Re a l m was written and recorded in a condo next to a small, spring-fed lake near the Great Salt Lake. With its tall ceilings and giant windows surrounded by a canopy of trees filled with the chatter of birds, this condo has served as a reclusive place for a musical process of experimentation and self-reflection. While living in this oasis of self discovery, I had faced many complex emotions brought upon by experiences that up to date have been the most peaceful times of acceptance, to the most agonizing moments of despair that I thought would never end. Trying to interpret these inner emotions involved many long hours spent observing the still scenery through the windows, walks to the lake, listening to the occasional rain falling through the leaves and laying on a hammock for probably what would be considered a little too long for anything productive. Among a few other things involving stillness and pondering, I was led to read a book given to me from the parents of a very close friend. 'As a Man Thinketh' by James Allen had begun to reshape everything I had ever believed about life and myself as a member of the Human Race. The message found in his book was essential to conceptualizing the ideas and purpose of R e a l m and bears a huge influence on the shaping of the musical writing process of this album. Though realizing R e a l m had mostly been a project of experimentation, the emotions woven into each track are extremely real and personal. It is my first collection of songs under this identity of Canopy Canvas, and hopefully the first step of an amazing journey. <3
