I was born in New Westminster and grew up in small towns all over BC. I spent my most formative teenage years in Comox, on Vancouver Island, where I developed an early interest in fine art and music.
I was a nerdy kid. The kind that spends much of his time alone in his room with the radio on. The music I fell in love with when I was 14, 15, 16, still sounds fresh and relevant to me today.
It was a phenomenal time to be young and music-addicted. As I listened to the old Eaton’s Viking set I inherited from my grandfather, I heard the bland teeny-bop pop of the early ‘60s evolve into a sophisticated and adult art form. I was completely seduced by the magic of song. As soon as I picked up the guitar at the age of 18, I set out to write some of my own; efforts totally derivative of Dylan, Neil Young and the Stones.
It was many years before I began to find my own voice as a songwriter. The music I’m creating now reflects the long journey I’ve taken from imitator to originator.
I don’t compare myself to the giants that filled my teenage bedroom with glory back in the day, but I’m grateful to have grown up in the time that was illuminated by their talent and vision. The genius of The Beatles, Dylan, Hendrix and so many others transformed pop music from mere entertainment to a deep and resonant form of self-expression.
It is in this spirit of exploration and discovery that I write my songs today, and share them with you.
As you listen, I hope you feel some of that energy. And if you are transported back to a time from your own musical journey, I will consider that a success.
