Where the East & West Coast Collide
I’ve got some exciting news to share about my debut album “Savannah Soul“. This music has been influenced by the East Coast of Canada, the spirit of the deep South in Savannah, Georgia & the vivacious energy of the Pacific via Los Angeles, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey & Santa Monica.
Here’s a bit of back story for you but I’ll get straight to the point. Originally, I’m from the East Coast of Canada – the oldest incorporated city in Canada as a matter of fact. It’s called Saint John, New Brunswick. It’s a bit of a fairy tale here and very awe inspiring for creative works. BuzzFeed actually had a funny piece on the province…
But alas – there is something about California that entices my soul. Something about the energy of where the water and sand of the west coast meet the blue skies that never seem to have any tears to dry.
This was my first taste of Venice Beach in June 2014. I had just flew in from Savannah, Georgia where I laid down the bedtracks and vocals for my debut album “Savannah Soul”. Venice Beach was so inspiring to explore!
In my heart, I feel this album showcases an ambitious zest for creation, learning & invigorating society. My soul is young here – it is filled with that same dream you have when you’re a little child. When there are no limitations to what you can dream up or imagine – when every shadow or unknown secret, could be magic or a new adventure.
I can’t wait to get back to visit the West Coast! Last summer, I spent my July in California. I was welcomed by the Marina del Rey community just in time for Independence Day – thank you all so much!
Riding my bike down to Fisherman’s Village with a crew of new friends was really special. Getting to see these awesome fireworks & share in the American glory felt magnificent. I feel like this photo captures the beauty of a new American experience.
Perhaps what the coolest part about my time in Venice and LA – was connecting with different groups of people, in a complete organic fashion. Back to ‘in person’ – not through Facebook.
Week one was great – I met this wonderful person named Katie Chonacas. She introduced me to Stevie Blacke – who’s an incredible string musician! He’s played music with some of the best in the business – Pink, Madonna, U2, Alice in Chains & more! We had a dinner party and listened to new music in Stevie’s studio. Some of what we listened to, was the first album from The Sophisticated Psychos. They actually have a new single out, which Stevie produced – listen here.
The next week, Katie invited me to be a part of her inspiring art event in West LA on Santa Monica Boulevard, put on by The New Collective – an artist movement to regenerate the creative sphere.
Through Katie’s connection, I got to play a few tunes with Rob Lafond at the Mid City Music Lounge in Los Angeles (part of the iconic Mint).
One of my fondest memories, was my very first Santa Monica Pier Concert. You can’t imagine how magical it is to ride a beach cruiser from where the Marina del Rey sidewalk starts to where the pier begins. Taking in live music and great energy was the perfect way to enjoy my Thursday nights in the summertime.
There are many a song about Santa Monica and I can’t wait to write one for myself.
Traveling and meeting new people inspires me to create meaningful content. My true wish for this content, is that in turn, it inspires you to be the person you really want to be. Full of integrity, growth, respect, perseverance & compassion. One thing we can likely agree on, is that we all want to be better…
I would love to keep creating and sharing stories with you that inspire you to see the good in humanity. There’s enough content out there about who and what we should fear, why people are inherently “bad” and “selfish” and why we are born in sin.
I think it’s time to focus & see the good in life – the good in people. The love, the kindness, the helpful stranger. Trust me – when you hear some of my travel stories, you’ll believe in serendipity. You will tune in and start listening to those “coincidences” and realize they’re not so random after all.
I kindly and humbly ask that you support my preorder album campaign by visiting www.musicalgypsy.ca and checking to see if there are any options that work for your budget. If you aren’t in a place to support financially right now, then worry pas – sharing this with your network would mean the world.
