First and foremost I want to thank everyone that has shown me continuous and unconditional support. From my friends who I sing to in my car, to my family who heard me sing for the first time these last couple years, to the strangers who have shown me support globally, and to everyone who has a dream and is pursuing it to the best of their ability. All of your kind words and constructive criticisms have made me stronger and better than I could have ever imagined; you have helped make me courageous.

Right before I began this project, tragedy struck my city. Five young people lost their lives in a horrific event on a celebratory day. I had gone to high school with four of them and was lucky enough to meet the fifth hours before the tragedy. At one of the viewings, I ran into a friend of mine who told me a story. She told me that, upon hearing the news, she went to the University of Calgary Wellness Centre as she did not know what else to do. The Wellness Center was giving away rocks and she spoke about the rock she had received. As she was telling me her story, I blurted out, “I want a rock!” I know this may seem like a silly thing but at that very moment, I wanted something I could carry with me and hold onto.

At one of the funerals, I text messaged my friend and told her where I was. She messaged me back and told me she had something for me. I met up with her and she gave me a rock. This simple gesture brought me unexplainable comfort. Written on the rock was the word, “Courage” and at that moment I knew Courage was going to be the title of my EP. Jordan, Zack, Josh, Kaiti, and Lawrence, although we had few encounters, every encounter was something special; the kind I will never forget. In your memory, half of the proceeds from every record sold will be donated equally among your scholarships.

I am truly blessed to have had the pleasure of working with the people I have for this EP. First is Brian Farrell. Brian you have opened my eyes up to hope, helped me hone my performing confidence, and you continuously inspire me be different. You are the first person who put music to my songs and I can’t thank you enough for helping me feel confident with my creativity. Graham Sharkey, producer, guitarist, and co-writer for We Are One. I do not know how begin to thank you for what you have done for me. You made my dream a reality. I cannot thank you enough for what you have taught me when it comes to being wholeheartedly enveloped in the creation of music and music itself. From the first coffee meeting we had I knew you were brilliant. We had an automatic trust that is so rare today and I am indescribably lucky to work with you and be able to call you a friend. Scott Giffin, sound engineer and guitarist. Walking into the studio for the very first time was extremely nerve wracking but you made me feel comfortable. It is always scary singing for someone new; I cannot thank you enough for your positivity and kindness. Working with you has been an absolute pleasure and I am definitely going to miss falling asleep on the couch to you playing improvised guitar riffs. To all the musicians that played on this album, thank you! Without you, my musical brain children would not have become what they are today. This record would not be what it is without all of your talent and hard work. George Canyon, thank you for letting me record in your studio and allowing us to use your new guitars in Momma Told Me. Having you personally recommend guitars was surreal. Lastly, a special thank you to my good friend Mike Ng. Your brilliance has created beauty and purity to the graphic design of Courage. Thank you for telling me when I needed to, and I quote: “suck in, stick your chin out, and smile without your teeth,” and being one of the most honest people I know. This record would not be half as aesthetically pleasing if it were not for your talent and keen eye.

I do not know where or who I would be without my family. Mom and Dad, although you did not agree with this project when I first mentioned it two years ago, seeing how excited you both are now brings me joy. Momma, thank you for always being my devil’s advocate as I tend to move quickly when I am excited. Thank you for bringing me back to reality from time to time and being my toughest critic. Dad, thank you for engulfing me in classic rock and blues at a young age. Having this influence has enabled my songwriting to crossover into different genres and it has made me respect where modern music came from. Jason, my brother, thank you for taking me to every concert under the sun, even when I am unfamiliar with the artist. You have broadened my musical repertoire and allowed me to appreciate different artists in different ways. Thank you for jamming with me and forwarding songs you think I should cover. Jennifer, my sister, thank you for understanding. We have different dreams and ambitions however it is nice to have someone who knows what it is like to be passionate and love something so much you live and breathe it. Although it did not start this way, I know you are my biggest supporter and the passion you possess for horses fuels my fire for music. To my extended family and friends, thank you for your continued love and support. Courage is for each and every one of you!

Individuals often ask me why I did this project. My answer is simple: I want my music to touch people in ways other artists’ music has touched me. If one of my songs can do that for one person, I have accomplished what I want to do. Each of my songs has a story behind it and if you want to know the story, ask me and I will be sure to tell you!

I hope you have as much fun listening to Courage as I did creating it!!

Love,
Britt Walchuck
#FollowYourDreamAlways