Fans often ask me what my inspirations and influences are for writing my music. I have many, and sometimes it’s different for each album and even each individual song.

Inspiration often comes from places I've been, photos, and fantasy films and TV shows. I tend to bank it all up and then it comes out one day while I'm doing something mundane like doing the dishes. 

Not only that, but even playing some RPGs like Skyrim has indirectly influenced my writing!

Beyond the creative inspirations, I also find inspiration from history and research – like with the song Heir of the new album. I was researching Scotland’s national animal which happens to be a unicorn and that’s where that song got its inspiration. 

When it comes to my musical influences, I have many music heroes spanning across different genres, from The Doors, to The Tea Party, Sarah McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, to Symphony X, Dream Theater, Within Temptation, and many more.

However, I also would like to say that it’s not only my influences that work their way into the music; every musician that has contributed to my albums have added their own personal flare, whether it be Troy Donockley’s enchanting magic on the pipes and flutes, or my producer Oliver Philipp’s talent and great ear for orchestration and arrangement.

There's a lot that goes into my music and it's hard to say what has direct influence and what doesn't. Sometimes it's one thing, sometimes it's a bunch of influences!