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recording

Live at the Tomlinson Block

It’s been a while, but I have some great news!

While you’re waiting for the new album, “Complexity in Simplicity”, I’m very proud to finally unleash the “Live at the Tomlinson Block” Video EP.

Over the course of two days this past July, we assembled a crew that transformed one of the empty spaces inside the Tomlinson building in downtown Port Arthur into an intimate concert setting. 20 fans and friends gathered in the very warm space for several hours while I poured my heart (and sweat) out on film. Since my live show now has so much more crowd participation, I found it only fitting that I share these new songs in a way that allows you to experience it like they did. All four of these tunes are going to be on the new album (out in March!), but here you get a taste of what my one-man-show is all about. Plus, now you can learn the words to sing along the next time you see me play!

ONE BY ONE

MAN WITH NO HANDS

SHE’S HAPPY

WE WILL BE

 

CREDITS (alphabetical order)

A huge thank you to Amy DeCorte, Chris Dorota, Curtis Jensen, Dave Angell, Matt Popowich, Michael Kee, Sarah Furlotte, Scott MacKay, Shannon Lepere, Steven Johnson and Tyler Sklazeski for their help as part of the crew that made this crazy shoot a reality.

Special thanks to Amy DeCorte, Apple Wagon Films, Armelle Sandford, David Zahodnic, Debby Jensen, Dennis Wood of Cinevate, De Roover family, Devin & Katie Pickett, Michael Kee, NineSixty, Laurie DeCorte, Per Lundstrom, Phil Walkden, Rachel Vandenassem, Sarah Furlotte, Shannon Lepere, The Walleye, Tyler Sklazeski and Westfort Films for all their assistance.

An additional thanks to the audience members that suffered through the hot temperatures and lack of air conditioning: Alex Maclean, Armelle Sandford, Carla Collier, Cassandra Specht, Chris Lamont, Dan Robere, David Hotson, Hannele Kormano, Jess Hochins, Jimmy Breslin, Jordan Lester, Lisa Kushnier, Lisa Monteith, Luke Blair, Max Paterson, Rachel Vandenassem, Randy Monteith, Rebekah Skochinski and Tyler Sklazeski.

Making of “Complexity in Simplicity” Videos

So this past September, I pulled off something crazy. I recorded a full length album at Dining Room Studios in Thunder Bay in less than 2 weeks, between two big tours (one of Eastern Canada, the other of Western Canada/US). Not only was I performing for the bulk of the time, I also had some gigs during that 2 week stint, on top of planning a surprise birthday party for Shannon’s 30th! It was intense to say the least. Thank goodness Ben Leggett was at the helm.

Shannon and I both had cameras and phones running from time to time, so here are some videos showing the ‘making of’ of the new album, titled Complexity in Simplicity.

*Note, the songs you hear in the videos are my demo versions from the summer. The finished songs are still being mixed – you’ll hear them soon enough!

Rehearsals Galore

Even though I told myself I wouldn’t be playing much this summer – it’s creeped in there. I’ve been rehearsing for festivals, random shows, and more since getting back from the Year of the Loop tour.

What you see above is my current rehearsal space in my parents’ basement. So what?! With my looping being based on foot pedals, I can’t really ‘jam’ in the second floor apartment I’m currently in!

I have taken some time to work on new material though. Finishing writing a slew of songs, as well as preparing others to be played live. I even took a little trip up to Sioux Lookout to rehearse with Dennis Dumphy, drummer extraordinaire.

Why, you may ask? Well, because he’s going to be playing on the new album!

Yes, it’s in the works. No, it’s not going to be ready any time soon. Trust me though, it’ll be worth the wait. I’ve got an excellent team of people assembled to help me get through the recording process in September.

Ben Leggett – recently produced Craig Cardiff’s Juno-nominated album ‘Floods and Fires’, and will be producing mine shortly! We’ve been hard at work since the spring, redefining, rewriting and reworking even the finest details of the songs that will comprise the new recording.

Dining Room Studios – my favorite studio and engineers; Chris Dorota and Dave Angell will make sure it sounds like ‘me’.

Dennis Dumphy and Chris Dorota will flesh out the ‘live band’ element, adding drums and bass overtop of my existing sounds.

As we get closer to the actual recording, I’ll be filling you all in on what it’s going to sound like, who else is involved, etc. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been rehearsing…for something big!