Music has always been a part of my life. I started playing piano at four, guitar at six, and joined my first band at nine—Twisted Strings, featuring my brother Chris on drums and our neighbour Jon Peck on lead vocals and bass. We even played at the grade eight dance at Westmount Public School (I was in grade 3).

Music was something I couldn't stop thinking about. As a kid, I remember obsessing over chord progressions, finding patterns between songs, and making connections I didn’t even have words for yet. It was like learning a language—one I started teaching myself long before I fully understood it. That all started to click when I transferred schools the following year to Pearson, an arts and music school where my passion really took shape.

I played in bands all through elementary and high school, but I always saw music as a hobby—something I loved, but not something I’d actually pursue as a career. I was always going to do something “more concrete” with my life. (Ha-ha.)

So, when I got accepted into the University of Waterloo for computer engineering in 2016, I jumped at the opportunity. It was an honour to be in a program with people way smarter than me. But as soon as I got there, I knew I was in the wrong place. I struggled to connect with like-minded people, and all I ever wanted to do was play music. Needless to say, I didn’t last long at UW. I made it through my first year, co-op and all, but I knew I couldn't stay.

Instead, I moved back to London, downloaded Logic Pro X (a digital audio workstation), and started my production journey. After spending so much time grinding through something I didn’t love (engineering), pouring that same energy into music felt effortless. It made sense. And a few months later, I met some people who would completely change the trajectory of my life and career. But more on that later…

Where I’m At Now

This past week, I showcased a few songs at iHeart Radio in Toronto and released the second single off my EP, Broke Skin. I’ve been in sessions nearly every day—producing for artist projects, engineering and recording at my studio, and even scoring the occasional ad. I've been able to diversify and make a living doing music, which, in many ways, is my dream.

It’s a privilege to help artists bring their vision to life. And I have to say, I’m pretty good at it (I think). But lately, I find myself competing for time—time to work on my own music versus time spent in sessions for others. There are only so many hours in the day, and being an artist is a full time job. But after an eight or ten-hour session, my creative energy is spent. Still, I have to keep the ball rolling and post on TikTok, finish my next EP, send stems to producer, make a beat pack, tweak a mix etc... and that's when the fatigue starts to set in.

How much time should I dedicate to producing for other artists? How much should I invest in my own project? How do I balance everything else—hobbies, family, friends?

I know the concept of balance isn’t new, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. Instead of stressing over getting it right, I’m trying to shift my perspective. Maybe balance isn’t about perfect time management—it’s about accepting that priorities shift, that some weeks or months will be heavier on production for others, and others will leave more room for my own music. Maybe it’s about being okay with that ebb and flow.

Music isn’t a path that makes a whole lot of sense. It doesn’t matter who you are—it’s a tough business. But like anything, if you stick with it, things have a way of working themselves out. That’s the mindset I’m choosing to focus on.