Country star Tebey comes home for a cause
Annual golf tourney May 30 at The Quarry will benefit local mental health programs
Peterborough-raised country music singer Tebey says he is back and feeling great following a brief hiatus from the industry.
The Nashville multi-genre songwriter, who has been open about his own personal struggles with depression, is releasinghis EP Love A Girl on Friday through Road Angel Entertainment/Warner Music Canada.
The new songs, including hit single Denim on Denim which was co-written by fellow Canuck Kelly Archer and American hit-maker Nathan Spicer, were compiled over a 13- or 14-month period, Tebey said.
The 34-year-old credited his wife for getting him through his most recent battle. They have been together for nearly 15 years.
“She is the reason I came out on the other side,” he said during an interview earlier this month in which he was quick to point out how much he is looking forward to returning to Peterborough for his annual Golf Classic at The Quarry Golf Club on May 30.
The fundraiser is expected to raise about $25,000 for mental health pro-
jects through the Greater Peterborough Health Services, Your Family Health Team Foundation.
The cause really hits home for Tebey, who said he particularly appreciates being able to lend his celebrity to support youth battling mental health issues.
Maintaining his connection to Peterborough is important, the singer said, pointing out that he wishes he could return here more often.
With his parents, grandparents and other relatives still living here, he has never missed a Christmas in the Electric City.
Asked how Peterborough helped mould who he is today, the avid Petes fan noted how welcoming and encouraging citizens are here.
“It’s an all-around great city. It helped shape my character and who I am today.”
As for his return to the music, nothing has been firmed up, but Tebey said a headline tour is being organized for this fall.
Soon, he will also finally get to celebrate scoring his first United States Billboard number one song – 2017’s Somebody Else Will, performed by Justin Moore.
The writer for BMG/Chrysalis in LA and Nashville has also written songs for the likes of One Direction, Cher, Nick Carter, Flo Rida, Emerson Drive, Jimmy Rankin, Doc Walker, Big & Rich and many others.
“It’s pretty incredible,” he said of the feat, pointing out how in Music City, parties are thrown for such occasions.
His is set for May 2 – Moore’s challenging schedule delayed the event.
“I’m looking forward to that. It’s something you dream about,” said Tebey, who rose to stateside fame in 2003 with his hit song We Shook Hands (Man to Man). “Nashville is all about celebrating the songwriter.”
Having lived in the city since age 16, the man who began singing in church at age five said he has enjoyed his time and the many relationships he has forged.
“I feel like I’ve had a good little run,” he said. “I’m really fortunate to be able to make a career out of something I love doing.”
Love A Girl also includes the anthemic That’s Gonne Get You Kissed, the smoldering mid-tempo Wreck Me and the slow-grooving Who’s Gonne Love You.
NOTES: Tebey’s last name is Ottoh, but goes by his given name.… For more information on Tebey or his Love A Girl EP, visit https://www.facebook.com/TebeyMusic/ or follow him on Twitter @TEBEY .