New song and video for “That Star,” released today with The One Song Series

Touring and sharing music has shown and taught me many things.  I’ve been able to experience different ways of life and perspectives foreign to me.  I have listened to and exchanged very personal stories with anyone from close immediate family, to complete strangers on the streets in other countries. I think it’s safe to say that every single being on this planet deals with internal struggle to depths that are often times impossible to recognize from the outside, or at least until you ask.

Over the last Spring/Summer, I personally know 4 people that made attempts on their lives.  3 of them were successful.  I started writing about it, but found it too difficult to complete.  I attended the songwriting workshop at the ArtsWells Festival in July, trying to shift focus away, but it kept pushing through.

With a great deal of encouragement, support, and touching personal stories from other songwriters and the instructors there, I completed “That Star.”

Ever notice how you have to go to the darkest places in the world to notice all the stars in the sky?  I think we have a lot in common here, and the more people I meet, the clearer it becomes we are living in a time of deep loneliness.

My hope and intention with publicly sharing this video/song is to encourage you to look around at the people in your community, and simply, to check in.  Reach out to a friend, family member, someone who seems like they could use a kind hello or a call.  Get together with someone you haven’t heard from in a while, and get caught up.  Really listen to them.

No one likes asking for help.  If you’re feeling low, don’t be afraid to reach out to those close to you, or a service like the Crisis Centre.  We gotta look out for each other.

Thanks to the One Song Series for filming and producing this in it’s new and raw state, and thanks to FACTOR Canada for supporting my travel and participation in the ArtsWells songwriting workshop.