Niverville resident and award-winning singer/songwriter Jordan St. Cyr is gearing up to launch his music career into the U.S. marketplace.
Naturally, he is well aware that he cannot do it alone. To this end, a fundraising event hosted by CHVN’s Michael Thom, featuring St. Cyr and his band, will take place on Tuesday, September 11, at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg.
“Expanding into other markets is essential, simply because Canada alone cannot support a career in Christian pop music,” St. Cyr says. “According to experts in Nashville, the Canadian market is small and can only handle three big touring bands at one time, so if you are going to be successful in this business you have to expand into the U.S. and then continue on into the international markets from there.”
Expanding into the U.S. will open a world of new opportunities to the local performer. For example, several A-list bands have expressed interest in working with him. The problem is that it’s necessary to connect with these groups through their agencies in Nashville, since they are the ones who would promote Canadian shows.
“I have been steadily building a team in Nashville over the last four years consisting of publishers, producers, songwriters, radio promoters, publicists, and managers,” he explains. “This team has been so gracious in their support and encouragement and have really affirmed my dream of doing music ministry on an international level.”
For the past 15 years, St. Cyr has been pursuing his music and funding his ministry on his own dime.
“I’ve taken this as far as I can on my own to where it hasn’t negatively affected my family financially,” he says. “If I truly believe in what I’m singing and in the message I am bringing to the world, and I fail to provide as a father and a husband, then I am no good to anyone.”
Asking for help and letting others in, St. Cyr acknowledges, have been a struggle for him. “It’s important to work alongside others toward a common goal, and that’s something I have never done—because in some ways I have been afraid to ask for help. I can no longer carry the load on my own and I know now I was never supposed to. People are so willing to help when you share your need and supply them with an opportunity to give, which I see now is an integral part of the Gospel.”
He adds that he works hard to be the very best artist he can, writing the best material and putting on the best shows, to make the most of people’s contributions.
A big part of the picture has been pursuing his dream while raising children—with a fourth on the way. “When we are faithful in doing the little tasks every day, the big picture takes care of itself,” he says.
It’s a reference to Josh Wilson’s song, “Dream Small,” which encourages us to dream small for today, thus enabling us to do what’s important in the moment without being overwhelmed by those big dreams and desires which can sometimes stall our progress.
Raising funds is necessary, St. Cyr says, to help provide the practical tools he needs to further his calling. Specifically, this includes a touring bus to accommodate travel with his band.
“Having the band at this stage of my career is essential,” St. Cyr explains. “The band creates a much greater impact as the songs I’m writing now are big and anthemic. They demand that greater sound.”
The fundraising event will be a night of new music and stories about St. Cyr’s journey to Nashville and beyond. He will talk about his ministry, perform with his band, and share the next big steps he’s taking. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with tickets available online (see below) and also at the door for $10.
