We recently connected with Will Surphlis and have shared our conversation below.
Will, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
In my opinion, When you are in a creative industry, Changing up your environment can really help with the creative process.
In the winter of 2021 to 2022 I went on a lengthy road trip with a bed in the back of my van and traveled throughout the United States and to some Caribbean islands.
Covid had shut down the entertainment industry at the time in Canada so I was out of work and I decided to use that time to travel and Network with musicians around the world.
I travelled to 21 different states and four different countries in total. My journey began in Cleveland Ohio where the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame located. I then drove down to Nashville Tennessee and spent a week there meeting musicians around town. I was fortunate enough to meet a band who let me play on stage at tootsies on Broadway which is where Willie Nelson got his start.
After Nashville, I then took route 66 across the country to California. Specifically Los Angeles and San Diego area Continuing to build connections for the future.
From California I travelled across the country east again to New Orleans. This city is full of live music. I began to Street perform on Bourbon street And in the French market. Being able to play in locations that musicians such as Louis Armstrong played at was very humbling.
I then spent a month in Florida. I travelled the whole state including Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami. I quickly became a part of the music scene in Orlando and once again continued to meet amazing people.
Florida has many ports for cruise ships so I travelled to some Caribbean islands well I was there too. I met some Caribbean musicians who told me stories of the struggles they went through during Covid that put first world life into perspective.
At the end of a long three month trip I decided to go to Cuba and was fortunate enough to meet the entertainment Director who let me perform for the entire resort of 1000 people.
The experiences I gained from travelling and more importantly travelling alone and going out of my comfort zone, our experiences that have changed me and I can now grab from when creative inspiration is needed.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Will Surphlis and I am a full time musician from Courtice Ontario Canada.
I have music on Spotify and other music services under my name Will Surphlis and I play live shows 5-7 days a week.
I began playing music when I was 10 years old and now have almost 20 years of experience playing guitar and drums. Live shows started when I was in my mid 20s. I play my original music at my shows along with a variety of cover songs from the 60s-2000s
I have also just recently released a new line of merch for my music including t shirts, sweaters and hats which can be purchased through my instagram @Will_surphlis_music
Some of my favourite accomplishments include winning a few readers choice awards over the years such as “best musician or band” which I am very proud of. Another one would be the release of my song “Life Can Be Forgiving” which is my personal favourite song that I’ve written.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of what I do is that I love my job. I couldn’t imagine waking up and going into an office every day. It’s for some people but not for me.
Being on stage is extremely stimulating and when I play I don’t even feel like I’m working. They say if you do what you love you don’t work a day in your life and that statement for me is certainly true.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
There are a few things on my bucket list that I want to accomplish in my musical journey in life. First off, I want to have a song that I’ve created put on the radio. The second is pretty general. I want to continue to play larger and larger venues. The third is to have an international tour at some point.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/will_surphlis_music/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/621310404/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCs3NE51DQ9W0DRpuUojVtOA
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Willsurphlismusic
Image Credits
Artist for merch art @Allthegrooves