Who are some of your influences and how have you expanded your creativity over the years?

I draw inspiration from a lot of different artists! I’m inspired by John Powell and his evolving melodies with the story’s characters. I also love drawing inspiration from some of the greats like Earth, Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, and lots of different world music—Fela Kuti, Dina Ögon, and so on. My musical vocabulary is always evolving as I explore new genres and artists. Immersing myself in different styles keeps my creativity fresh and helps me push boundaries when I’m writing and experimenting. There’s always so much to learn… that’s the fun part!

Finding Joy is set to release November 5th on Prime Video, how exciting! Without giving too much away, what excited you most creatively about scoring this film?

Themes! From the very first creative conversations about Finding Joy, I was thrilled that the filmmakers were not only open to thematic writing– they invited it. That’s not always the case, so it was a real creative gift. The characters that we meet throughout the film evolve and change and it was very fulfilling to be able to write themes that shifted with them.

What inspired your creative process as you shaped the musical world of Finding Joy? Did any particular moment or theme guide how the score evolved?

Finding Joy takes place in two very contrasting settings– New York and Colorado. The differences of those environments became a core inspiration for the musical landscape of the film. I loved being able to play with a structured jazz-influenced sound for New York, while leaning into organic and icy textures for Colorado. As a Colorado native, it was especially meaningful to represent my home state using instruments and musical colors I grew up with! The score includes instruments and sounds that feel deeply personal to me. That blend of contrast and connection really shaped how my approach to the score evolved.

You have many partners all across the board, from studios like Paramount, Disney, and MGM to organizations such as the Recording Academy, Television Academy, and of course the  Alliance for Women Film Composers. What role have professional organizations like the Alliance for Women Film Composers played in your career development, and what advice would you offer to emerging composers seeking similar support?

One of the first things you learn working in the arts is that you can only get so far on your own. The Alliance for Women Film Composers has been instrumental in helping me connect with a supportive network of women who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of this industry. Finding a creative community filled with people who lift you up, share knowledge, and celebrate your wins has been essential to my growth. The support I’ve received from organizations like the AWFC, along with my mentors like Amanda Jones, Phil Erklen and management, has truly shaped my path. Often said, but absolutely true: finding community is key!

My advice to emerging composers is to seek out those communities early. The relationships you build will sustain you creatively, professionally, and personally. And don’t forget to move! I love rock climbing, and it’s always been a great outlet.  Sometimes you’ve just got to climb away from the music for a bit—then come back ready to create again. 😉 

From studio powerhouse films to a recent Grammy nomination, it’s crystal clear that you’re on the rise. Aside from your upcoming movie Finding Joy, what else can we look forward to seeing from you in the near future?

Thank you! There’s definitely a lot on the horizon that I’m really excited about, though I can’t share details just yet! Beyond Finding Joy, I’m currently working on a few new scoring projects! At the same time, I’ve been pouring creative energy into my solo artist project, girlgoshy, which has been such a fulfilling space to experiment with sound, visuals, and my own creative voice. I can’t wait to share more when the time comes—but for now, I’m excited to keep exploring new story worlds and collaborating with inspiring artists across genres.

Thanks so much for having me, AWFC! 

Interview by Michael Van Bodegom Smith

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