Music News

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario but I’m currently based in the Toronto area. There’s a wide range of music that comes through this area. It’s not necessarily the hub for country music but country is definitely building a name in the Toronto music scene. Being surrounded by so many genres of music has definitely influenced my current sound!

 How did you first start playing music?

I’ve been singing and writing songs since I was very young and I always knew I wanted to be a performing artist. The way I started on the stage was through singing contests and open mics. I didn’t have access to singing on stage in any other way, so this became a good way for me to learn and develop. From that, it turned into showcases and then bookings. My stage experience has come a long way – there’s nothing else like it! I love being an entertainer!

 What’s been happening recently?

Well, I released my new summer song “Free” and it’s been getting an amazing response so far! Apple Music has really gotten behind it and it’s been so cool to see how much people are really into it. I wanted this song to be something that would pump people up and remind them of those moments when they’ve felt most free.

Also, I haven’t released a song to Canadian radio in a while and I’m proud to say that this song has gone to radio… so that’s really exciting for me! I also just finished in the studio to record more songs and will have an official music video for “Free” later this month. Oh, and did I mention that I have a Youtube video series? It’s been an interesting experience so far. I’ve been filming and editing like crazy but I love being able to stay connected with my fans in a more personal way. 

Your new single ‘Free’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I wanted to create a summer anthem and knew that the tempo and energy would be really important to capture that. I love that country music is all about telling the story and giving the listener a real experience through song. Country has definitely influenced my way of storytelling and how I emote it through my voice. As I’ve grown in this industry and grown in my experiences, I also really like bringing in other inspirations like catchy pop melodies and structures to bring a unique sound to my songwriting. This song was inspired by some of the electronic pop styles of music happening right now and I thought it would be fun to experiment and bring it into my brand of country music. 

How did you go about writing Free?

It started with a title and the hook. I knew that I wanted to write an upbeat, feel good song and started playing around with melody and hook ideas. The words “We were young and wild and free” was definitely the first inspiration that started the direction of the song. I recorded a voice note in my phone with me tapping my leg for a feel of the tempo and then sent it to my co-writer Shawn Moore. We got together to work on this idea and it came pretty easily for us. I wanted to share some of my own personal memories growing up in my hometown and give the listener some painted pictures through the lyrics. I love that it captures a fun summertime feel, while being nostalgic. 

Where and when did you record and who with?

This was recorded in Vancouver, BC with Dan Swinimer from Manicdown Productions. Dan had been prepping this song a couple of months before we got together in his studio to record my vocals in January. He’s a great person and a tremendous talent. He really drove the production home!

You’re working with multiple producers at the moment (Dan Swinimer, Paul Shatto & David Wills) how did this come about and how are you keeping the production cohesive whilst working with 3 different producers?

I had the fortune of being introduced to Paul Shatto & David Wills through my publicist Jasper Anson. I met them for the first time during a tour when I was performing at Sunfest on Vancouver Island. Paul & David are a great duo that I connected with right away and knew we’d work well together. We’re like-minded people and I really like how invested they are in getting to know the unique attributes of an artist. They’re able to take that information and personify the productions in a very honest way.

I met Dan Swinimer on the same trip to BC after a last minute opportunity to write together. I’ve obviously heard Dan’s work before and was super impressed by his talent. I really enjoyed getting to write with him as well! Dan comes from the background of being on stage in a band as well as developing artists, and I knew that he’d be able to bring all of those years of experience to my music. Not only that but It makes a big difference for me when I get to know someone through songwriting, so that I can see if we have the right creative chemistry and if the vision is there to make a song the best it can be. It’s been an honor and a lot of fun to work with Dan so far… I mean, listen to my song “Free” – he blew that one out of the water!

Both production teams are slightly different in their approaches, but very much the same in that they want the best for the artist. I love that! I’ve never had multi-producers on a project before, but I really like the freedom of being able to show slightly different sides to me. These producers are going to do that in an amazing way and because I’m at the center of it all – my songs, my vision and my style are what’s going to make it all connect. 

Please tell us about the challenges that you’ve come across whilst recording virtually:

Fortunately I haven’t had to do too much of that. I’ve been listening to the tracks in my headphones and recording vocals in my voice notes. Surprisingly, that’s worked well enough for everyone to start building worktapes and get the song directions figured out.

