Cochrane’s own Turner Bates releases his debut single Where I Belong, marking a major milestone for the local singer-songwriter.
The track is Bates’ first professionally produced song, created in collaboration with country artist and producer Devin Cooper.
“I’m really excited for this one,” says Bates. “It gives me a chance to show people what I can really do.”
The song draws inspiration from Bates’ time on his family’s farm and his cousin’s place in Saskatchewan.
“I wrote the song because I feel like I belong more out on the farm.”
The writing process is a personal one. Bates starts the song on his own, then brings it to his dad for feedback.
“I was stuck on this part, and he was like, ‘Oh just add that in,’ and before we knew it we had a song.”
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From the first draft to the final version, the process took about eight months.
“There’s a lot more steps that you don’t see behind the scenes.”
The single is a big step for Bates, who has spent the past year playing shows across Alberta and grinding his way through the local music scene.
“It’s super cool because it just shows you the work pays off,” he says.
“If you just keep going, then bigger and better things will come along.”
With summer approaching, his calendar is packed. He’s set to play the Airdrie Pro Rodeo from June 29 to July 1 and will hit the stage at the Calgary Stampede on July 4 and 8.
He’ll also be performing at the Bow Valley Boot Stomp in Cochrane on the community stage.