What are a few of your favourite tracks right now?
• Black And Yellow by Wiz Kahlifa
Love this tune for its raw verses and banging beat. I'm currently looking to book Wiz in Vancouver for his cross-Canada tour. It's mad expensive though...
• I Know There Is Life by Cali P
Easy-listening reggae tune by Cali P out of Jamaica. He's a sick artist, and my boy Tanner Hall has him doing a lot For Armada Skis right now.
• Atlas The African by Eddie Atlas
My boy Atlas from London who now lives in Africa is a rising star, soon to be heard all over the world.
• 3 Cigarettes by Nobody Really
I gotta plug my new tune, I'm just feeling it.
2010 seems like it had its major ups and downs for you, personally. What's the deal?
It was a crazy year, lots of ups, and yeah, some downs. After 2009 ended, I was kind of on a rollercoaster with drugs and booze, playing lots of shows, touring with bar tabs covered and living the late-night rock star life. It finally caught up with me. I felt like I was always taking steps, but never getting ahead. So when I moved to Vancouver, I stopped working the club life and landed a job as a resident care worker, working in a group home with youth. I can say I've finally found my calling: I love what I do now and I'm amazing at it. I relate to the teens I work with and I can reach them in ways others can't, having personally went through a lot of stuff they go through day-to-day.
In August, I had a crippling accident, breaking both my heels. I did not walk or stand for three months and was confined to a wheelchair. I recently started walking and I am doing physiotherapy now until I'm fully strong and better. Not being able to walk was life-changing and has given me a new outlook on the way I live life. Thank God for my strong lady and amazing family and friends that kept me positive during my rehabilitation.
In September 2009, my beautiful lady and I found out she was pregnant, and wow, how my life has changed, all for the better. On May 17, 2010, Kalem Milton Travers Currie was born, and he is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to us. When Kalem was born, I figured it was time to get grounded for real. I stopped everything and have now been sober for eight months. All the things that were once important take a backseat; it's all about Kalem now and I love being a healthy, happy dad.
You also moved down to Vancouver after living in Whistler for almost 10 years, on-and-off. What's it like to be out of the 'bubble'?
I worked a few crummy jobs before getting hired as an RCW in the group home. My amazing lady and I were flirting with the idea of buying something, so in July 2009 we combined our savings and went all-in, buying a beautiful three-bedroom townhouse in southeast Vancouver. It was perfect timing as we found out she was expecting two months later. We couldn't be happier as new homeowners; the place is rad! I had my garage spray painted by Alex Foolish, a Whistler graf artist that spray bombed a huge Nobody Really piece on the wall. You should see the neighbours' faces when they drive by: it's priceless. I will soon be turning my garage/man-cave into a recording studio/kids sportplex.
What do you miss most about Whistler?
I miss a lot of things about Whis: the four traffic lights, the village in the early morning when it's totally empty, fresh pow days, the laidback mentality, but the one thing I miss the most about being away is my Merlin's family.
Professionally, what's on the horizon for 2011?
2011 has already been a blessing. I am currently writing the second album, with hopes of a late-September release. I had a few big-name Canadian artists willing to cut tracks with me, but who knows who will actually come through on their word? I'm just staying focused on being a good dad and letting the rest fall into place. I'm also booking a lot of event emcee gigs, so you will hopefully see me a lot during the Telus Festival this year. I'm just stoked for the second album, taking my time, making sure to write quality material.
Where can people catch Nobody Really, next?
I was booked to open for Too $hort, but apparently he can't get over the border. I won't be playing much until I get more music tracked, but you can always find updates on the Nobody Really fanpage on Facebook!
(He also has a gig scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14 at Maxx Fish.)
Any final words for readers?
Well, my words of wisdom for all aspiring artists living in the bubble is that you may stumble, but never fall, chase your dreams - go big or go home. Whistler is an amazing place to gain exposure, I recommend to all young heads out there to get some business cards and a website made and network yourself where and whenever you can. Stay on your grizzly, ya dig? I'm always available to chat and spit some knowledge. Also, if any Whistler kids are looking to record, just holler at me (www.nobodyreally.com). Oh yeah, and I want to thank the Whistler community for always showing me love and support.
