Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
I got started in music in 2011 when I wrote my first songs and started performing at weddings and bars while attending University at TMU. A pivotal chapter unfolded when I moved to Daegu, South Korea, teaching English and immersing myself in the local music scene. Returning to Canada in 2018, I started to really establish myself in the Canadian music scene, performing often and founding “FunJamentals”, an online music academy. Inspired by my experiences abroad and the universal theme of embracing the present, I released my debut single “Fresh” in 2022, which made it to the semifinal round of the ISC (International songwriting competition) This February I am releasing my debut EP “Alive Today”, which I hope will help remind people how important it is to embrace the present moment.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I’ve been influenced by so many different artists and genres. Growing up, I obsessed over soundtrack music, with the first CDs I ever bought being Jurassic park, and Lion King. I went on to enjoy hip-hop, R&B, Rock, Pop, K-pop, Jazz, and classical, and more. All of these genres influenced my sound.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
Some artists that really stood out for me throughout the years are: Jason Mraz, Weezer, Bruno Mars, Bright Eyes, John Mayer, Yiruma, Busker Busker
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
I usually get melodies or chord progressions first while jamming on piano / guitar. Rhythm’s and chord progressions come to me easier on guitar, and picking out melodies I find easier on piano. Often I will scat out melodies vocally while looping a chord progression until I find a good idea, phrase or general theme that I can start to write around. I usually take a couple of hours to write out the rough lyrics to a song, and over weeks / months I listen to the demo on walks / car rides and edit the lyrics to make it flow better. Once I have the lyrics and structure to a place that I am happy with, I will make the rough demo on Logic Pro. If I choose to release that song, I would send my rough demo to a producer and start the full production process where the song undergoes further critiques and live session instrumentation is added. The song then gets mixed / mastered and is ready to release!
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
I like my new song “Alive Today” . I think it is a good representation of the theme of the whole EP, which is to be present and appreciate this moment we are in.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
« Alive Today, » was inspired by my globetrotting adventures of my 20s and the transition into my 30s. This song reflects on the simplicity of youth and the importance of finding comfort in the present moment. This lead single of the EP produced by « The Owenses » is sure to uplift and inspire people to stay present and grateful to be alive.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
“Alive Today” is the newest song.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
Busking on the streets of Daegu, Korea was a really cool experience for me. I found there to be more of a busking culture in Korea, with busking stages on many street corners. I bought equipment there and I would gather small crowds and even sing some songs in Korean.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I have many hobbies, and I wish I had time for it all. I love to travel and have visited over 17 countries. I enjoy basketball, hiking, wildlife and nature photography, video games, TV, podcasts, and learning new things from books/online courses
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I’d love to collaborate with any of my favorite artists. I think it would be really cool to work with Shawn Mendes one day, as we have a similar sound and went to the same high school (Pine Ridge S.S. in Pickering).
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
Zoom out and see where you wanna go, don’t get discouraged by where you are now. I truly believe anything is possible if we can stay consistent and keep working towards our goals. When I was 19 years old and teaching myself how to play piano and guitar for the first time, I was very discouraged when people way younger than would effortlessly play advanced songs and make a career in music. Even though it was discouraging, I kept enjoying playing music and never quit, and continued to improve year after year through practise, coaching, and constantly putting myself outside of my comfort zone. Enjoying music is the most important part. I encourage young artists to find places where they feel safe to have fun playing and sharing music with others. Open mics, online communities, or even social media can be good places to start. You don’t need to wait until you are amazing to start performing, start doing this right away, or it will always be hard.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
The EP is coming out on February 9th and there will be a bit release show at the Dakota Tavern in Toronto. You can expect to hear another song or two released later this year, and much more music to come from me in 2025