I don’t believe in predetermined life plans—and even less in the idea that someone else knows what’s best for me. What I write and sing comes straight from the gut—and often from scraped knees too.

The easy road never interested me. I’ve always asked myself: Who do I really want to be? Not: What do others expect me to be? That’s exactly what I try to express through my songs: failing, brushing off the dust, and moving forward. Real emotions. The courage to say “no” out loud when everyone else is shouting “yes.” Being myself.

When things get uncomfortable, that’s usually when I know I’m right where I need to be. Not to be rebellious, but because that’s the only way I grow. My music is the soundtrack for those who don’t fit into neat little boxes—for those who trust their own inner compass, even if it means taking a few hits along the way and still staying true to themselves. Simply because it feels right.

I’m grateful to Kurt Cobain for saying it best:

“I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I’m not.”

That’s the spirit I live by. I do my thing—and I wish everyone the courage to do the same.