Philosophers aren't the only ones baffled by the ancient "chicken or the egg" question; now country music fans everywhere have a new dilemma to ponder – which came first, the talented musician or the brilliant songwriter? The enthralling entertainer or the singing sensation? One conversation with multi-faceted Canadian Country artist Rory Gardiner cleared up these questions and many more, proving that there's much more to country music than cowboy boots and whiskey.

Rory Gardiner presents his own persona as just that – his own. But was he always as innovative and original as he is today? Probably, but one thing's for sure, he might not have "hatched" into the well-rounded artist that he is if it wasn't for the influence he found in Garth Brooks. So in answer to the first question, both came first, but it took a certain catalytic combination of ambition and admiration to crack Gardiner out of his one-track lane as a young musician and spread his creative wings and soar.

Now, we all know of at least one artist who started off their career as part of a larger unit in a band, only to find the creative restraints of the group dynamic to constricting. Well, now you know one more. That's right, Rory started out in an original rock band, an experience he cites as being both empowering and exasperating at the same time: "I really benefitted from the writing and composing part of it, but working for four or five bosses definitely takes its toll when creative influences clash". As the only Country influence, Rory certainly had his own vision, which he eventually sought out to fulfill by going solo.

If there's one thing that all aspiring artists crave, it's exposure. That brings us to our next question: what came first, the reality television star or the renowned singer/songwriter? Rory speaks of his encounter with fame on the CMT program "Karaoke Star" as an enlightening one: "everyone is in the same boat, everyone wants to get ahead, to get exposure; after I was on the show, the emails and positive feedback started coming in and I was off to Nashville to record my first album."  Rory always had the potential in him to reach his goal – but the television exposure definitely didn't hurt.

After discovering his own sound, as a drummer, guitar player, singer and songwriter, refining his talent, both within a group setting as well as a solo artist, and achieving success on the screen in addition to the airwaves, Rory has developed quite a fan base. When asked why he thinks his fans are so dedicated, Rory's response is, "I think that people are probably drawn to my songwriting and music for their uplifting and inspiring qualities". In a world of broken hearts and smashed-up trucks, I think that's something everyone can appreciate.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Encouraged by a musically talented family, Rory Gardiner's music career began on the drum set at the age of eleven, playing modern and classic rock. It wasn't long before he picked up the guitar and began exploring more creative aspects of country music, focusing his efforts on singing and songwriting.

Rory has grown into a passionate and energetic live performing artist, playing over 100 live shows a year throughout Canada and the United States, showcasing his original country music, as well as a diverse list of other musical styles. His reputation garnered him an invitation to teach a course in Effective Song Writing, for which he received rave reviews.

Since making country music a full time commitment in 2007, Rory has been featured on various CMT nationally broadcasted reality shows, as well as the Top 20 countdown, with Casey Clarke. Through his television appearances, and busy tour schedule, he receives endless positive feedback from new fans across the country, hundreds of unique hits on his website and new fans on Facebook & MySpace music profiles every week.

All this positive energy from Canadian country lovers inspires Rory to do what he does best. He has released his first full length independent country album in 2009, co-produced with Canadian hit maker JR Vautour in Nashville. Rory is keeping the ball rolling with a new single and video to be released in early 2010!

For More Information: www.rorygardiner.com

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