Other than that, the difficulty has come from not being able to connect in person. In person is always better for creating. You vibe off of each other’s thoughts and energy! The good thing is that I had my song “Free” ready for release a few months early, so it’s given enough time for everything to open back up, so that we can finish our project together.

Please tell us about your experience with releasing music during this unique COVID19 period:

It’s been a lot different than what I’ve been used to and forced me to change my mould of how I do things. My team and I had to put our heads together to come up with ways that we could make this happen in a changing world. It happened in the middle of my own momentum and once that happened, I had no idea what to do next and how to make it happen. By working on these new ways of doing things it’s definitely shined a light on new ways I can connect even more with my fans. It’s been amazing to see how connected I’ve become with them and how excited they are about my musical journey. 

You have a YouTube vlog series, how did this come about and what is the vlog about?

It happened through these discussions about releasing music during covid-19. Since I couldn’t be out on the road connecting with fans and the industry, we thought what better way to do that than create a video series? I’ve never done something like this before so each week is a new experience. My song “Free” is the centerpiece to the series, with all of the topics being related to the themes of the song, either through self-help inspired videos or behind the scenes vlogs. The behind the scenes look at my life is as an artist and the different developments of “Free” during my life right now. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

That definitely changes week to week, but I’ve been really into Danielle Bradberry’s music. I’m a big fan of a growing artist named Kelleigh Bannen, I also love Tenille Townes’ stuff and been listening lost to Morgan Wallen, Travis Denning, and Thomas Rhett, too. 

What do you like to do away from music?

I love the outdoors. Any of my free time is usually spent doing something outdoors. I love being by the lake, by a bonfire. I’ve been trying to soak in those moments when I can. I also love family time. My family means so much to me. So nothing too exciting – haha – family time and outdoors time. And since this Covid-19 thing, I’ve been getting into cooking too!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

Depending on what life is like for the remainder of this year, I hope to be out performing again, for sure. But either way, I’ll be recording the rest of my project, putting out full-on music videos, creating more YouTube episodes, releasing more music and writing more music! Music is my life. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Favourite food.. can I saw two? A great pizza or pasta. I love my carbs haha. Favourite place to hang out… anywhere outdoors with some sunshine and good company!

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Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I currently live in Saskatoon, Canada where I’ve been for about 4 years now. I am still getting to know the music scene in this city. So far, it has been welcoming and I have met some amazing musicians. I spent about 13 years in Regina and really loved the music scene and my music family out there.

How did you first start playing music?

I always dreamed of performing on a big stage and used to sing in my basement and pretend it was to a big crowd. I don’t know why I did it, I just did. I would also make up songs on my walks to school, which I think is kind of a unique thing to do.

Through high school, I was in a pop-rock band called N.O.B. (Name of Band) – haha – and I learned to play guitar through those years and started writing music with that band. I was kicked out because my voice wasn’t “rock” enough and the band found a replacement. Back in those days, that sure hurt my feelings, but it was the right move for them and for me. I took some time off from music and then decided to go at it alone and back to my country roots. I started writing, making connections, and surrounding myself with the best in the industry and never looked back.

What’s been happening recently?

Musically, the focus has been on my new single, “Take It Out On Me”, and getting it out to the public. I’ve also been focusing on writing for my next single. I’ve been writing with other artists as well and have 3 cuts for singles that have been released.

This track was written by three top Nashville writers being –  John Ozier (Lee Brice), John King (Randy Houser), and Brad Tursi (Old Dominion), you worked with Bart Mckay who is very highly regarded in Canada, how was this experience and how did you come to be chose to record ‘Take It Out On Me’?

With regard to the song choice; my manager, Leslie Mitchell (Nashville, TN) sent a call out to her contacts looking for outside songs for me to record, which was a new experience for me since I had written all of my own singles prior to this.

After about 4 years of back and forth with the publishing companies, they finally signed off on it. John Ozier and I have known one another for a few years and I was thankful he sent the song our way. I immediately fell in love with the lyric and melody. To me, it fit with all of the other songs I wrote in the past. I connected with this song right away.

How and where did you go about recording ‘Take It Out On Me’?

I recorded my first 3-song EP with Bart McKay, back in 2005 and then a full-length album with him in 2009. He is a great guy, producer and friend. I love going to his studio and spending time bringing the songs to life. It’s one of my absolute favourite things to do. Bart is great at getting a performance from an artist, guiding them through a song and coming up with ideas.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the process?

