For all the new fans, why don't you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Edmonton and raised in a small town outside of Edmonton called Bruce, where I first realized my dream of being a country recording artist. I'm about to graduate from Harry Ainlay High School here in Edmonton, where I soon plan to learn to play my guitar and begin writing as many songs as possible. I live with my manager, Irma, but my future plans to move to Nashville are still on the horizon. I grew up listening to every type of music imaginable! Everything from Patsy Cline to Ozzy Ozborne has kept me interested. From all that variety I've interpreted my own style of countrym which has a little taste of blues.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a singer?
My first experience in front of a crowd was when I was 3 and sang in front of anyone who wanted to listen at the Parliament Grounds, Ottawa. Since then, I have sung all the time. I wrote a jingle, when I was 8 years old, but from the day I first walked out onto an actual stage for my grade 5 talent show, I've had something deep inside of me saying that I wanted to be a singer. But it really wasn't until I won the "Country Vocal Spotlight" here in Edmonton that I realized that this is what I wanted to do, for the rest of my life. Music was my life, so entertaining others just became part of my life.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Motivated, energetic, down-to-earth!
Do you have any role models?
I have so many role models! I listen to everyone from Aretha Franklin to Ozzy Osbourne, Patsy Cline, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Britney Spears, and Keith Urban. Britney Spears has become a recent role model of mine, but the rest, I grew up listening to and feeling more and more inspired as I got older.
Have you ever taken any singing and/or dance lessons?
I have a wonderful vocal teacher by the name of Anna Beaumont, who is also a recording artist herself. She has helped me vocally and has been such a great friend to me! I have a personal choreographer who helps me coordinate certain moves into my performances.:-)
How would you describe your music?
Since I grew up listening to so many different types of music, I've realized my style as being country. Yet, I have a bluesy edge to the songs I write and how I interpret a song. I love to sing, so I always pour all of my emotion into whatever I perform. And knowing that I love artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, and Eric Clapton, those influences have helped me find who I really am as a singer, as well.
If you could do a duet with any singer or group, who would it be and why?
There are a few singers who I would love to do a duet with, including Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, and even Eric Clapton.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Sarah Brightman! That was absolutely .... breath taking.
What's the best part of being a singer?
The best part I find is how my music affects other people. It is so humbling and exciting, when you see how they react. I love meeting all different types of people and getting to interact with them both on and off stage. I've always been a people person, so hearing their opinions of my music and seeing their expressions, while I'm singing to them, is just such a wonderful feeling. I love everything about being a singer, because it's who I am... I don't know if I could love doing anything else as much as I love singing and performing.
Do you have any tips for singers and/or bands who are trying to make it in the music industry?
Go for your dreams. Be true to yourself. Stick to your guns, don't let anyone stand in your way ( no matter who they are), and believe in yourself ! It's also very important to stay close with friends and family, because if you end up having success, your family and friends will always be there for you and will be true to you.. even when you start to come down again.
You're pretty young. Do you feel it's easier or harder to be in this business?
This question is actually a double-edged sword in some ways. I think that being young is easier and helps in the industry to the point that you have many years ahead of you to build up on your craft and become more professional on stage, etc. School, friends and overall "social life" can be a little bit tough to overcome, because of such a hectic schedule. You have to schedule your whole day always. Even friends times. However, I believe that if you love what you do and work hard at what you do, then you'll make time for everything else, especially friends, family and school! :-)
If you could say anything to the fans reading this now, what would you say?
Thank you so much for believing in country music and for being so extremely supportive to independent recording artists. I love to sing and perform. It makes the job so much easier and a whole lot more fun, when I see people like you in the audience! Thank you for everything! ;-)
That's it, thank you very much!
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