MOVERS and SHAKERS: Codie Prevost, Country Music Sensation and Proud Canadian, Western Canadian Music Award winner for Country Recording Of The Year, Nominated for Canadian Country Music Association Awards Album of the Year Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
For fifty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services:
Tables & Bed Linens
Suede, Leather & Furs
Couture & Casual Wear
Custom Interior Services
Expert tailoring department located at both locations.
Complimentary Pick Up and Delivery Service 6 Days a Week.
Hallak Cleaners
1232 Second Avenue (near 65th)
New York, NY 10065
212.832.0750
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick up, please feel free to email us at info@hallak.com
***
Codie Prevost is a Canadian country music sensation. When he was 14 he picked up his first guitar, and since then his career hasn’t stopped accelerating. He began his journey on the path to fame by playing guitar, and writing songs simply to entertain his friends and family. Little did the world know that those family concerts would spark the pilot light on one of the biggest engines in Canadian country music. Codie has been nominated and won dozens of awards for his art, from the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards to the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Codie grew up on a 2,000-acre farm, where his mother runs a small town bar. He has two sisters, one older and one younger. During family events, Codie would listen to his mother and his uncle as they played guitar and sang songs. These family concerts were what began to grow the love of music within Codie.
Making the leap from farm to fame has not been an easy task. Codie grew up in the 300 person farming community of Archerwill, Saskatchewan. He first learned how to play by picking up his mother’s guitar and practicing until the calluses on his fingers began to develop. After only two years of learning the guitar, Codie began to write as well. Songs began pouring out of the young artist and before long, Codie found himself, engulfed in a sea of talent competitions.
Codie’s first band wasn’t even in the country genre. When he started up his first band with some friends, they played mostly punk music. They would play covers from some of their favorite punk bands such as Goldfinger, and Greenday.
Codie thrived from the pressure that came from the talent competitions. Each one would give him butterflies right before he was about to play. As soon as the spotlight hit Codie, those butterflies would melt away like a pat of butter. That ability still resides within Codie today, even when he plays concerts with groups like Emerson Drive, or Big and Rich.
Codie went to college after high school. While studying academically and honing his craft in music, Codie was still participating in talent competitions. It was one of those competitions where Codie took the exit onto the highway of country music and never looked back.
Codie met his manager, Al Leblanc after that talent competition. Together these two were able to take the entertainment industry by storm. With the help of Al, Codie found himself playing concerts every weekend at different bars.
When Al first accepted the offer to be Codie’s manager he gave him a task. "You have 4 weeks to learn 30 songs." Codie got to work, and after only two weeks Al called saying, ‘Hope you’re ready, I booked you for a show!” Codie successfully learned 30 songs in two weeks.
Through a friend of Al’s, Codie was able to spend a bit of time in a studio which led to Codie’s first EP called, “Surrounds Me Again.” The song was released in Saskatchewan which is where more doors of opportunity began to appear for Codie.
After spending a couple years hopping from bar to bar playing shows every weekend, Codie and Al decided it was about time to record an album. This was not an easy task. Codie’s search for funding ended up at an organization called Community Features, which is put in place to help people achieve their goals by providing the financing and knowledge needed to succeed in business in rural Canada.
Codie spent a lot of time searching for funding. He went into many banks to look for loans, none of which wanted to help out.
After putting together a five year business plan, Al and Codie went in front of the board and delivered their case. The plan was a success, and Codie received the funding. Soon he was on his way to Nashville to record his very first album. Codie still thanks Community Features for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to share his music with the world.
Codie was asked to bring his guitar to demonstrate his abilities to the whole organization. He played his song, “The Road Ahead,” unknowingly foreshadowing the successful career that indeed lay ahead of the star.
Using the money from the loan, Codie was able to record his first album in Nashville, Tennessee. Codie still continued to play at the bars, but he was able to play shows with some larger Canadian bands such as Emerson Drive, and Doc Walker.
One of the goals outlined in the business plan Codie and Al presented to Community Features was to win at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards. Not only did that first album win, but also it earned Codie seven awards from the SCMAs in 2011.
Awards began to flood in for the star. In 2010 Codie won an award for Best Country Song from the Independent Music Awards and he was also nominated for the Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Award. In the three year span from 2011 to 2013 Codie won awards at the Saskatchewan Country Music Association including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. Codie was nominated for the Canadian Country Music Awards Rising Star in 2011 and 2012.
