When life threw singer/songwriter Lane Felladeau a curve ball, he had no option but to deal with it head on.
The Steveston secondary graduate was on his way to a career as a professional baseball player. His dream was cut short after he tore his rotator cuff two months before the draft pick.
That was 2005.
At the same time, music had always played a huge part in his life, but it wasnt until his injury that the 27-year-old considered a career in the music industry.
I always loved music and found it to be a great form of expression for me, he said.
He found his inspiration in lifes lessons.
Fellardeau grew up in Stockholm, Sweden with his Swedish mother and Canadian father.
When his mother died of breast cancer when he was five years old, his father moved his young son to Canada in 1994.
It was tough because I wasnt fluent in English and spent three years in ESL classes, said Fellardeau. I was introduced to rap music by my cousin back in Sweden, but I was too young to understand it.
Once he immigrated to Canada, Fellardeau started to listen to all the big rappers; one of his idols being Eminem.
I really like the base and the lyrics in rap music, and for me, rap is a way to put out my words and feelings, he said. When I started writing music, I realized that I had bottled up the pain of losing my mom so young and I was able to express those feelings in my lyrics.
Fellardeau has never taken a formal voice or music lesson, but hes put a lot of hard work and sweat into his new career.
Richmonds Blake Powell, who runs the label Repertoire and Artists can attest to that.
Powell has nothing but praise for the rising rap star.
Lane has a knack for the melodies he creates for his lyrics, said Powell. Also, a big part of the music industry today has become the performance and Lane shines on stage.
Its essentially his natural environment.
Powell believes audiences havent seen the best from Fellardeau yet.
Hes only been at it two and a half years and yet he never goes backwards with his music, he just keeps evolving, added Powell. He just keeps getting better and better Lane is truly an emerging artist to watch out for.
In fact, Fellardeau has already caught the attention of a well-known American music producer, although Powell cant say much more at this time.
Its safe to say that there is interest from a big name but due to confidentiality agreements we have to wait before we can say any more, Powell added.
As for Fellardeau, he just wants to continue doing what he loves best.
I believe truth in music will keep the listener more captivated, he said.
Having said that, the budding artist doesnt shy away from risqué topics.
His song One Night Concept might raise an eyebrow or two.
Lets face it, most of the population in todays world has thought about having a one-night stand, but are afraid to admit their guilty pleasures, he said. Well this song is about the thoughts that go through a persons head before the actual fact.
The events that take place, the words that are said and the actions that are shown are all part of the concept.
Heartbreak is also part of his repertoire. Perfect Woman was conceived from his own broken heart.
You gotta go through the weeds to find the flowers, he quipped. Well not everyone does, but I was fortunate enough to experience the worst to truly appreciate the best.
Relationships come and go, some good memories, some bad memories, but in the end, its what you learn about yourself when you are put to the test.
So far, Fellardeau penned 13 songs and is working with Powell to put together a compilation album.
His rap songs are catchy.
Kem Em High, Fellardeau said, is a song designed to motivate you and pick you up before you fall.
My music and fans are my number one priority so no matter if Im going through tough times, I have to stay above it and keep my promise, he added. Thats why I never let em fall, I Keep Em High.
When not pursuing his passion, Fellardeau works at a print communications business.
Id like to one day perform at Rogers Arena, he said. On stage, I like to keep the audience engaged and it really feels like second nature for me to be up there Im totally comfortable.
Fellardeau will be performing at JP Malones on Friday, Aug. 10 beginning around 10:30 p.m. For more information about any upcoming shows, visit www.fastlane-music.com, or follow him on Twitter at @fastlanemusic1.