I’d actually given up on ever recording “Take It Out On Me”. One of the publishing companies did not sign off on me recording it, initially. That was heartbreaking. When I decided I wanted to release a new single, I got Leslie to check on it again and sure enough, they said yes! That was the most challenging part about it.

The reward comes from being able to finally record this song after chasing it for 4 years, and seeing the positive response to it so far.

You’ve had recent nominations for Male Vocalist of the year and Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards, what does this mean to you?

It always is nice to be recognized by your peers at the awards. I feel grateful and humbled to even be nominated at all.

What do you like to do away from music?

I spend a lot of time with my fiancée, Erin and our two dogs (and the cat when he feels like it). We spend a lot of time in our backyard, working on the garden. We take our dogs out as much as we can and go for hikes with them. We also spend a lot of time trying new recipes. It’s pretty simple everyday stuff but I love it.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Currently, in this moment, Tenille Townes’ “Come as You Are”.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

This year’s focus has shifted from performing shows and doing a radio tour to performing online shows and planning for a tour in 2021.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I am a big homebody and I love Erin’s cooking, especially this chicken and rice dish she makes, so truthfully, home and that dish are my favourites. If I had to pick a place in town, I would say Bon Tempes in Saskatoon makes some dang good spicy Cajun dishes that I love. Chicken and biscuits is my favourite on the menu there. Great atmosphere!

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Where are you currently based?

I’m living in my hometown, Loures, right next to Lisbon. For now, I feel this is the best place for me to be at, I’ve lived in London some time ago, let’s see what the future holds.

How did you first start playing music?

Fortunately, my school provided us music lessons since we were 3 years old. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for me to have the curiosity to learn more. So, when I was 8 years old, I joined a local music school to learn how to play the drums. That place was amazing, I’ve learned a lot. The teachers formed bands made up of students learning different instruments, and we played covers together. We were all kids, playing mostly rock covers, and we even played concerts. Amazing, we were quite good to be honest. After some years there, I began to learn how to play bass guitar as well.

Then, when I was 11, I joined a Symphonic Band, which gave me many opportunities to learn. I began as trumpet player, but soon became a percussionist. Learned percussion in a conservatory, played a lot of concerts, was part of some Orchestras, and so on. I’ve even been able to play with one of the best Orchestras in Portugal, as an intern. My favorite instrument is the timpani, as a percussionist you need to play every instrument, but most of the time I was playing the timpani, a beautiful instrument. To share a stage with more than 20 people, all contributing to the same purpose, is an amazing experience, it gave my ears a taste that I’m most thankful for.

What’s been happening recently?

Recent times haven’t been easy for anyone. I’ve been promoting Drowning the best I can, reading a lot, and laying the ground for upcoming songs.

How did you come to start producing and creating music?

Since a kid that I dreamed about having my own songs, but I never really knew how to make them, neither felt the need to. When I was 21, I’d grown up in a way that I felt I had to share my story with others, at least I had to put it out. As a musician, I felt that there was no better way to express my feelings and thoughts than music. I’m a very sensitive person, attaching meanings to almost everything, so I had some harsh experiences through the years. My purpose was to share those experiences with others going through the same.

As a result, I started learning music production in London, an introductory course that took only 3 months. During those times I explored a lot, watched documentaries, and searched the internet for every bit of information I could find. I studied the production behind every song I listened to, all the effects and techniques. After that, I began producing my songs.

Please tell us about the third track on the EP ‘Drowning’ what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

Every song tells a specific part of the story I’m trying to tell. “Drowning” is the moment after I realized I was not being myself. I’d been too many years pretending to be someone I was not, which led me to a state of disbelief and numbness. I had no idea who I was, what I was doing with my life, who I was close to, what was my purpose. Drowning tells the story of facing those challenges and moving forward.

How did you go about writing Drowning

For me, lyrics play an essential role in passing a message on a song. I wrote lyrics for every song of the album after the production was completed. Then, when I contacted Verbz to collaborate on “Drowning”, we agreed that he would write his lyrics, including parts from the ones I wrote, in order to express a shared outlook on the topic.

 Where and when did you record/produce?

