We caught up with the 2012 CCMA Slaight Humanitarian of the Year award winner to chat about her new album, Light, as well as inspiration and giving back to those less fortunate.
Q
On February 23rd, you hosted your 4th Annual Big Hearts for Big Kids Charity Event raising money for the youth shelter in your hometown of Grande Prairie, AB. What inspired you to launch the event?
A
When I was 15 I began to be more aware of what was going on in my community and how many kids who were my age were sleeping at a local youth shelter to seek refuge from a variation of tough at-home situations. Some of these kids were also classmates, and I knew I needed to do something to help them have a better shot and have a place to go. I also learned that the shelter really needed funding or it may have to close it’s doors. I called up some of my musician friends, gathered volunteers and went door to door for sponsorship. In the first year of the event we raised right around $30,000 and the shelter was able to keep it’s doors open. The shelter has now been fully renovated with the funds we have raised, which is now $350,000.
Q
Your sophomore album Light drops next Tuesday. What was the source of inspiration for writing and recording the album?
A
I think inside of everyone there is a light and a passion. This album was really about growing personally. Over the last year I have graduated high school and am embarking on that next chapter of my life, which always fuels creativity. I also think that through every negative thing or tough situation you can find a light at the end of the tunnel. That whole concept really inspired the album.
Q
What’s your favourite song on the album?
A
I love them all so much. A stand-out however comes to mind and that is a song called ‘One Last Look Around’ that I wrote with my dear friend Troy Kokol. The song was inspired by my great-grandparents and is their love story. My great-grandmother suffers from dementia and it’s so hard to see her year after year fading away from us. My great-grandfather still goes to feed her breakfast every morning, kisses her on the cheek and tells her how much he loves her. It’s such an inspiration to see a love that strong.
Q
If you could have a career modelled to anyone’s who would it be?
A
Shania Twain has always been a huge inspiration to me. It’ so inspirational not to only see a Canadian woman achieve such success, but to also see where she came from and all that she had to endure to achieve that success. Her confidence and power to give back also is such a great thing to see. She’s such an original artist, she’s different and distinctive both in her songwriting and her vocals.
TC’s Fun 5
1. Favourite song to cover? That’s hard to pick just one! I have three faves: ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey, ‘Coat of Many Colours’ by Dolly Parton, and ‘Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ by U2.
2. The song you can’t stop listening to? ‘Leave Love Alone’ by Carrie Underwood off her Blown Away album. So catchy.
3. The one place you’ve always wanted to visit? Italy.
4. I have to ask then… pizza or pasta? Pasta! Gluten free though. :)
5. Guilty pleasure? Peanut butter off a spoon, all the way!
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