This past year has been a big one for Codie. He has played concerts with Florida Georgia Line, Joe Nichols, and Big and Rich, he even began a tour with fellow artist Stephen Maguire called “Imagine No Bullying.” During that tour, Codie, Stephen, and the Canadian Red Cross would go from school to school playing music and speaking to the masses in an attempt to bring bullying to an end.
More shows are scheduled in April and May for the Imagine No Bullying Tour. The proceeds from these concerts go to the Canadian Red Cross.
Throughout Codie’s career, he has remained the same humble farm boy. Every Tuesday night he logs into Twitter to connect with his fans and friends. He wants nothing more than to help people through his songs and he does that. The Imagine No Bullying tour is a great example.
Codie is a great musician, a great writer, a great friend, a great husband, and a great leader. His music rocks, and his personality is solid. He is a wonderful person to know, and a talented artist and he has an extensive resume of awards and achievements to prove it. We are absolutely thrilled to present Codie Prevost as our latest Mover and Shaker! Peachy Deegan interviewed Codie for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: Does learning 30 songs in two weeks put you in the genius category and what is your Briggs Myers personality?
Codie Prevost:
I’d say learning 30 songs in 2 weeks puts me in the good under pressure category. That is an experience I’ll never forget. If I didn’t jump in and go for it I’m not sure where I’d be today. My personality I’d say is let’s get it done and do amazing things with a twist of comedy in there.
We love Canada because of all of the positive experiences we’ve had with Canadian hockey players (Peachy was a Junior Whaler her entire childhood) what do you love most about Canada and why?
The thing I love most about Canada is the people. There is a certain feeling of home and family. This is always something I miss when I travel around the world.
What does being a Canadian mean to you?
It means being true to who you are and standing tall and proud.
What are your favorite hockey teams and players of all time?
I’d say Wayne Gretzky. It’s always amazing to see someone perform at the top of their game. Calgary Flames are my favorite team. I’ve been to a few NHL games and it’s always a rush.
What should Americans and the world know about Canada?
It’s an incredible place filled with every type of landscape. We have forest, prairies, lakes, oceans, mountains, and more. There are some breathtaking views and amazing people.
We love the song “I’ll Be Your Whiskey.” Please tell us which whiskeys or whiskeys inspired the song.
The song uses the Whiskey as a metaphor for the guy showing his love for the girl. All kinds of Whiskey inspired the song.
If you were stranded on a desert island with only 5 bottles of whiskey or whiskey right now, which bottles would they be, would they be a blend or certain year, and why?
5 bottles would be:
Crown Royal Black – It’s very smooth
Forty Creek – A Canadian Whiskey that is awesome
Wisers Deluxe – This is good every once in awhile
White Owl – A clear Whisky that is very smooth
Canadian Club – To have a piece of my roots from Canada
What country produces the best whiskey/whisky and why?
I would say Canada because that is the only Whiskey I’ve had.
What do you like to pair your whiskey/whisky with?
I like to have Whiskey press which is one ounce of Whiskey with water, ice, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
What musicians have inspired you the most and why?
I’ve been inspired by Keith Urban when it comes to live performance. He has an amazing ability to connect with his audience. When it comes to Songwriting Eric Church inspires me. He crafts an amazing lyric that is fresh and unique.
When you write music, do you do it when inspiration strikes or do you have set days where you sit down and say to yourself “Today I must write!”?
I love planning writing trips where I go away for a couple weeks and write with a lot of writers. I find that I get great songs and it’s very productive.
What inspires your music and why?
I love writing about experiences that have happened in my life. Experiences that will connect with my fans because of similar experiences they’ve had. I think the purpose of music is making a difference by making that connection.
Have you sung “O Canada” at any ceremonies and if so which ones?
I’ve sung “O Canada” at various events over the years. I’m always nervous singing this song as it is one song you don’t want to mess up on. Luckily I’ve been fortunate so far to not have that happen. I’ve sung the anthem at Calgary Stampede, Hockey Games, School, and other events.
What Grammy award would you like to win first and why?
I would love to receive “Country Album Of The Year”. I think this award is about a project that connects with music fans. That is my main goal to share my music with people all over the world.
What Grammy award winners are your favorite and why?
I really think Bruno Mars is amazing. He does his own thing and doesn’t try to be someone else. You can tell he is exactly who he wants to be and it shows through is music and live performance.
You look like you love Twitter also. What do you think of it and what do you like most about it?
