BARTHOLOMEW

I was born on March 5th, 1991 and raised in Red Deer, Alberta. I've pretty much always been surrounded by music, whether by choice or not, but it wasn't until more than half way through my life that I realized that I loved music so much (and kind of sucked at most other things) that any other career choice just wasn't an option. Piano lessons started at the age of four and continued until I completed my grade ten piano exam in my final year of high school. It took me until that final year to figure out what I wanted to go to school for since, in today's culture, not doing so is seen as an unwise risk. But even now, I'm second guessing the idea of taking studio recording in Québec. Half of my motivation for that idea is the desire to improve my French speaking and comprehension, which from a musical perspective, would open a door to a whole new realm of possibilities. Another hesitation comes from the fear of wasting money: there's so much you can teach yourself that by spending money on school, you risk wasting it on something that you might have been able to figure out on your own for a significantly smaller investment.

My musical inspiration comes from a few places: friends, movies, concerts, various artists, and especially God. One of the best feelings I know is getting together with a friend that you know you work well with and writing music; letting your musical ideas get it on until there's a beautiful music hybrid baby that includes both of your different methods, styles and ideas (if you'll excuse the outlandish metaphor). I've found it's such a rare thing too. I can only think of one person that I work that well with. Being a solo artist has its advantages, but I see it as a temporary status. The more talented and original musicians you can get together, the more possibilities there will be when writing music. I'm excited for that in the future. A lot of the music I make includes other people anyway.

There have been many times where I watch a movie where the setting is in a different country. Naturally, the soundtrack will fit the setting, and hearing the different instruments that are rarely seen or heard here makes me want to learn them, or at least attempt to incorporate that style in my music. A good example of this is in the movie, Slumdog Millionaire. The drumming, singing and all the instruments used in those songs was probably one of the first things that made me think outside the box, or more accurately, outside my country. The same thing happened going to see the symphony. It was a baroque concert: recorders, organs, oboes, etc...

At the intermission, I whispered to my mom, "You can add a recorder to my Christmas list." I remember being forced to learn the instrument in elementary school and longing for the days when I'd finally be allowed to play a real instrument. Ironically, I tired of the saxophone early in high school and am planning to go pick up a recorder as soon as I know where to get one. It amazes me how easy it is to pass off blessings like that.

I want to influence people. That would be my main goal in life. The only fear I have of becoming a popular artist, if that ever happens, is not having the ability to connect individually with people. Lyrics can be powerful, but not nearly as powerful as a real relationship (especially when you're as bad at writing lyrics as I am). But for now, I'll just continue enjoying making and listening to music, and hopefully you'll enjoy it too.