By Lucy Fitzgerald 
Hey! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single “Bottom Shelf”? What personal experiences or stories influenced the writing of this song?
A: So I’m not actually a writer on this song, but a good friend of mine wrote it! It was an immediate ‘Love at first listen’ for me and this song. Lyrically it paints such a vivid picture and melodically it hooked me in right away. I always say that I won’t ever put out a song that doesn’t make me “feel” and I knew right away when I heard the demo that I had to have it. It took me back to past relationships and past heart breaks and reminds me how lucky I am right now to have such an amazing woman by my side. I knew that if it made me feel this type of way, it would definitely connect with anyone who’s ever experienced some heart break (sooo everyone? Lol!), and that’s the best part about music, connecting with people!
“Bottom Shelf” incorporates pop and soul elements into your country sound. What motivated this shift in your musical direction, and how has your sound evolved since your last EP, “Sky Full Of Stars”?
A: One of the best things about country music in the world right now is that it is so eclectic and so accepting of all kinds of different flavours! I grew up listening to everything from the Backstreet Boys to Marvin Gaye to Brooks and Dunn to Celine Dion to BoyzIIMen and I absolutely love being able to incorporate some of these influences into my country music. As an artist, I always want to be trying and creating new things which naturally helps that evolution process and Country Soul Music is where I feel I belong!
The metaphor of using bottom-shelf drinks to cope with heartbreak is quite poignant. How do you approach incorporating such vivid imagery into your lyrics, and what do you hope your listeners take away from it?
A: I always try to make sure all of my music has that sense of imagery because the most important thing about mysic is connection and relatability. I hope when people listen to this song they’re able to relate to that hard part of life or a heartbreak experience that they’ve overcome.
Having worked with Ryan Stead on “Bottom Shelf,” can you share how his production influenced the final outcome of the track? What unique aspects did he bring to the table?
A: Working with Ryan has been an absolute blessing. Not only is he one of the best people I know, he is also one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. We grew up in the same era of music and because he and I have become close friends, he completely gets and embraces the vision and sound I’m chasing. He puts 100% of himself into this project and he absolutely knocked it out of the park.
Since your debut, you’ve achieved remarkable success with multiple Top 10 tracks and a CRIA Gold certification. To what do you attribute your continued growth and success in the competitive field of country music?
A: I come from a sports background that has given me a competitive side. Always wanting to get better and battling and pushing myself to be better. I think that translates over to the music world too. As competitive as this industry is, it’s also the most supportive. I want all of my friends to kill it, put out hits, relate to the people and know they want the same for me too. I always want to put out better music than the last song or project, so I’m constantly writing and singing and practicing. At the end of the day, I want to put out the best music I can, that connects with the people listening and makes them really feel something.
Reflecting on your journey so far, how do you feel your artistic identity and personal goals have changed since you first started out?
A: When I first started out, I had no idea who I was as a musician and was still trying to find myself as a man. All of the shows, relationships made, tours, songs on the radio, the heartbreak I’ve experienced in this business has shaped and molded me into who I am. It’s been an absolutely crazy and wild journey so far, there have been some really good times and just as hard times. Your skin gets thicker and you learn some hard lessons but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve been able to find myself, my sound, who I want to be and the reasons I’m doing what I’m doing.
With an impressive track record of nominations and awards, including the Entertainer of the Year at the BCCMA and Country Artist of the Year at BreakOut West, how do these accolades influence your approach to music and performance?
A: I don’t think the accolades influence my approach to music at all. I fell in love with making music, singing, and playing shows. Other than my family, there is nothing I am more passionate about and there is almost nothing I love more than being on a stage. I do what I do because I love it. The accolades are nice but if I never win anything else, I’ll be just fine!
Following “Bottom Shelf,” what can your fans expect from your upcoming projects? Are there any themes or styles you are particularly excited to explore in your future music?
A: Y’all can expect a full album from ya man real soon!!! Every song is very different from the next and shows all different sides of who I am. Rock, pop, soul mixed with country music. I can’t wait for y’all to hear what we’ve been cookin!!
Collaboration seems to be a significant part of your career. Can you share any future collaborations or artists you aspire to work with in the coming years?
A: I’ve actually only ever collaborated with another artist on a Christmas song! However, there may be a little surprise on the Album coming up with a possible collab!! I don’t wanna give too much away. On top of this amazing artist, I’d love to collab with Meghan Patrick or my JBB fam! They’re good friends of mine but I’ve been a huge fan of theirs for a long time too!
What message or feelings do you hope to evoke with your music, and what do you want your legacy to be as an artist in the Canadian country music scene?
A: I always say that I just want my music to make people ‘Feel’. Feel happy, feel sad, feel understood, feel empathy, feel passion, feel loved, whatever the feeling, I hope when people listen, they feel. The best part about music is that it lives on forever once it’s out there. I’m just grateful that my son and my future grandkids and great grand kids will be able to know who I was through my music.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night