So my original thanks was looking more like an acceptance speech on bandcamp, so I've shortened my bandcamp one and put the full one on here:
There's so many thanks that are in order, and I'm going to start by saying that I'm thankful for every person in my life. You're in my life for a reason and although I don't know what that is, whether that's good or bad, you've made an impact on my life.
First thanks go to my parents. Things weren't always easy for us, but you've shown me what true love is. You've been there for me through my best and worst moments, and I could not be prouder to call you my family. Thank you for all the times you patiently put up with me not wanting to commit to music, my studies, or life in general and found a way to get across to me. This album isn't possible without you two, so thank you. I love you so much.
A big thanks to those who helped on the project. Mark Troyer, operating out of Evergreen Music was instrumental in helping me understand what it takes to record an album, was so patient as I recorded, and gave a lot of insight. Spread the word, he's an amazing guy, and he's what drives Evergreen to be such a great place to record. If you need a place to go record, I'd highly recommend him. Chandler White approached me wanting to give a hand with my album on the guitar and bass, and I'm so grateful to have a knowledgeable record artist, and more importantly friend step up and give a hand with the album. I've known Ethan Harder for so long and to have one of the city's most talented drummers give a hand on the album was something I could have never imagined. I'm glad a friend that I've grown up with was able to share in creating Journey while we got to reflect on ours.
Thanks to Tammy Breeze Photography for your photography skills! All photos used for this EP are taken by her. I've been honoured to be growing in my photography alongside you and doing shoots together! Keep it up, your work rocks!
This thanks is a bit of a weird one, but it goes out to all the bullies, the people who abused me, treated me like an object, or took advantage of me. Thank you. Every single one of you has impacted my life, taught me to fighter harder, longer, and stronger than I ever imagined that I could. You bent me, but never broke me. Out of the pain I've learned that there's a plan in everything that happens, and that's been such a cornerstone in my life.
To my mentors out there. Without you listening to me and helping me change my outlook to see the good in the bad, I would not be here. You taught me to look at the big picture when the world was closing in and see beyond the moment. That has helped me climb out of so many holes, and I will always be grateful for every one of you who's been there to listen, to talk, to encourage, and to be an example.
This next one's to my friends. You've been so supportive and encouraging through my best and worst times. To those who have stuck around through everything, I love you more than you can ever know and I hope you know how much I cherish you guys. Stay amazing, life's got amazing things in store for every single one of you.
Thanks also go to my musical mentors. To my two violin teachers, Nola and Fiona, the years of being a student and learning to be a musician have truly impacted my life. You both taught based on the value of having music be fun forever, and fun and happiness are the things I feel when I'm involved in music. You made music somewhere I could harness my emotions, express my artistic side, and become a better person.
This feels stereotypical, but the last thanks is probably the biggest thanks I can give. And that's to the guy I've grown up believing in. God. I know we've had our struggles, that sometimes I've turned against you, and tried not to believe in you. But the farther I tried to go the more you showed me the awesome plan you have for me. I don't believe in you blindly, I believe because you've opened my eyes to follow as I've seen your plan laid out in 20/20 vision, and all I can say is that I'm so excited to see where you're gonna take me next. All I can do now is hope to grow and even reflect a bit of who you are.
