While I was rushing through First Canadian Place during the lunch hour recently I noticed a stage set up with throngs of people. I was hoping to grab a bite to eat before heading off to my next meeting when I heard this beautiful song. It was the first live concert performance for rising star Cody Karey for his debut CD.
He’s on a whirlwind tour to promote his CD with numerous press interviews and meeting his rapidly growing fan base. At the young age of 23, Cody is already grabbing the attention of romantic music lovers around the world. Discovered by David Foster a few years ago he’s been on a steady rise and now he’s signed on with Universal Music Canada.
Cody already has a few loyal followers judging by the support in this lunch time Bay Street work crowd. It was almost Valentine’s Day so to get everyone in the mood he performed several songs from his new CD including You Are The Song. When he sang his italian song Tu Sei, it garnered a few squeals of joy from the audience. Cody acknowledged the ladies in a genuinely humble gesture – you could just feel a bit of magic happening at that very moment for him. He appeared to be truly grateful for this journey so far. After the concert I met with Cody in the green room for a chat.
When did you start singing?
I started when I was really young, around 8 years old. I always loved singing and by the time I was 14 I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I started training when I was really young. My mom was a singer as well so I think that exposure definitely developed my passion for it.
The genre that you’re singing in is considered love ballads and more easy listening and it’s beautiful. I can see that a lot of our readers on Urbanmoms will enjoy your music. Is this genre by choice?
Oh thanks! Yes, it’s a bit of a crossover and absolutely by choice! I grew up on the west coast in a little town called Fort St. James in northern B.C. and wasn’t exposed to music like this and my passion for music started to develop in country and rock n’ roll, which is interesting. But if you think about the subject matter of country and what I’m doing now it’s pretty similar. For me, this music is a little more sophisticated and artistically fulfilling. I’ve trained classically so I think this is where my path has led me and it’s what I’m passionate about.
I’m sure people have been asking you who is your inspiration?
Yeah..(laughs). I’d take any artist who is really true to themselves as inspiration. I don’t think I could really put my finger on anyone but if I had to, I suppose it would be the people who charted that path before me in this genre like Michael Buble and Josh Grobin. But I don’t make any attempt to be like any of these artists. What I do is distinctly different. We are all artists and we have our own artistry.
So, how did you get noticed by David Foster? That must have been amazing!
I was in a singing competition out west but I didn’t win. I didn’t hear anything for a while then all of the sudden I got a call to say that David Foster wanted to hear me sing. I thought it was a prank call but it turned out to be the real deal and things haven’t stopped since! This really gave me the opportunity to develop and help me understand myself as an artist so I’m really grateful for the time.
When you have time to yourself and have a chance to kick-back, what’s on your playlist?
Everything from Hey Brother by Avicii to classic Beatles…actually, I must admit anything and everything!
How do you stay focused as a young artist?
It’s really important for me to stay focused on the art of the music and it’s important to maintain perspective because I’m doing what I love as a career. How many people on planet earth can say that? I know I’m blessed to begin with and the fact that this all awards me the opportunity travel and create art for people is a plus. But I just keep that perspective so when I have get up a 4 o’clock in the morning to do a television interview, I greet that opportunity with a smile.
Where would you love to go next?
Well, I was in London recently and I really loved that. I’d also would love to go to the South of France, Spain and Asia. I think my music really resonates with people who are musical too and it’s seems to be part of their cultures and education.
It’s amazing that you knew what you wanted to do in life at the young age of 14! My son is 14 now.
Really? Seriously? You have a 14 year old???!
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. It’s my asian genes… I don’t look my age.
(laughs) You’re blessed!
*blushes* and I think “Okay, you’re charming already.”
Here’s the video for You Are The Song… His debut CD with Universal Music Canada is now available for download on iTunes, amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble
[youtube id=”bS5uGVfRjkc”]
He will also make live appearances at the following…
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