Making his break
Solo artist Graeme Zinck releases his debut original album, ‘World of Opportunity’ this month
Graeme Zinck has been in love with musical theatre ever since stepping onto the stage as a child of Avonlea in “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical” in 2010.
“That sparked everything,” the P.E.I. singer-songwriter tells me.
Playing in front of a live audience was such a positive experience it made him long for more.
Zinck went on to perform in “Pirates ARR Us!” and other children’s shows that he and his family (sister Emma and parents Andrew and Sandy) were creating at Beaconsfield’s Carriage House in Charlottetown, during the summer months.
In 2015, he jumped onto the Confederation Centre mainstage once again as Donkey in Colonel Gray High School’s production of “Shrek – The Musical” in 2015.
“It was most exhilarating. Playing a non-human character was a thrill and I remember really putting myself in the role,” says Zinck, who has taken the next step in his musical career by releasing his debut original album, “World of Opportunity” on music stores and streaming platforms this month.
Bursting onto the music scene this month has been “absolutely incredible.”
“Everything is finally beginning to fall into place. Before I kept my music to myself but, finally, it’s out there. And it’s something that I’ll continue to do in the future,” says Zinck, a third-year computer science student at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B.
“World of Opportunity” is a collection of songs that explore relationships. They range from “Caught Up in Your Smile”, a song about falling in love; “Montreal”, the amazing, magical weekend when two friends explored that city; “Shut the Door”, what happens when a relationship falls through and “Two-Sided Coin” the realization one can’t maintain a relationship when the other doesn’t feel the same way.
There is one exception to the love theme. “Nothing is Ever Fair”, is inspired by being trained as a mentor for people diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. (Zinck has the disease.)
“It was a moment when I realized that so many people have the same challenges I have and sometimes way worse. But, in the end, we still come out alive and can overcome it. We can still have beautiful moments in those darkest days.”
As he looks to the future, Zinck wants to re-enter his recording studio again.
“I want to write an album that gives people with chronic illnesses a place where they can relate to each other. I want to show people they’re not alone.”
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at sally.cole@TheGuardian.pe.ca or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.