Born in Stratford, Ontario, this young man grew up immersed in typical childhood activities like hockey and soccer. Originally from London, Ontario, his early fascination with drumming blossomed during visits to church, captivated by the rhythms of the drummer. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved music”, he recalled fondly. Alongside teaching himself the piano, guitar, and trumpet, he eagerly took drumming classes to hone his skills.
Despite financial hardships, his mother steadfastly supported his musical aspirations, sharing videos of his soulful covers on YouTube. Unable to afford a drum kit, she improvised with drumsticks, allowing him to practice on any available surface.
At twelve, he seized an opportunity at a local talent competition, securing second place with a rendition of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick”. His mother’s determination to showcase his talent led her to share the performance on YouTube, marking a pivotal moment in his budding career.
Fortune smiled upon him as his musical talents gained recognition. Earning nearly $3,000 through busking outside a Stratford theater and even singing pop tunes while brushing his teeth, he fulfilled a dream by treating his family to their first Disneyland vacation. From once struggling to make ends meet, he now enjoyed dining out without needing to glance at the menu.
Reflecting on his modest upbringing, he expressed gratitude for his happy childhood despite financial constraints, instilling in him a deep respect for money. His grandfather, Bruce Dale, praised his work ethic and natural talents, noting how he rose to prominence in today’s music scene.
Scooter Braun, a burgeoning figure in the music industry from Atlanta, stumbled upon his YouTube videos while searching for a different sensation. Mesmerized by his exceptional voice, Braun set out to locate him, eventually tracking down his school and persistently reaching out to his mother, Pattie, who became instrumental in shaping his burgeoning career.