The Eighth Blackbird flute player’s musical heroes include Audra McDonald, Aretha Franklin and Johannes Brahms.

1. What is the most fun you’ve ever had on stage?

In September, Eighth Blackbird played at the Paris Philharmonie opening for Bryce and Aaron Dessner, and Bon Iver to a sold out crowd of several thousand people. Justin Vernon (lead singer of Bon Iver) joined us on stage during our set for a movement of Bryce’s Murder Ballades, during which I sing (a not-so-hidden talent of mine, in addition to being a flautist). Justin and I got to sing the movement as a duet, and I can’t say that I’ve smiled quite that much during a performance in a very long time, if ever. A truly fun night to remember!

2. Favourite non-classical artist?

This is hard to narrow down for me because there are just so many. My favourite non-classical artists of all time would have to be some combination of Björk, Erykah Badu, David Bowie, and A Tribe Called Quest. My favourite non-classical artists at the moment (as in the albums I’m listening to most right now) are Anderson Paak, Laura Mvula, Solange and J Cole.