This is going to sound like a cliché, but I swear it’s the truth. I was inspired by all the folks I met in Nashville who turned out to be these amazing songwriters. I sat and listened to as many writers as I could. I came home with a drive to begin writing songs of my own. I completed my first song a month later, had my first solo gig a month after that and I haven’t looked back. Having graduated a few years earlier from Toronto’s well-known music production and management school, Harris Institute for the Arts, I had struggled to find a “back stage” place for myself within the music industry. I didn’t suspect my place would be “on stage” as a singer/songwriter. One year after writing my fist song I won grand prize at a local singer/songwriter contest at Toronto’s Whammy Bar. Immediately after that I received a publishing demo grant from FACTOR and then garnered my first live cover by Toronto country music sweethearts The Cameron Family Singers. I had always wanted to work in the music business and it seemed apparent I was launching a career as a musician and songwriter.

In early 1999 I began hosting a weekly songwriter night at a downtown tourist area bistro called 43o below. My reputation as an up-and-coming writer and performer was growing, leading to invitations to play outside of the city. I showcased for the fist time at Canadian Country Music Week, which led to invitations to several Nashville “in the round” songwriter showcases. Three years after my fist visit, I returned to Nashville as a songwriter.

My second Canadian Country Music Week songwriter showcase placed me before Calgary based music publishing company and independent record label, Blue Leaf Music. In January of 2001 I signed a publishing contract with Blue Leaf Music. In early 2002 Blue Leaf and myself began negotiating a record contract. What a moment that was, being asked by a record company to come aboard. After factoring in the logistics of it, with their offices and recording facilities in Calgary and my preferred musicians and studios in Toronto, I realized the deal wasn't what I wanted and I turned down the offer. It was difficult, and it took another two years of small steps and a lot of savings to finally have my completed CD " i'll take the cowboy" which was released in March of 05. I am proud to say I had a hand in every aspect of the process, and have already begun writing for the next project.