How did you first start playing guitar? What inspired you?

I picked it up in sixth grade, when my mom brought me home an acoustic guitar from a garage sale. At that time I was mostly just excited to get out of taking piano lessons, but then my aunt Theresa (who still plays gigs to this day) gave me a couple lessons. I was so inspired that I haven't put the guitar down since!

You've been playing quite a bit of shows — how important is the live realm to you?

Our live show is really the crux of what I think my band is about. There's something cool about putting on a record and listening to the sounds created in studio, but when bands play live, there's an element of uncontrollable wildness — an energy from the audience and the other people in the room or at the festival. It never fails to influence what we do onstage. There's a huge difference between hearing the songs at home vs. hearing the songs booming off a stage with giant amps, and that's really what I love to try and harness.

Do you have a recent story of a show to share that was fun/magic/etc...?

A couple come to mind.

Tulsa, OK — I got to see a Leon Russell tribute on my trip out to the desert where members of Leon's high school band played. Pretty amazing! It was at a really old venue that also strangely houses a BBQ joint. Dinner and a show, Okie style.

Toronto, ON — We opened for a band up in Canada called Blue Rodeo at a huge outdoor venue that seats 13,000 people. I don't think I've ever been more nervous before a show! It was funny to see photos after the show and see our faces on the giant screens beside the stage, and honestly, the whole experience of hearing a huge crowd like that encouraging you was one of the most magical things I've ever experienced.

How do you spend your time outside of music?

I love to spend time outside, swimming, hiking in the forest, lying on the beach. In December, I had a couple weeks off so I drove across the Mojave Desert with some friends. That's the kind of thing I love doing — spontaneous travel!

What are your plans/goals for the year ahead?

This year is going to be filled with touring, which I'm excited about. I'm going to be back in the UK, Europe, around the USA and here at home in Canada. I'm also embarking on the wonderful journey of writing and recording a new record. My more immediate goal is to finish season one of The OA in the next four days!

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