“Drowning” was entirely produced on my computer, in July 2019. Nowadays you have access to everything you need to produce your songs without a professional studio (although I wish I had access to one, the feeling is different). Then, in December, because I was in Lisbon at the time, Verbz recorded his vocals in London, in a place of his choice, and sent them to me. As you might have guessed already, me and Verbz have never met each other personally, we always find that a bit odd given the fact that “Drowning” worked so well.

What programs/instruments did you use?

I only use Logic Pro X. My songs are combinations of instruments from Logic’s library, samples I get online, and, sometimes, I record some basslines and guitars with a small interface I have at home.

Please tell us about the concept behind your upcoming album ‘The First Chapter’:

“The First Chapter” tells my life’s story until this moment. It was produced as a soundtrack to my life. Whenever I think of a song, images come to my head, almost like a movie. For me, when you combine both things, you get the perfect mix to express something.

The album tells the story from the moment I realized I was not being myself, to the point I began to accept me as I am, with all the consequent ups and downs. I tried to create 1 big track, that has 14 parts, or 1 play that has 14 acts, so all the songs are connected between them.

What is it about Hip-Hop that you relate to most?

When I was growing up, I didn’t listen to hip hop that much. I knew Dr. Dre and Eminem, but that was it. Then, one day a friend of mine told me that I had to listen to a song called “King Kunta”, by Kendrick Lamar. This was 2015, I fell in love with Kendrick’s instrumentals at first, then paid attention to the lyrics and I was blown away. Kendrick made me realize that it is possible to put out deep messages through music, with a vibe that is unique to hip hop.

I see hip hop as a reporter of what’s going on in the world. It has a powerful voice to tell a meaningful story and to get attention to some important matters that none of the other music genres talks about. I love the freedom that hip hop provides to create, to put out deep messages, plus, as a drummer and bass player, I got to love the instrumentals.

How has classical music influenced your sound?

Classical music enabled me to listen to a lot of new sounds. I was only familiar with drums, guitars, and bass guitars. So, to play with a lot of different instruments, in a lot of different circumstances, provided me with opportunities that I could never imagine. It opened another door for me, a huge one.

There is no feeling like playing live with an orchestra. As a percussionist, I was behind everyone on stage, so I could see every instrument at all times. I loved to see the trombones and the trumpets right in front of me, playing their parts. I loved to see the conductor moving his arms while looking at me when my part was coming, then “hit” the timpani’s skin in harmony with everyone.

It gave me more tools to work with.

What does music mean to you?

Music is the best way for me to express myself. I’m a very quiet guy, an introspective. However, although I don’t say much, I think and feel a lot. I’m the kind of person that pays attention to everything that is happening around me. I have this kind of unquenchable thirst that makes me think about everything, to find every meaning beyond what the eyes can reach. In one word, I’m hypersensitive. I’m not saying I cry if you scratch my arm, it’s not like that. It’s more like I am a sponge absorbing all the things that are happening.

As a hypersensitive, I tend to see and to feel things way beyond what others do. When I was younger, it was a bit of a curse, but now, I feel like it is a blessing. Music enables me to put my head in order, because while I’m creating songs, I’m giving those experiences a final meaning, arranging my past and making space for the present.

Who or what influences your music?

I listen to a bit of everything. If you went digging my phone right now you would see Fado, Classical, Opera, Hip-Hop, Rock, and so on. I enjoy music, so if I feel there is something to pay attention to or to dance to (I love Kaytranada as well), I will listen to it, and I’ve always been like that, so I’m a bit of a blend.

What do you like to do away from music?

I’m taking an MsC in Business Management, it is another part of me that I am gradually learning to combine with music. I like the perspective Business Management gives me, besides the classic Wolf of Wall Street, the idea that a suit makes your opinions worthier, or pimps trying to sell the next golden eggs’ chicken, Management is all about people and strategy, I like that.

I love to hang with my friends at home and to be with my family. Besides that, I’m very connected to nature. Absolutely love trail running in the middle of nowhere, it is like meditation. That and keeping fruit trees.

What’s planned for 2020?

2020 will hopefully be the year when “The First Chapter” comes out. As a producer, it is hard to get rappers and singers to collaborate, especially at the position I am at. I’m hoping that “Drowning” opens some doors which enable me to finish the album.

Favorite food and place to hangout?

I love to be at home, so if you give me a backyard, friends, speakers, hamburgers and some drinks, I’m a happy guy.

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