Whether I'm being influenced by new music that I'm listening to, books I've read, my friends, or my faith, I'm learning all the time.
It was my band. I organized the band and Dizzy was in the band. Dizzy was the first musical director with the band. Charlie Parker was in the band. But, no, no, that was my band.
I've always played comedy. My background is musical comedy theatre, and that's really where my training is.
One thing I am certain of is that, if I have done anything good in music, it was, first, because of my father, and second, because of my wife.
I know that when I like music, when it touches my heart, that it will touch your heart, too. That, I think, is the secret to my success.
My songwriting is so influenced by orchestrated music, dramatic, super glam rock-y stuff. Two of my biggest influences in songwriting were Elton John and Freddie Mercury.
My dream artist to play at prom would be Frank Ocean. 'Thinking Of You' is one of my favorite songs. He makes really sweet music for slow dancing at prom.
Well, Winnepeg has everything to do with my music in the sense it was where I was born and raised, cultured and all that sort of thing. A lot of my experiences come from Winnepeg.
I expect the audience to come up to my level. I am not interested in compromising my music to make it palatable to an assumed sub-standard mass.
I think of myself as an entertainment arsenal. Like I have my acting bazooka and my music machete. And you don't know what I'm going to come at you with.
I grew up with classical music blasting in my parents' living room and my older brother's practicing saxophone in his room listening to jazz... a beautiful chaos.
I consider my music to be Progressive Synth Pop, which says nothing about what it sounds like, but does describe my basic approach.
Personally, when I don't feel like working out, I put on my workout clothes and pump up some music. It's definitely my #1 inspiration.
Growing up with country, R&B, gospel, and classical music from my grandmother and pop, Tuskegee was the perfect melting pot for my influences as a writer.
I started writing music when I was around twelve. My current record company saw a video of me performing at my school's talent show.
I know my football. And I adore football players. The crashing noise of a tackle, the huddle grunting, and the roar of the crowd are music to my ears.
I will keep playing as long as my body lets me, and as long as I'm wanted by my listeners. Because music is the only thing that keeps me going.
My rule for the corporate stuff is the same as with my music - I do whatever means I can sleep at night and whatever means I can be dignified.
For me, music makes my smile brighter during my workouts. It adds that extra something that motivates me to go further or work harder!
I have Aboriginal roots on my father's side, and have always indentified with that spirit. I feel a lot of my music comes from that place.
Besides writing music and surfing, I like to simply chill with my friends. Watching movies and going out to eat are often my prime choices for a day off.
