Today I am launching a crowdfunding campaign for those who want to support the release of our debut album: "Songs For The Living". The privilege of getting to do this and reaching this point is immense. It has reminded me of a story from the life of 19-year-old George.

May I?

I moved from Owen Sound, Ontario to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2009. It was my first time east of Quebec City and I knew a total of two people in the Maritimes. My outer purpose was to study "Arts and Social Sciences". My inner purpose had a stronger feeling to it: rock and roll. I'll never forget the feeling of going to see my first live show in this seaside city. A few first-year friends and I wandered into a half-empty pub that was built in the shape of a "T". There was a small stage beside two pool tables. Two guys, a little older than us, in worn-out tee shirts, stepped onto the stage. The sound of drumsticks counted in the first song, then a wave of sound so big that something inside of me changed in a moment. I couldn't believe the whole world wasn't lined up out the door to see what I was seeing.

This band called themselves "The Town Heroes"... a two-person force of energy from a nearby island called Cape Breton. It was one of their first shows and they didn't yet have a CD. After their set, I mustered up some courage to say: “you probably hear this all time, but your music just rocked my world, that was incredible!" They were as humble as they were friendly. "Thanks a lot eh", said the drummer. "Do you play music too?" asked the singer. Soon we were having a conversation that felt like a chat between friends, and I had to pinch myself that it was happening. My mind was trying to put them on a pedestal, but they kept jumping off of it to ask me a question about my life. After that show, I remember so clearly wanting to tell the whole world about their music, so much so, that when their first album was released, I asked Bruce the drummer to send me 5 copies so that I could spread them around Ontario. It wasn't just that I liked the songs. In retrospect, it felt so good to support them because I really believed in them as great humans who happened to be musicians.

That drummer and that singer (Bruce Gillis and Mike Ryan) went on to release award-winning albums and perform their music for audiences around the world. I think about 19-year-old George in the T-room and I remember how good it felt to believe in the music, and in the musicians, and to support them in the ways I could. Now my own band is on the cusp of completing the full-length studio album I have dreamed of making for 15 years. Did I mention that Mike (the singer from the Town Heroes), is the Producer of this album :) Now I find myself in the position of an artist who is supported because people believe in me. I tell that Town Heroes story to remind myself that I know what it means to be "believed in" and it’s really special.

Incase you’re curious, here are 3 ways you can support right now.

1. Watch me spill my guts out in this album fundraising campaign video.

2. Support the release of "Songs For The Living" by pre-ordering a copy, buying a shirt, or a sticker, or simply making a donation of any amount.

3. This one really means more than the first two combined. Enjoy our creations and share them with your friend, your aunt or an old roommate. Anyone who you think might dig what we're doing. We love doing it.

I'll leave you with this link... it will take you to a page where you can pre-order the album, make a donation, buy a shirt, or simply check out the artwork.

If you've made it this far in the PSA, well thanks for taking the time to read. I can't wait to start sharing these creations with you. Thank you for not stoppin' belivin'.

George

PS (What would a GWPS PSA be without a PS?)

Here’s a preview of the album artwork for Songs For The Living. The portrait was created by my friend and former flatmate, Mark Gilbert, who also happens a renowned artist, now a professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Mark has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between humanities and medicine through portraiture. The portrait he created for this album is so special to me. I can’t describe the honour and gratitude I feel, but I’ll find the words soon enough. I think you’ll find it pairs well with the music :)