“Access has always been dear to my heart. Being a part of the Next Stage initiative has helped me to share my experience of disability but also learn from other people”

“I would like to see a clear path towards a musician’s development in their genre.”

“It’s important not to shy away from telling people about your disability.”

“I would like to see more prominent voices encouraging and showing artists that it is possible to have a successful career whilst putting your health and wellbeing first.”

“I was ready for this a long time ago but, as an autistic person, the opportunities didn’t seem to come up.”

“There is something alchemical about live performance for artist and audience both. Playing live is the place I feel most at home.”

“Before the obvious wrecking ball that is COVID-19, reaching out to people within the industry was very difficult – I continually have to knock down my own communication barriers before I can feel comfortable trying to talk to other people.”

“As much as I love writing and working in the studio to bring the songs to life, to me performing live is the most important part of what I do. It’s an opportunity to really connect with people.”