I’ve been playing music since I was 14 years old when my parents bought me a nameless guitar for my birthday. The next couple of years were spent trying to imitate classic rock guitar solos by reviewing my favourite tapes and recording music by overdubbing parts on multiple tape decks. In these early years of playing, I began writing / singing / playing guitar in Local Rabbits.

In my twelve years with that group, we managed to release an EP and three full length albums, tour the country many times, and develop a small but loyal (let’s call it “concentrated”) audience. More importantly, I really grew on my instrument and as a songwriter. Our accommodation of the eclectic tastes of the group members combined with my introduction to Hip Hop and contemporary R&B by my brother really expanded my understanding of and approach to pop music over that time.

I maintain a belief that pop music can be meaningful, progressive, and modern, though a quick listen to the radio on some days would convince even the most positive music fan otherwise. Pop music does not have to be embarrassing or trivial. Given the range of music that has been created and enjoyed by so many under the umbrella of “pop music”, (i.e. Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Progressive Rock…) I will not accept that some music is intrinsically appealing to the masses while other music is somehow intrinsically lacking in popular appeal. In my opinion, this misconception, combined with a general fear of so-called elitism, is what allows the narrowing of what is considered commercially viable. This effect is very profitable due to the predictable market that it encourages.

I believe the narrowing is felt by many artists working outside of the major label world but that the reaction, in part, has been to focus back on a period in pop music where there seemed to be more possibility, evident in the number of retro bands. Personally, I prefer a different approach, as have other artists who I admire. I believe there is still interesting work being done in the contemporary mainstream by people who choose to use the available production/recording technologies in a progressive way instead of simply ignoring them, for example.

As an enjoyer of all genres of music I look for at least some degree of innovation or uniqueness, a spark if you will, in everything I hear. As a maker of music I am trying to hold myself up to the same standard with regard to my musicianship, composition, and lyrics. With an album’s worth of recordings from many hours of home recording over the last year and a half completed, and very little resources other that the generosity of fellow musicians,I tried to put together an album which captured the original vision I had for my music: a modern, funky sound bringing my songs to life. I have also begun performing a take on that material as a 3, 4 and 6 piece backed by combinations of drummer Robin Buckley, bassist Doug Friesen, pianist Joel Stouffer, synthist Dafydd Hughes, and percussionist Don Kerr. I have been lucky enough to be accompanied by musicians whose taste I trust and whose abilities have both inspired and challenged me.

On March 25th, I released my debut album Beigy Blur on Zunior. The album can be downloaded or delivered from the site or found in select boutiques across Canada (as outlined on the site. I have also begun writing material for a new album which I hope to release next year.