Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I come from North Bay, Ontario (Canada) just three hours north of Toronto with a population of 53 thousand. It’s a blue collar, military and hockey city. I’ve always loved playing music since I was a kid and come from a musical family growing up on rock n roll and country music.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Bryan Adams and Def Leppard since seeing them both live over the past couple of months!
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
A: I grew up playing drums, so with that being my first instrument I’d have to say Neil Peart and the band Rush.
Q: You have just released your new EP, ‘I Rise’. Is there a story behind it?
A: I think the EP itself not only shows the edgier, rock side of me while still being uplifting and motivational!
Q: What is the message of your music?
A: It definitely depends on the song, there’s a big mix and something for everyone in this EP.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I think it’s just different. No one else is doing this in the country world, and it’s also a different kind of rock music. If I could describe it, it’s a mix of Merle Haggard, Eric Church and Ozzy!
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I try not to expect anything. Obviously I want my music to do well not only for myself but for my team and everybody that is supporting me. I’m quite happy with how its gone so far and am super grateful!
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: It really is day by day. Sometimes, it’s a melody or lyric and sometimes I write a great song completely by accident and it just happens!
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: I mean life is full of ups and downs. I’ve been through quite a bit in my personal life but in music the hardest part is probably trying to be different and not follow what’s trending or what’s “hot” right now. It’s all about creating the art, sound and music you want to make as an artist.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: It’s all really great and continues to build and grow every day. Being the only country artist on such a massive rock label is definitely one, and obviously the success of “Outlaws and Outsiders” was amazing. Most of all though, the tours that I get to be a part of are always special, getting to be alongside friends with so many new relationships made along the way!
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