Artist Spotlight

The World On Loan

Niverville, MB

July 7, 2025

The World On Loan captures the raw spirit of indie music through lush melodies, gritty honesty, and an unmistakable DIY ethos. In our very first Artist Spotlight, we dive into the creative process, challenges, and inspirations that shape the sound of The World On Loan, and what lies ahead on their musical journey.

Who is the World On Loan?

As an artist, The World On Loan is my solo project. However, I am blessed to be able to work with some amazingly talented people such as Producer - Evan St Cyr. I'm also honoured to have collaborated with some amazing musicians such as Hamburger Island, Myles Clayborne, Kevin Hill and Matty Shreds. All of my music videos are done by Travis Anema & Kris Pollard. My photos are all taken by Holly Dunphy of Hold Light Photography and the artwork for the singles is done by Adam Halstrom of Pollution Lake Design.

I have always loved music, as a fan and a listener. I started off in visual arts - drawing, painting and moved into music at around 15 years old. My grandpa had an old electric guitar and amp in his basement that he gave me. Things started from there. Of course, before I could even play, I employed my love of painting by customizing the guitar and amp. This all inspired me to play it more, but these memories are becoming fuzzy.

Influences come from my dads music originally - mainly rock music from the 60's and 70's. I got into 80's metal and 90's alternative during my high school years.

The last project I was involved with was named "Plain As Ghosts". We put out a few singles, 2 albums, 2 remix albums and we did a string of 'from home' collaborations during the Covid pandemic which was a fun way to stay connected and creative during that time. Plain As Ghosts was fortunate enough to have opened for Pop Evil and Tom Cochrane most notably, amoungst others.

Hold Light Photography

Trev laying down vocals in the studio

Hold Light Photography

INDIE EXCLUSIVE

Ghosts of Everything In You

Your rendition of "Joey" has touched us. Can you tell us what this means to you, and what drove you to record this cover?

This song always affected me as I lost my mom to alcoholism and depression.

The artwork for "Joey" started off as a sketch I drew a few years ago. To me it represents growth and rebirth after pain, perhaps a broken heart, perhaps another kind of hurt.

When Max - aka @hamburger.island and I decided to do a rendition of "Joey" I immediately thought of this sketch. The original cover for "Bloodletting" by Concrete Blonde has blood splattered on some roses. "Joey" is a raw, personal song that speaks of the pain amidst loving and trying to help somebody who is struggling. Feelings that I know well. My sketch contrasts the original as it represents growth, rebirth and realignment - essentially finding ourselves again after coming through that pain. Our rendition of the song also tries to take on a similar feel musically, a glimmer of uplifting tone amidst melancholy feeling.

The ever talented Adam Halstrom from Pollution Lake Design digitized my sketch, added it to his cover art design, and the rest they say is etched (sketched) in history!

The World On Loan doing it themselves as any indie artist does

Original artwork for "Joey" cover

For What It's Worth

Being an independent artist is full of ups and downs. Can you share with us your highlights, and any struggles you have experienced on the way?

Struggles? Well - perhaps balancing working full time and being a parent amidst writing and performing music has been challenging at times however, many before me have done it so, I know that I can too. The other challenge I've encountered are some negativity online based on my age. Although, they do not know my history and despite The World on Loan being a relatively new project - I've been playing music in various capacities for the past 25 years.

Highlights have been opening for some touring acts (mentioned above). As well, I was fortunate to be able to branch out and be a part of performing at Dauphin's Country fest as my cover band- The Dept of Human Resources - played as Catie St. Germain's back up band in 2023. We also threw some big New Year's Eve events here in my town with each year selling 400 tickets. Those were a lot of work that took a year of planning. I feel very fortunate that music has connected me with so many amazing people! That's the ultimate highlight to me.

Performing live with cover band "The Dept. of Human Resources"

Performing live with previous act "Plain as Ghosts"

Joey - Ft. Hamburger Island

How has fatherhood changed your approach to music creation?

Fatherhood has given me a lot of inspiration for creativity However, a lot less time to put into creative efforts so, a bit of a double edged sword in that respect, so to speak. My family is very supportive of me and my creative ventures. I feel very blessed.

Recording vocals for previous act "Plain as Ghosts"

Emo never dies

3AM Soul

What's next for The World On Loan?

I have a new single coming out along with a brand new music video on July 11th. It is called "Ghosts Of Everything In You". Remember when we were kids and the we looked at the world with wide eyed wonder? What if we could feel that again? "Ghosts Of Everything In You" is a song about rediscovering your spark. In my experience I was granted the opportunity to re-experience so much through being a parent. The video concept revolves around the push-pull of carefree fun as kids vs the responsibilities of adulthood. I am the "referee" in this particular concept. I'll also have my first merch drop soon as well. Amidst that, I'm always writing, be it poetry, lyrics or music so, who knows what other art I may share with the world.