CURRENT MISSION
To empower the world through love, music, and connection.

Hey there,

I'm originally from New Zealand, and moved to the United States in 2015. I have a background in radio, teaching [privately and at university], youth empowerment work, and music (vocals, songwriting, guitar and piano).

In 2015 I decided to embark on a bit of an adventure and traveled through Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia and China before landing in Massachusetts, United States, where I worked at a summer camp for three months in the Berkshires. After that, I moved on to Connecticut, where I taught at an outdoor science camp called Natures Classroom.

I'm now living in Washington DC working as a full time musician - gigging, busking, touring, facilitating workshops, and recording. I've played at the Kennedy Center, The Whitehouse, The National Cherry Blossom Festival parade (which was nationally televised), various parades and festivals, and have racked up some pretty cool achievements over my first four years. When the pandemic hit, however, I expanded to not only do music, but also youth empowerment through songwriting coaching, and public speaking.

I've been blessed to deliver two TEDx Talks, and am blessed to have married the love of my life: DJ Stephens.

I'm now about to embark on a joined mission of both my musical passion AND my dedication to youth empowerment, where I'll be on tour around the country alongside my drummer: Joseph Jenkins, to deliver a Youth Empowerment Tour in partnership with Hard Rock Cafe. The aim is to deliver youth empowerment
through songwriting workshops around the country in cities that have Hard Rock Cafe's that will culminate in opportunities for the teenage participants to join me on stage at their local Hard Rock Cafe to perform their original songs. I am excited!

I'm a bit of a health nut, love exploring, and I'm a firm believer that outside of your comfort zone is where the
cool shit happens!

I love meeting new people, and would love to meet you!

PHILOSOPHY

Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I've hosted many couch surfers in New Zealand, and in Washington DC!!

Interests

Playing and listening to music
Going to gigs
Social media
Health and Fitness (weightlifting, running, cycling and freeletics)
Good food and wine
Reading
Philosophy
Politics
Culture
Film

• culture
• performing arts
• architecture
• dancing
• dining
• politics
• reading
• socializing
• music
• outdoor activities
• camping
• communications
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Favourite movies would include The Fifth Element, The Wall, The Labrynth, Despicable Me and The Lion King.
Favourite music? Pink Floyd, No Doubt, Pink, Lacuna Coil, Pink, Bic Runga, Portishead, Iron Maiden, Enigma, Natalie Merchant, Jill Scott... the list goes on....
Favourite books? The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Played 23 shows in 35 days in 16 cities across the United States with my band

Been interviewed on The Daily Show, CBC News, and Fox 5 DC

Recorded (and about to release) my fifth single, that's the theme song for a company based here in Washington DC, as well as an academy-award-nominated documentary about the company's owner/operator.

Won a trip to America as an ambassador for New Zealand youth for my contribution to NZ music.

Was awarded the New Zealander of the Year Local Heroes award (2012)

Was an ambassador for Tough Mudder when it first came to New Zealand.

Entered the NZ Music Top 40 charts with my band Static Era and our debut album "Fit to Fight"

Teach, Learn, Share

A society is defined not only by what it creates but also by what it refuses to destroy

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, hugs, smiles, bad jokes, and music

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, China, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Malaysia, Spain, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States