Rex Goudie couldn't have chosen a more appropriate title for his debut album as it delivers exactly what it promises. Under The Lights resonates with Rex's honesty and literally places him under the spotlight as he delves into an emotional self reflection. "I co-wrote four of the songs on the album that are very personal to me. They represent different aspects of life that I think others will relate to. I was also very involved in the selection of the other songs on the album, in order for a song to make the cut, it had to speak to my heart."
Music has always been a huge part of Rex's life, growing up in the small, out-port community of Burlington, Newfoundland. At the age of three, Rex was already demonstrating his ability to perform, serenading his grandmother with songs he learned in Sunday School. Then in high school, Rex formed a band called the Purple Monkey Bomb Squad where he fostered his love for performing live. "I thrive on the pressure of performing live, feed on the emotion of the crowd, it's such a rush," says Rex. Music has also been a good method of cleansing for Rex. "I couldn't live without my guitar and my music. It's always been there for me through the toughest times of my life." This rings true on the album, each song, ripe with emotion and a true representation of something that remains very important to Rex.
Very perceptive, loving and true to himself, Rex is adamant that he will not allow celebrity to change his beliefs and values, or his down to earth nature. Prior to the Idol experience Rex's winters were spent attending Memorial University of Newfoundland, studying to become a mechanical engineer, while summers were spent working in his hometown at his father's trucking company. With a brogue he refuses to give up because it defines who he is and where he comes from, his favourite topics of conversation continue to be Newfoundland, machinery, cars, sports and of course, music.
Rex's love for performing is the reason his cousin sent him off to St. John's on a dare, to try out for Canadian Idol and a chance at stardom. He was always very passionate about music, but being from a small town of only 400 people, seven hours away from the nearest urban centre he never thought a career in music was realistic. Although Rex was the runner up on Canadian Idol, his confidant stage presence, charisma and undeniable talent landed him a recording contract with SONY BMG MUSIC (CANADA) INC.
When deciding on what type of album he would release Rex knew he wanted to stay true to his musical beginnings and influences and create songs with a distinct classic rock sound with organic soulful lyrics.
Rex's penchant for songwriting was immediately evident when the writing and recording process began and he effortlessly collaborated on four of the songs on the album: Strong Enough , Call Your Name , Who am I and Break the Silence .
" Call Your Name is probably the song that's the most emotional for me, because it's about loss and pain. I wrote it in memory of both my Uncle Rex who passed away from cancer and a good friend of mine Brad Shiner who passed away this past summer."
Break the Silence was written for those who are somehow held back from achieving their goals in life. Strong Enough was inspired by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, written to tell the story of those who, too easily give up on their dreams.
The first single Run released to radio on November 14th and is already a multi-format hit, having achieved "most Added" status out of the box. "I really love this song because it is indicative of my current situation. It's a song about being apart from the people you love. Since I moved to Toronto and have been away from my family and friends, I feel a lot of the separation anxiety expressed in this song."
From Stay , a song about sticking by someone's side no matter what... to One True Summer's Night , a lyrical reflection of growing up in a small town, all of Rex's songs are based on personal experiences. "I like to write about stuff that most people have in common, it makes the songs more relatable."
Rex also chose to record Brad Paisley's Whiskey Lullaby a duet with Canadian Idol winner Melissa O'Neil. "It's a beautiful song about heartbreak and loss, I think every guy can relate to that. It was also great to sing with Melissa again - we had so much fun on the Canadian Idol finale."
Rex worked with an array of talented writers and producers on this album, including Chris Perry and Adam Alexander, aka Perry/Alexander, Rob Wells, Fred St Gelais, Jeff Dalzeil Marc Jordan, Dave (Dwave) Thompson and Christopher Ward.
Musically Rex draws from a wide range of artists, including The Foo Fighters, as well as Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers among others and those influences are evidenced strongly, throughout Rex's debut effort. Rex also admires heritage artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger and hopes to one day, create his own definitive style, not unlike these great artists, he so admires and respects.
