Q: What inspirations came to you while creating the ”A Traveler’s Lament” album?
A: So many micro inspirations and some big ones as well. Everything from happy family moments to separation struggles, loneliness, and isolation. Road stories and heartache. Life is my inspiration, all the beauty and struggle.
Q: If you could choose, which song on your new album means the most to you, and why?
A: “River Rain” is the most meaningful song to me because it’s about my two sons Sabin and Jones and my wife Sarah. I’m Metiś and wrote Cree words into this one which makes it extra special to me. My Grandparents would love it.
Q: Hey, how would you describe your sound to someone who’s not heard your music before?
A: I would start by saying it’s alt-country. It’s more traditional leaning with rock, blues, soul, and bluegrass inflections.
Q: When did you realize that you wanted to become a musician?
A: I don’t think I ever realized it. I was kind of born into it and always just did it. There was a pivotal moment when I did realize that I wanted to be a frontman and not a side man. I packed up and moved to Hollywood to attend the Musicians Institute. I learned a lot in that place and owe a lot of my vocal freedom to that program.
Q: What inspires you the most to write your songs?
A: I’m inspired mostly by everyday life. I write songs for the working person and the family person. I’m inspired by you.
Q: Who would be your ultimate dream collaboration with, and why?
A: Chris Stapleton. He’s just the best singer and songwriter. He’s taken things to a new level and I’m inspired by him.
Q: If there’s one song from your catalog that you wish everyone in the world could listen to, which one would it be?
A: Sober. I love how we tracked that song. It was live in the room, just acoustic guitar, vocal, and dobro. No editing or tuning. Very raw and I love that.
Q: What do you have planned for the year ahead?
A: I want to focus on living and playing a lot of shows. I want to get out and connect with folks in every corner of Canada and the UK.
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