that mood musically?
Chuck Lorre had the idea to try an a cappella vocal for the theme with just the name, Leanne. So, originally, that’s how we recorded it. I sang a lead melody and then harmonized to myself, which is what you hear on the show. A few weeks into the composing process, the production team asked if we could compose a different piece of music under the vocal for each episode. If you listen carefully (or binge the show back to back), you’ll notice the music under the theme changes.
You also sang background vocals on Room on the Porch, which went on to become a Billboard #1 Blues album. What did you take away from working with Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ on that project?
I have to tell you, singing on this album is one of my proudest career moments so far. I have been a fan of Keb’ Mo’s records since I first discovered his music in college. To hear my vocals alongside his and Taj Mahal’s is a thrill for me, and I’m truly so honored they trusted me to sing on their project. I consider Keb’ a friend, but also a mentor. To watch him work in the studio is nothing short of a master class. He knows exactly what he wants in the studio. He works with such precision and intentionality. Taj was a hoot! He and I bonded over his mom being from SC, where I’m from. We traded dumplin’ recipes. He’s such a legend. He’d go into the booth and do his thing so effortlessly. There’s no mistaking his voice or his playing.
You’ve toured across blues, Americana, and roots rock scenes. How does playing for different audiences influence your performances—or does it?
I suppose I choose songs for my set differently depending on the type of venue. For songwriter rounds, I have “songwriter” songs that are heavily story based or intimate feeling to fit that mood. That type of show feels like it’s about song discovery for the audience. But if I’m playing the opening set at Gruene Hall for the Bacon Bros, I choose songs that I think their crowd is going to love and get them primed for the night.
As a vocalist, you have a strong, soulful presence. How do you take care of your voice while balancing touring, recording, and collaborative work?
Thank you for saying that. I have learned to let the mic do the work, so I don’t over-sing when I’m performing. Off stage, I do warm ups before shows or recording. And I’m really trying to remember not to shout at my son’s soccer games. 🙂 That one’s hard. I get excited.
Do you feel a responsibility to carry Southern musical traditions forward, or are you more focused on reshaping them for a new generation?
Yes to both. I think both can coexist, and they already do pretty naturally. Southern musical traditions, at least from my perspective, include great storytelling, themes of sin and salvation, love and heartbreak, trouble and redemption. Soulful melodies and oftentimes rich harmonies. Most of my songs have these elements at the foundation — and there’s also the way music naturally changes. Phrasing, writing styles and sonic elements progress over time. My music has progressed over time, too. I think there is a way to preserve the integrity of the traditions and innovate at the same time. I suppose it’s up to the listener to decide if I’ve done that well. I keep making music I believe in and remain grateful for the fans who resonate with it.
With “Chasing Lightning” marking a new release, what does this song represent in terms of where you are creatively right now?
I feel like “Chasing Lightning” plays in the same playground as my previous releases, but I’m pushing the envelope a little bit more sonically. I haven’t released music with this feel before; the way my vocal is treated, the intensity of the track, the gritty swagger. There have been glimpses of that side of me from even way back with my very first single, “What You Ain’t Gonna Get” or the dark murder balled, “Riverstone,” but “Chasing Lightning” feels like it’s opening the throttle.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you in 2026—more singles, an album, or more collaborations in film and television?
We just started Season 2 of Leanne. That will keep me busy for the part of the year, and I’m consistently writing for other TV and film opportunities. And, yes, I have several more singles planned for release in 2026, so this is just the beginning!