I love Twitter. I love being able to connect and share my music with so many new country music fans! The Internet really changed music forever and it’s such a blessing for an independent artist.
What do you like to do the most at your family farm?
I used to love to build tree houses. When I get a chance to go back and visit it always brings back memories because the tree houses are still in the bushes!
At your family farm what do you and your family grow and do you have animals?
My dad had cattle my whole life so I got a chance to work with them growing up. I have to admit it wasn’t my favorite task. It seems that cattle never do what you want them to do. We also had dogs, chickens, ducks, swans, and geese. Quite a petting zoo I tell you.
Why is your family not making whiskey on the farm or are they?
No they never got into the Whiskey business. I’m sure that’d be a good business to be in though.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I spend a lot of time reading self-growth books. I enjoy studying Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, and Ted Talks. I enjoy books like The Secret and The Answer. Reading has become one of my favorite hobbies.
What are you proudest of and why?
I’m proudest of my family. My wife is an amazing hair stylist and we had our first baby girl Lyriq who is now a year and a half old. They make me so thankful everyday.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I have started studying the investment world. I think financial knowledge can help you achieve more in your life and create a free life to follow all your dreams and passions.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
I have been fortunate to receive 26 awards from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association, 1 Western Canadian Music Award, and been nominated for 4 Canadian Country Music Awards. It’s been amazing to be recognized by my peers in the industry.
What one word best describes you and why?
Energetic. I think I get this from my parents. When I grew up we were always on the go. I feel that trait got passed down to me.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan? And Canada? And Nashville?
I have not been to Manhattan quite yet but I’d love to soon. In Canada my favorite place is being at the lake. It could be any lake they are all beautiful. I love the outdoors. In Nashville my favorite place to be is downtown writing songs. It’s such a blessing and an inspiration to be able to sit down with some of the best songwriters in the world and create songs!
What is your favorite shop in Canada? And Nashville?
In Canada I love the outdoor store Cabela’s and in Nashville at the Opry Mills Mall they have a shop called Outdoor World that is similar but bigger than Cabela’s. It’s an outdoorsman’s dream shop.
What is your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is a Canadian Cesar. It uses Clamato Juice, which is pretty specific to Canada. It uses a lot of spices and is a very good drink.
What is your favorite restaurant in Canada? And Nashville?
In Canada there is a restaurant called Los Palapas in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They serve Mexican food and it’s amazing. In Nashville I like hanging out at Taco Mamacita, which is another Mexican restaurant where some of Country Music’s stars hang out.
What is your favorite Canadian book or favorite character in Canadian literature? And Nashville?
My favorite Canadian Book is David Chilton's The Wealthy Barber and my favorite Nashville book is “All You Have To Know About The Music Industry" by Donald Passman. There is so much great knowledge included in these books.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
Would be great to be Bob Izumi for a day. He hosts a Canadian Fishing Show. I’ve always loved fishing and he sure gets to fish in some cool locations around the world.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why? And Canada? And Nashville?
Would love to have a street named after me in Canada. The reason being is to leave a legacy when I’m gone.
What has been your best Canadian athletic experience?
I played hockey for many years in Canada. I always loved playing the sport and it taught me about being part of a team and working together with people.
What is your favorite thing to do in Canada that you can do nowhere else? And Nashville?
In Canada my favorite thing is watching the Northern Lights dance. It is an amazing experience to see the sky full of dancing lights. In Nashville my favorite thing is getting to write with the world's best songwriters and musicians!
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I would like to have dinner with Tony Robbins. It would be amazing to tap into his abundance of knowledge about conquering one's self in every area of life.
What has been your best Canadian art or music experience? And Nashville?
I've had the privilege of opening a concert for Garth Brooks. He is a role model of mine. For the amount of success that he has he is still just a regular down to earth guy wanting to make a difference.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I have had the opportunity to participate in many charity events to help raise funds for cancer, MS, Cystic Fibrosis, Domestic Violence, and more. I also recently sponsored a child. I think if you’re healthy and capable of helping out then you should. Being a part of these events makes me know how lucky I am to be in the fortunate position to help others.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I’m a pretty simple guy who fell in love with music and chased the dream. I count myself truly lucky and blessed to be surrounded by amazing people and working at a career that I absolutely love and am passionate about.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Visit www.codieprevost.com and find out all tour dates, music, news, and videos.
FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CODIEPREVOSTMUSIC
TWITTER: WWW.TWITTER.COM/CODIEPREVOST
YOUTUBE: WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/CODIEPREVOST
