Hey Wes!! So excited to be chatting with you!! You’ve been busy with music recently. Can you tell us what you’ve been up to over the past few months?
I am currently in quite a transitional state as an artist. I’ve been releasing music and new content over the past few months, content off of my new/first full-length album. My style as an artist has changed, and the two singles that I have recently released are the first examples of what is too come. I am excited to see how my fans like the new music.
Where did your love of music come from?
As a kid, music used to give me an incredible high. I used to listen to my parent’s music whenever I could get a chance. I was 5 when my older sister started piano lessons. We had a low-end Yamaha keyboard in the house which I fell in love with. Figuring out how to play that keyboard by experimenting with the white keys and coming up with short little tunes developed into a lifelong journey with music.
What has been your reaction to all the success you have been having?
With every bit of success that comes my way, it makes me realize how far I have yet to go. I am very proud of my myself for getting as far as I have, but I never really feel like l can celebrate yet. If anything, my successes have made me understand what it takes and how making sacrifices and working hard will pay off.
You just released your new single “Focus!” How excited are you to get this song out into the world?
I am very excited to see what people have to say about my single, “Focus”. It is one of the first songs that I wrote for the new album and it’s also one of my favourites. It is a very personal song and I hope people connect with the message.
Can you tell us about “Focus” and how it came about?
“Focus” is a song about not allowing people to get in the way of your success. We have all been in those relationships where you feel like there’s a possibility this person is holding you back from being the best version of you. This song is all about taking a stand for yourself and focusing on what’s important, your life.
Will there be an EP/album out soon?
I will be releasing three more singles off of my album leading up to the full release next year sometime. At the moment, I am unsure when the release dates will be.
What do you hope to gain out of your music career?
I hope to gain a life of happiness getting to do what I love, getting to impact people positively and ultimately bring good to the world through music.
You won several songwriting competitions including the “Best Young Songwriter” award at the Toronto Independent Music Awards and “Top 20 Artists Under 20” at the CBC Searchlight Competition!! What did you gain from winning these well-known competitions?
It felt amazing to be recognized for my songwriting and music. I definitely gained more confidence and it reassured me that I was doing the right thing by pursuing music as a career.
Do you have any shows coming up?
At the moment, I do not have any show coming up.
What do you think is the benefit of having a following on social media in the music industry?
It’s important because it allows the artist to connect with their fans. For me, I feel like it gives me the opportunity to show people all the things about me that my music doesn’t tell them.
Does your fanbase have a name?
Not yet unfortunately.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
I want my fans to know pretty much everything about me. What I like to do on my spare time and what inspires me to make the music that I make. I think it’s important to know the artist because some of the biggest impacts that my favourite artists have had on me are things they’ve done outside of their music. It’s all about a human connection.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
I mostly use Instagram because I like the visual aspect. Pictures and videos are definitely the most effective way to captivate your fans.
What was the craziest fan encounter you have had?
Probably the best moment for me was a while ago when I was on a radio tour for my last EP. I was playing a show in a town near Manitoulin Island and this young boy was there with his parents and I guess he was digging the music. He was too shy to talk afterwards, but I signed a CD and gave it to his parents. His father was friends with one of the people I was traveling with so we got a text later saying that he was at home listening to the CD on repeat in his room and crying. When I heard that, I got this crazy feeling, because up until that point I had never touched somebody with my music like that before.
What do you think makes your fan community/fandom different from others?
I’m not really too sure yet, but I hope it’s full of people who have love for others and love for themselves.
What are three words you would use to describe your fans?
Positive, friendly, all-ages. Based on those who I have met.
What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?
I want my fans to feel good when they listen to my music. I want it to inspire them to love life. There’s a lot of dark/negative music out there and as much as that can be great sometimes, I hope my music and shows gives people a break from that.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I once wanted to become a composer and write music for movies.
What’s one word you would use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?
Appreciation
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
Don’t hesitate to talk to me and tell me what song you like the best so I can gather data. Lol
What’s an average day for you look like?
I try to write and create every day. Vocal warm ups, getting exercise and eating at least one healthy meal a day is important to me. And some days It’s emails and phone calls all day long. But the inconsistency in my schedule keeps things exiting.
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
There is a lot more coming. I have an album on the way, and the official music video for my latest single “Focus” dropping soon! Thank you for supporting me and giving me the ability and energy to create my music.
