In races, they often tell you not to look back - to avoid seeking out where the competition is and counting the distance you've covered. But rather to keep your eyes on the finish line and keep moving forward. Although this strategy works for sprints, the tunnel vision can get lonely for the marathon.
I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but sometimes when I'm chugging along towards my goals, I don't stop and look back to see all the ground I've covered. When I think back to 2017, the first goal I ever had was to pursue music full time and sustain a life where I can support myself with music alone. In earnest, it took me many years to achieve that goal. I started out very much behind the scenes as a producer/songwriter, rhythm guitarist, background singer, and shying away from the limelight. So when I look back at the last few years (since 2022) where I truly stepped out of my comfort zone and began sharing my most intimate art with the world, it's been wild to see the growth and reach it's already had in just 3 years. My goals keep evolving and changing, and through this journey I sometimes to forget to celebrate the milestones in between.
Which is why being recognized as an emerging artist with RBC and Canada's Walk of Fame means so much to me. Not only is it an honour to be in the company of 4 incredible and accomplished artists from across the country, but it has given me a moment to turn my head and look back at how far I've come. The 3rd prize consists of some incredible things: a cash prize, a festival slot in Winnipeg next year, mentorship, a $2,000 investment in a video project, and so many more experiences and opportunities.
So as much as I believe in keeping your eyes on the finish line in order to reach your goals, it's also truly important to celebrate the wins - no matter how small or big. I'm beyond grateful to continue doing what I love; creating music, performing it live, and connecting with people. Which brings me to the next exciting thing on the horizon... my hometown headline show at the Aeolian Hall in London, ON on Thursday, October 9th.
If you haven't got your tickets yet, don't wait. We are already 70% sold out. It's going to be an incredible show. I'll be playing with 6 super talented musicians on stage with me. We rehearsed yesterday and it sounds SO GOOD. If there's ever a time to catch one of my shows, this is it!
And for any of you who reside in Toronto, I'll be opening up for my good pal Sam Drysdale at the El Mocambo on Spadina on Friday Oct 3rd! Sam is also a fantastic singer songwriter, and his song "Cold Water", which I produced and co-wrote with him, just won the iHeart radio Future star contest this month and will be in rotation on Virgin radio stations across the country!
Lots of fun things coming up! As always thanks for being a part of this journey with me.
Much love,
John <3