My band, Youth in a Roman Field, brings the truth of my emotional experience to life in a way that can transform not just me but the people around me. When I’m able to do that, it’s because I let go of how things should look or sound. I’ve stopped analyzing. I’ve narrowed my attention to the moment I’m in—the sounds my body can make right now, the instrument in my hands, and the energy I can feel from the people in the room—to make not the “right” music, but the music that is right for this moment.

When I’m playing for other people’s work, presence means that it’s not about me. Accompanying a dance class, it’s about making something that these dancers feel moved to move to. Singing background vocals on another artist’s record, it’s about listening so well that I become a part of their musical world. Adding music for ambiance at an art opening, it’s about creating impeccable vibes without anyone noticing. As much as I love performing with the band, I get so much joy out of not being center stage.