rockyourlyricsYour new album “We Made It Through The Wreckage” was released last year, are you happy of the success it obtained so far?
Considering it was a completely independent release with no support, I can’t complain. If nothing else, the album has opened up a lot of doors for me so I’m pretty happy!
How do you usually write the lyrics of your songs?
With a pen. (haha!) But seriously, I like to find a title that I can build a story around, and let each lyric point back to the title of the song.
I also use literary resources a lot, like dictionaries, thesauruses, rhyming dictionaries, encyclopedias, and even etymology websites.
That seems deep, but it’s really about finding the best simplest lyrics that go straight to the heart of the song.
What is the best verse you ever wrote?
That’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child. I put all of myself into every lyric I write, but the first verse of Closer (From a Distance) always hits me hard.
What was the soundtrack to your childhood?
B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone”, and a lot of Bobby Brown.
Is music something that runs in your family, or were you the first to venture into the industry?
Music wasn’t really something you did in my house, though it was always present. In my immediate family, I’m the only one to play an instrument and really take up singing.
How did you first get your foot into the industry?
What is the industry anymore?
Honestly, I just put music out to whoever wants to hear it, and I’m honoured to have an audience who chooses to listen.
So if I’ve gotten my foot into the industry, it’s because we’re living in a time when the audience is the industry.
What has the journey been like up to now?
It’s been a daily hustle with my family by my side every step of the journey.
It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way, and I wouldn’t be here without them.
What inspired “OI’ sweet day”?
Ol’ Sweet Day is the only song on the album that I wrote outside of the comfort of my home.
It was inspired by being on the road in Nashville and all the emotions that come with being away from home.
And, “Alive Again”?
A few weeks before going into the studio to record this album, my third child was born.
One day, I was just watching him in his cradle as he slept, in awe of this new little creature laying before me, and I was inspired me to start writing “Alive Again”.
Are you ever scared of revealing, aspects of your personal experience, to strangers through your music?
For me, music has to be personal. If it isn’t, then you’re missing something. I don’t tell all the details of my life, but every song has to have a personal touch to it and I have to feel like it’s my story.
If I’m not giving myself to it, then I don’t see the point in doing it.
Do you remember the day you wrote “Closer (From a Distance)”?
I don’t remember the exact day, but I do remember that when that title came to me I knew it was going to be a special song.
Usually when I have an idea for a song, I go right into writing it, but with Closer (From a Distance) I knew I had to let that linger inside of me before jumping into the writing process, and I’m glad I did.
What is the best show you ever played?
NPR Tiny Desk Concert
What are your plans for 2018?
I’m looking forward to releasing my second LP and the journey that follows.
Lisa MacIntosh Photography
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