Most 16-year-olds are only just starting to figure out what they want to do with their lives but that’s not the case for Piper Butcher.
The Newcastle-based singer-songwriter knows exactly what she wants to do – make music.
Next month the independent artist will release her first single with an EP to follow later in the year.
“I’ve been doing music for five years professionally but I have always loved music,” she said.
“I was raised with a good mix of things from John Mayer to Keith Urban and the 80s stuff.
“I got into it just by listening to music around the house but it all came together when I went to a concert when I was 10.
“We saw the Foo Fighters, and Dave Grohl screamed out for the kids to get into the garage and make music, so I did.”
Since then Piper’s star has been on the rise, supporting acts such as Kasey Chambers, Richard Clapton, Thirsty Merc and Josh Pyke.
She describes her sound as alternative Americana.
“I have gained influences from people like Lucas Nelson, The Marcus King Band, Chris Stapleton – that’s my sort of vibe,” she said.
Her journey has not come without its challenges though.
Piper was born with a cleft palate and, in January, she had to undergo another surgery after she experienced some problems.
She says it was a little scary because she had to face the reality of not knowing if, or when, she could resume performing.
But, after recovering, she has come back with force.
“I am so excited to release my first single on 3 May,” she said.
“That one is called Haunting Your Thoughts, it will be my first proper release ever.”
The teen added it had been such a surreal process.
“It’s been an invigorating experience, it’s not every day that you get work on your own music,” she said.
“I can’t even sum it up really, it has been so amazing, I can’t wait to get back into the studio already and I haven’t even released my first song.”
Piper is so sure of what she wants to do that she’s left school to focus on music.
“I have had nothing but support and I cannot thank [my family and friends] enough for it,” she said.
“They helped me to make the leap.”
Moving forward her dream is to create music that connects with people.
“Everyone says their ultimate goal is to play stadiums but my ultimate goal is to reach people who can feel something from my music,” she said.
“Of course I would love to go worldwide as well.”
To stay up-to-date with Piper, follow her on Instagram, @piper_butcher.
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