Stillness, Stories, and The Sound That Follows
You’ve lived between Louisiana and Glasgow, what inspiration have you taken from both places, and where do you feel most at home creatively?
For me, being a part of both Cajun and Scottish cultures is pretty similar, except for the weather, and I really enjoy the Scottish climate because you can experience all four seasons. I find a lot to love in both kinds of music. Zydeco is performed in Cajun French, while Celtic folk music features Scottish and Irish Gaelic but similar rhythms and dances, which makes it exciting for me to dive in since there’s always something new to learn.
I had a great childhood surrounded by Cajun culture, and it will always be a part of who I am, especially when it comes to mixing in my nature as a Cajun with food, music, style and language. However, I have a strong admiration for Scotland so I feel most at home in Scotland. I really like the culture, the language, the variety of accents, and how artists are very independent. I definitely picked up that do-it-yourself attitude in Glasgow.
I wanted to schedule this interview with you after hearing your most recent single Feet on the Ground, to me it felt reminiscent of Jack Johnson, do you have any artists that inspire your work?
Yes, Jack Johnson is amazing! I grew up in a relaxed environment where things moved slowly. You can hear that in my music today, especially in my chill sing rap style where I try not to waste any phrase and not overdo the singing it takes away from to story.
The main thing that inspires me is life itself, and sometimes it’s just from having conversations and hearing about other people's experiences or even from small moments. I live on a farm close to nature, and the quiet surroundings really motivate my music. When it comes to artists I admire, I enjoy the work of Andre3000, Mumford & Sons, Jack Johnson, Gerry Cinnamon, Ben Harper, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Ben Howard they're so many.
Your single Believe grew out of fatherhood and a need for stillness. What changed for you as a person or a songwriter in that process?
What really changed for me was realizing that I don't need to want everything or compare self to anyone and that I should appreciate what I have right here right now while our feet are on the ground. This new way of thinking helped me pay more attention as I watch my daughter grow and learn, which also encouraged me to improve myself. I started to see how important the little moments are, especially since I used to hurry through my chores and move on to the next thing without really enjoying the journey which is the best part. Seeing my daughter's creativity and joy has made me a better songwriter by teaching me to let the music take its time. If a song isn't flowing well, I learned to step back, live life a little, and bring in the right vibe to the room. I really love that she takes her time with each activity, treating it as special, and it brings me so much happiness.
You use multiple languages in your lyrics and performances, Cajun French, Scottish Gaelic, English, what role does language play for you? How does switching one word or phrase to a different language feel for you, what is the importance there?
I grew up surrounded by Cajun French since everyone in my family and the neighborhood spoke its always been my first language. My wife and daughter also speak and sing in Irish and Scottish Gaelic at home, so it feels very natural to me. Mixing these languages into our music just comes easily. It’s also really fun when we visit Ireland or the Scottish Highlands because we can chat with the locals just like we do back in Louisiana. Mixing phrases like fosgail do shùilean meaning Open your eyes in Gaelic & in Cajun French le bon temps rouler meaning Let the good times roll makes the music interesting fusing both to create context.
I genuinely believe it's important to honor any culture you belong or live amongst because it ties back to the roots of language and music.
Writing songs together with my family really boosts my creativity.
A lot of words in English don’t have straightforward translations because they can mean different things, but we always find ways to make it work.
Coming from the busking scene, what lessons from those days shape how you perform now?
My early days busking taught me to ignore the noise and sing and play the music with conviction. That hour or two treat your street performance as if it were Glastonbury! Regardless of whether you're playing in the street, a venue, or a festival, the audience is the audience give them a 100%.
Finally, if this was someone’s first time hearing about you, what song of yours would you ask they listen to first and why?
My recommendation is to listen to my new single, Flying, which is about what it means to be human and dealing with people doing his head in when you just want to go dancing at the disco.
