Arts & Culture over the idea of entering, hesitating at the thought that many of his friends were more into sports than music and might not think much of his passion for singing. “But,” he says, “I really wanted to enter, and I told myself, 'This is it, I really want to do this.'” Doubting he would actually go through with getting up on stage, Eireann didn’t take time off work to hear him perform at the talent show, although his dad Daryn, Nana and Grandma were able to attend. He made quite a favourable impression. Says Austin, “It was a turning point in my life.” He laughs, “I know that sounds funny for a sixteen year old, but it really was the biggest thing that has happened for me so far.” Since the talent show, Austin has further developed his powerful voice, singing at many community events. He is a natural, but has steadily refined his nuances of expression and tone. His mother is now convinced that he is serious and has worked to help him make contacts and investigate possibilities. One of those contacts was Chris Burke-Gaffney. He is an acclaimed Canadian songwriter, musician, producer and artist manager at CBG Artist Development. In 1996 he formed CBG to manage and develop singer/songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk and co-wrote her triple platinum album "Under These Rocks and Stones". Chris has written and produced literally hundreds of songs and has helped artists including McMaster & James, Kyle Riabko, Sierra Noble and The Keats in developing material. Eireann’s email to Chris was answered almost immediately with a request for Austin to come to CBG in Winnipeg, all expenses except airfare covered. A whirlwind of activity ensued and, not long after, Austin, Eireann and Thel were on a plane to Winnipeg. Austin met with Chris and then spent three full days in the studio where he recorded five original songs. Chris was particularly delighted by Austin’s performance of one of the songs written by him
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and Chantal Kreviazuk and another written by Chris and Victoria Shaw. Victoria’s compositions include songs for Garth Brooks (The River and She’s Every Woman), Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera and she co-produced Lady Antebellum’s platinum debut. To say Austin has been exposed to some powerhouses of the country music world would be an understatement. Austin was impressed with Chris’s laid back, downto earth manner. Chris commented to Eireann, “I’ve been waiting for a voice like this... he has huge potential, and he’s a great kid.” He also brought in three other songwriters who sat down with Austin to co-write a piece, a new and exciting experience. They discussed where Austin wanted to go with his music. Did Chris have any advice? Says Austin, “Chris suggested I focus on one genre of music, and other than that, just keep singing, and maybe develop my guitar skills.” Chris also advised that the key to performing is being remembered by people because without that you are “just another singer”. Austin returned home with a new focus. He decided, “I want people to remember me because I have made a connection with them. I want to concentrate on a genre of ‘country with a pop twist’ because I think that people identify more easily with that type of music.” Austin tried out that philosophy at his next public performance, Ribfest in London, telling himself, “I need to work on engaging the audience, and make them remember me because listening to my music makes them feel good. It couldn’t have gone better.” One couple even approached him after the show and told him, “You made our day!” Austin’s home just west of Fingal is surrounded by big fields and wide open spaces, conducive perhaps to dreaming big. Support from family and friends who live in that rural setting and Austin’s dream of taking a long-hidden talent to others has so far taken him all the way to Winnipeg. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him.
RELISH ELGIN FALL 2012