Who or what has been the biggest influence in your career?
My parents. They’ve always supported my wanting to work in the entertainment business. I tend to gravitate towards music they don’t like, though - I guess in rebellion. They sing opera – not exactly my forte. So, sometimes they look at me funny, but the more stuff I play for them, the more they understand what I’m trying to do.

What is your favourite part of performing live?
The immediacy of it all. The crowds’ reaction. In the studio sometimes I’m so critical of myself and I lose that distance and can’t tell whether what I’m doing is good or is s***. An audience will let you know. And I like that. On the flip side, I’ve never really had a need for attention and offstage I’m pretty introverted. But I love getting into a groove with musicians on stage and just knowing where everyone’s going to go. When everyone is on the same page and just talking through their instruments – there’s nothing like it.

What was that defining moment where you knew that this (meaning music and acting) was what you were born to do?
In 1993, I was cast in the revival of Showboat in Toronto. The show lasted a year and fell in love with performing. I had a cooler after-school job than any of the other kids at my school.

How would you, in 5 words, best describe your music
One Big Work In Progress.

What makes you stand out from other musicians out there?
Well, I have a tremendous amount of respect for any musician, because I know how hard it is. But I especially respect an artist who writes and produces their own material, and has a hand in how it’s marketed. As more and more people join your team, it’s easy to sit back and let business take care of itself. But it’s the stubborn musicians who hold onto their vision that have longevity. That’s the kind of artist I’m trying.

Name one album that you haven't stopped listening to since you first bought it.
Donny Hathaway’s ‘Extension of a Man”

What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your career?
Deciding to just up and move to California. I had no family or friends out there, and hadn’t finished school yet, but I just got this feeling in my bones that it was time to jump – so I did. And in this past year I’ve shot four movies, gotten a development deal with Last Man Standing, and written and recorded dozens of songs. Oh, and I started a production company, the Gooniez, with my partner, Nate Bosley. So, if anyone needs beats – hit me up on Myspace.

Tell us about your acting background.
Well, I’ve been acting for about 10 years. Recently, I’ve worked on One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek, Campus Confidential, High School Musical, and Guiding Light. You can look me up on the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) if you like.

Where are you originally from?
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and raised just outside of Toronto. Spent some time in Florida too, and now California, but I think I’ll end up back north. Hockey, Skiing, all that cold weather stuff I love.

Name the one thing you love most about singing & acting.
I love the hustle. It’s so difficult to break through in the industry. Everyone is ready to say no to you before you even open your mouth. Finding those few who get you and will say yes – that’s exciting.

Where would you like see yourself in the next 2 to 3 years in regards to your career?
God willing, not in a restaurant.