Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I am based in Trail, a small town in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. There’s a pretty good live music scene in Rossland and Nelson which are close to here! I can often sell out our Charles Bailey Theatre as I have a lot of home town support here! It’s fun!
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing at 8, but when I was 15, I started playing jam sessions at a local bar. The legal drinking age is 19, so I would wait outside for my turn to sing and then be escorted to the stage. For me, it was a great chance to learn how to connect with an audience through music.
What’s been happening recently?
Besides the time I’m spending promoting my new single, “Wait on Me”, I am a huge podcast nerd. Naturally, I released a podcast. It’s called “Wild Hearts” and you’ll find me chatting about the music business, health, fitness, self love, and lifestyle! You can listen to it on any of your favourite streaming platforms.
Your new single Wait On Me is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
This songwriting is influenced from my own journey of balancing a music career and my relationship back at home. The sound was influenced by the writers (Dave Pahanish and Jason Thomas – my guitar player of many years), the musicians and my producer, Jeff Johnson.
Jason played all the guitar parts to the song, while Jeff added a pop influence that fit in well with a new musical direction that I was eager to take.
How did you go about writing Wait On Me?
I wrote this down in Nashville in March of 2018 after I had moved there. Jason had accompanied me for our drive across Canada and into Nashville. Once we got there, we connected with Dave Pahanish, an amazing hit songwriter, and the song was a natural extension of my own personal and professional circumstances and artistic goals.
Where and when did you record/produce and who with?
This was the first song we recorded from my new album coming out, which is called “Where the Wild Hearts Beat”. We recorded the whole album in the beautiful Okanagan region of British Columbia last spring with Jeff Johnson.
How did you approach the recording/production process?
This song was probably the quickest to record because Jason and I have been playing it since we wrote it. We couldn’t not. It didn’t need any lyrical or melody changes. We started with a drum groove, acoustic guitar and a rough vocal. From there Jeff built the track and did the piano, bass and programming. He even got Travis Toy from Rascal Flatts to play the Banjo and Steel Guitar. To make it even more special I had my “band mom”, Tonnie Stewart sing all the background vocals on this one.
Please tell us about your experience with working with Jeff Johnson:
He’s the best. He worked me hard and we dug deep to get exactly what we wanted. He really took the time to get me into the right zone. Even pumped me up by doing push-ups one day in the studio, haha – He’s super comfortable to work with. But basically he’s a musical ninja.
How was your time living in Nashville?
I love Nashville. It was so good for me to spend that time writing and singing every day. It was the best way to hone in on and focus on my craft. I felt very at home there.
You recently sang on stage with Keith Urban, how did this come about? How has this experience affected you?
It came about when I asked him! haha – partially kidding. A few years ago, he was playing a pop up/word of mouth show that I knew about. I signed my CD to him in the line, called my family back home and told them I was planning to sing with him. Once the concert started, I made my way to front stage, waited for a quiet moment and asked him! It really literally was a dream come true. Not everyone can say they sang with one of the best male Country artists on the planet and I was fortunate to do it in Nashville of all places!
The experience affected me deeply as it inspired me to go back to Nashville to live a year later. Now with my new music, I feel more determined as a result of my own choices, but they wouldn’t have happened the way they did if I hadn’t had that moment of inspiration.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I love Miranda Lambert’s new album “Wild Card”, Maren Morris’ “Girl” and Taylor Swifts album “Lover”.
What do you like to do away from music?
I do Crossfit about 5 times a week, and also ride horses as often as possible – a couple of times a week if I can! I also love hiking and being outdoors!
Please tell us about your podcast ‘Wild Hearts’:
I really wanted to invite my fans in on a deeper level, open up and be more vulnerable and real. I thought what a better way then this! And I’m loving it! I am almost 15 weeks in and have talked about topics such as “How The Music Industry Can Make You Feel & 5 Reasons for A Hit Song” to “Peanut Butter, Crossfit And An Eating Disorder” and “How To Produce Your Own Music Video”.
What’s planned for 2020?
I’m so excited for this year! We are getting ready to hit the road in March for a Radio & PR tour throughout Canada. Of course, I will be continuing with the podcast and we will be releasing another single in time for summer. This is going to be a fun one! Throughout the summer, I will play various festivals and venues and by the time the fall comes around, we will be heading back out to Hamilton, Ontario for Canadian Country Music Week, and more shows. The album release will be after that, so stay tuned!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Oh my favorite food… I love Adams peanut butter and apples as a snack! Or blending a frozen banana with peanut butter – it’s like ice cream! Also when I feel like cheating, I love fish and chips!!
Favourite place to hang out, well.. I am a bit of an introvert. So I love being at home because I’m always out being social the rest of the time. BUT I do love going to the cutest town of Nelson BC about an hour away. It’s full of cute coffee shops, boutique shops and great restaurants. It’s fun to restaurant and bar hop and try different food with friends!
