Monday, November 11, 2013

New Album


photos by Jason Cox (Instead Cinema)
I have been spending my days writing, and my nights going through the footage shot by Instead Cinema on my WWOOFing to the Edge of the World summer tour. It was a tremendous tour. I met so many wonderful and generous people. Seeing them again in the recordings makes me happy. 
The documentary is still a long way from being finished, but I am proud of what Jason and I accomplished, and I believe we will have a great film to share in the coming months. 
For the moment, I am preparing to record a new album. I don't intend to do it the same way as my first one. I have some new ideas for recording, and I would like to include a few off-the-floor live recordings as well.
Here are some videos from performances during the tour. 
I will share more songs and interviews as the editing process continues.
I have a few shows lined up in the coming weeks, I will post dates once venues and details are confirmed.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The winning team!

Well, The Sugar Shack Sessions video competition was a great fun. The winning team will be announced today at 4:00pm on CBC Breakaway.
Tune in to see which video viewers enjoyed the most!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sugar Shack Sessions

While the sap has been boiling, some very talented Townships musicians and filmmakers have been cooking up something of their own.

I am very proud to present the Sugar Shack Sessions.

Have a look at local artists paying tribute to an important Townships industry and rite of Spring.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Whats cooking?

Lots cooking these days.

I entered a new tune, Safe Harbour, into CBC's Searchlight competition and enjoyed about 15 days of fame. I made it to the regional top ten, which felt great! Here is the ITunes link to the new song.
I played a sold out St. Patrick's show at La Caravane, my favorite Townships Venue. Good times were had by all. I was Joined by Jesse Ens, a fantastic mandolin and banjo player. I have a feeling we will work together again.

Still trucking away on this new album, feeling very inspired.

I am very excited to announce a new project, celebrating the Maple industry in the Townships, called the Sugar Shack Sessions.  CBC Breakaway popped by one of the sugar shacks to see one of the videos being shot. You can listen to that interview here.
I will post the details next week, but the project involves local musicians and filmmakers shooting videos in Sugar Shacks in the area. It was cold, it was snowy, but we all got it done. We had a great time, and we look forward to showing you how things turned out. I will run a friendly competition next week to choose a viewers choice award for best video.

And I have a summer tour in the works. I have a starting date, and an ending date. All I am missing is about 20 gigs in between.
I will play a house concert here in my parents home with Craig Cardiff on July 19. Then, I will slowly make my way to Haida Gwaii to perform at the Edge of the World Festival August 9-11.
If you would like to host a house concert, or could recommend a venue along the way worth looking into, please drop me a line. I like non-traditional venues. No kitchen is too small, no barn is too big. I can rock out anywhere!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Safe Harbour

In the past few months I have been working on a new album. I like how the songs are developing.

I decided to share a sneak peak!

I have entered the CBC Searchlight competition, using my new song, Safe Harbour.

I am really proud of it, and very excited for you to hear it.
If you enjoy it, I hope you will vote for me.
Voting is easy, there is no sign up required, and you can vote daily.

Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

The Snow and the Salt

In winter, here in Quebec, things change. It happens very gradually, but the business of everyday life is very different in winter months than it is in the summer.
Socks gain this new power over people. Its ironic they should cover the Achilles tendon, of all things. I needed to run out quickly, so I slipped my bare foot into my boot, and instantly felt the residual cold wet of melted snow on the laces. I immediately changed my plan, slowed down, and went on a search for socks.
Sidewalks are dusted with salt, sand, and pebbles to prevent slipping. It hurts my dog's feet. Even though she loves walking in winter even more than summer, because she tends to overheat, I need to avoid sidewalks and walk in the street to avoid damaging the pads of her paws.
I was thinking about seasons like people. Spring and Fall have the same personality, and I know those people well. They are polite, and are willing to listen, but they make it clear that they can't stay long, they have somewhere to be. They are busy. And I respect that, so I am brief with the thoughts I share with them, because I, too, am busy. Summer is like a good friend, spread too thin. I am not bothered, because my attention is as divided. Luckily, it is a season of plenty, so we are always close to contentment.I feel like my thoughts pass like wind through the leaves of a tree, or dry up in the hot sun, or get splashed and soaked in a river. I can't hold onto much or focus, but I appreciate the abundance of ideas, and the warmth.
The winter is my best friend, and my worst enemy. It is me, reflected in the ice. When I look out the window during any other season, there is always movement, and life, and intention. The winter looks back at me and just waits for my cue. It is quiet, and ready to absorb my thoughts. The problem is, the winter never agrees or disagrees. It just listens, and never responds. I can get lost in silence, or drive a single thought to the point of utter despair. Winter won't stop me, or distract me.