Canadian Top 7 Idol performs at TWU.

http://www.twu.ca/about/news/general/2008/canadian-idol-top-7-at-twu.html

In one of the most shocking episodes of Canadian Idol's Season 5, Abbotsford native Greg Neufeld was eliminated from the top seven on the popular CTV program, after his rendition of Queen's "We are the Champions" just didn't ring victory with Canadian audiences. But while his hopes of being the top idol fell away, his passion for performing and songwriting have risen steadily like a star since that summer of 2007.

"I was doing music for about five years before Canadian Idol, so on Idol I chose songs that I was a fan of and that people liked to hear," says Neufeld. Influenced by these songs and popular recording artists like John Mayer and Dave Mathews, Neufeld has carved out his own unique sound and composing style that is a true blend of rock and pop, and his audiences are following faithfully.

Since Idol, Neufeld has gone on to share stages with Matthew Good, Stabilo, The Trews and even joined Lukas Rossi of Rock Star Supernova on an acoustic Canadian tour. This November Neufeld will take to the stage once again performing at the free Great West Life Spirit of Christmas celebration at Trinity Western University in Langley.

The 24-year-old Neufeld first felt the passion for music while he was a student at Langley Fundamental School where he initially picked up a ukulele. This exposure to music grew when one Christmas morning he was given his first guitar - a gift from his father. Neufeld hasn't put it down since and has been constantly composing and playing since the day he began to strum.

He recalls how he used to write songs but was often embarrassed to sing them. When on occasion he would try them out on audiences composed of friends and family they would all say they liked them. With that in mind he offers some advice for those pursuing a career in music. Says Neufeld, "Don't be shy about your craft and keep working on it everyday. It's a long road but it's a road worth taking."

Neufeld is continuing to dream and aim high. His goals are big but because of his immense talent, they are most likely attainable. In five years time he sees himself touring, continuing to write music, and having three albums under his belt.

In the immediate future however Neufeld and his full band will hit the Spirit of Christmas main stage on November 29th at 7:00pm giving audiences a taste of what this talented performer can really do. "I'll also be doing an acoustic set by myself - breaking up the concert a bit," says Neufeld. "It's going to be a good night of music."

Audiences will also be able to purchase a limited edition album - the first seven songs of a larger album currently under production. The album called The Music is being recorded at Room and Board Studios in Abbotsford and produced by Ryan McAllister who Neufeld calls an "unbelievable producer and engineer." McAllister and Neufeld co-wrote some of the songs on the LP. The full length album is due to be released before 2009.

When asked what he is currently working on, Neufeld hints at some exciting projects. "We are working on a music video to the song "Map of the Stars," working on getting some radio play, and potentially embarking on a national tour in the New Year."

For more information including schedule and bios on performers appearing at the Great West Life Spirit of Christmas check out the website at www.twu.ca/christmas or call the information line at 604-513-2006.

Trinity Western University, in Langley, B.C., is an independent Christian liberal arts and sciences university enrolling approximately 4000 students. TWU offers 41undergraduate majors, ranging from biotechnology, education, nursing, theatre and music, to psychology, communications and biblical studies. TWU's 17 graduate degree programs include counseling psychology, business, theology, linguistics, and leadership, and interdisciplinary degrees in English, philosophy and history. TWU holds Canada Research Chairs in Dead Sea Scroll Studies, Developmental Genetics and Disease, and Interpretation, Religion & Culture.

Last Updated: 2008-11-25
Author: Erin Mussolum
Email: erin.mussolum@twu.ca