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.
En route to write songs with David Francey, Jenny Whiteley, and Joey Wright in Wells, BC
*Photo by John Yohan
The summer BC Tour has kicked off well, and the last few days in Vancouver, Fernie, and Kelowna with Daughter of The Moon have been awesome. I so appreciate opportunities to tour with other artists, and always learn so much from every collaboration. Big thanks to Daughter of The Moon for the great stories, shows, laughs, adventures, and your wisdom. She is carrying on all the way across Canada over the next two months with a new album soon on the way, so be sure to check out her music and go to a show. Dates available here – https://www.daughtermoon.com/tour/
As for me, I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I’m starting my tour trek north today towards Prince George, Terrace, Kispiox, and Wells, BC. Going to be doing a mixture of festivals, house shows, workshops, venues, and I’m going to be taking the legendary songwriting workshop held by Island Mountain Arts linked with the Artswells Festival. Looking forward to reconnecting with Juno Award winning songwriter, David Francey, and to meeting and learning from Award winning instructors Jenny Whiteley and Joey Wright.
Lastly, I wanted to send out a big thanks to FACTOR Canada for supporting my journey north to further develop my songwriting craft. I am so grateful for this opportunity!
Let the adventures continue :).