The Essence of Charlie McKittrick
Creative ~ Musical ~ Silly
Honourable ~ Caring ~ Easygoing
I met a woman during a river Cruise. We spoke about our children, and she shared that they had four children—a lawyer, a chiropractor, a dentist, and a musician. She loved all of them equally but was the proudest of the musician because he was the only one who plied his trade out of passion and purpose. She said the others liked or even loved their jobs, but the passion wasn’t there. It was evident how passionate my son was when he was on stage performing.
I’ve seen that passion up close with “The Tartan Terrors”: Chris, Charlie, Emily, Ian, Phil, Jake, Peter and Tyler. The list of “ANDs” is endless.
I got to know Charlie better when, during the height of COVID, he came through and assisted us in our moment of need. He helped us rework our backyard after a renovation threw everything into disrepair. I am gut-wrenchingly moved by the willingness of those in the arts to sacrifice to follow their passion. Their purpose in life is to entertain and bring joy to others. Pride takes a back seat to live in alignment with their life’s purpose.
Another thing that fascinates me is the skill required to tell a story through the songs they compose. Charlie has written and sung many songs, but a couple stood out for me.
One moved me so much that I asked Charlie if we could make a music video. I had no right to make a video, as I am a still photographer, and it wasn’t my natural skill set. To their credit, Chris and Charlie delicately approached me about reshooting it and re-editing it into an infinitely better finished format.
The “No Bounds” video is on YouTube. The second song that resonated with me is “Here’s to Tonight” on the Tartan Terrors website. The Lyrics of “Here’s to Tonight” are at the end of this article.
Charlie recently released a new album, “Right This Way.” You should check out his online presence, Charlie McKittrick Music.
No Bounds - Charlie McKittrick Music
At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.
My Father insisted I go to university instead of travelling. I love where it's brought me. Deciding to attend the University of Windsor's music program. I auditioned at McMaster, Carleton, and Windsor and was accepted by all of them. I majored in Percussion at the University of Windsor in 2004 and graduated with a Bachelor of Music - Honours degree in 2009. My Windsor years solidified my path as a musician and taught me a lot about life. I met some incredible people there - many connections and relationships I still hold dear. Plus, I cut my teeth while playing in my first professional, international touring band. And that was such a thrill. I nearly decided to take a year off to travel upon graduating high school. But I went to university instead and love where it's brought me.
Sayeh and Charlie
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
In April of 2022, I had a table saw accident. I nearly lost my thumb and some fingers. But I had a successful surgery and am so fortunate and thankful to be able to say that I still have all my digits today. I have limited motion in my left index finger but have regained full use of my thumb and can still play drums and most guitar chords.
Everyone experiences some hardship in their life - I've certainly seen my share - but this was the most traumatic obstacle for me to date. Music is my first Love. Performing, writing, and recording are my love languages. It became my passion at a very young age, and eventually, I made it my business, mission, and life. There was a time when I was unsure whether I could continue doing what I consider my life's purpose: my calling on this earth. And that was scary. It was a very trying time.
Luckily, I had some truly amazing people to help me get back on my feet. One incredible friend, Chris, helped me keep earning an income by playing guitar for me at my shows. Performing is my primary source of income, and since I could still sing, I would not have to cancel all my gigs while I recovered.
My left hand was in a cast, but I was determined to play the drums with one arm still. In 2005, one week before the University of Windsor Wind Ensemble went on tour, I had broken my wrist. I was so determined to be still a part of that tour that I successfully relearned the music charts and drum parts with one hand. I had done it before. I knew I could do it again. My Tartan Terrors bandmates, friends, and colleagues in other bands allowed me to keep drumming with them throughout my recovery. I again started using a bass drum double pedal to compensate for my hand being out of commission. My more intricate footwork created some rhythms my hands could not execute, keeping my drumming exciting and entertaining.
I give myself much credit for getting through such a trying time. But it was the people around me, too. And a large amount of credit goes to my girlfriend, Sayeh, who was a complete rock for me. She was my light through it all. She helped me get back. I was determined to do as many restorative exercises and attend as many physio sessions as humanly possible. I did everything I could to get a chance at the best recovery. There were days when I felt lower than low, like a loser in a hopeless place and stuck under a dark cloud, getting drenched 24/7. She helped me stay on the path, encouraged, cared for, helped me crawl, and slowly helped lift me back up. I did much of the work, but she did her share. I owe her so much and would not be where I am today without her.
What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share? Alternatively, what hint would you give to a younger version of yourself?
Most things you worry about never happen anyway. Believe in yourself. Everything has a way of working out.
BONUS GEMS - "Believe in yourself. You are so exceptional. If in doubt, trust your gut. Everything always has a way of working out. Nothing worth having comes without hard work, commitment and dedication. Everything takes time - time to build, time to mature. Practice patience. You can't rush a good thing. It's okay to ask for and accept some help. You can't always do it all by yourself. Everyone finds themselves in a time of need. Sometimes, a helping hand can be the miracle you're waiting for. If it seems bad, it can always be worse. Celebrate all victories, big and small. Aim high and dream big but permit yourself to screw up. Everybody makes mistakes. It's important to learn from them. And, when necessary, take accountability. We are all just human, after all. No one is perfect. Perfect doesn't exist. Life is a mixture of negative and positive feedback. And you can't have one without the other. Whenever you can, find some way of giving back; pay forward to your friends, neighbours and community. And, perhaps most importantly, allow yourself permission to experience joy, smile, laugh, and be happy. Spend time with folks who are worthy of yours. Give Love and accept Love.
“Here’s to Tonight” Tartan Terrors
Here’s to Tonight
Riding bikes and pausing games for passing cars
The early days were easy
All we did was play
Then come the student loans and credit cards
Working all the time
Some days you lose your mind
And some days you just wanna press rewind
CHORUS
Here’s to tonight
And the little things in life that make it good
Here’s to tonight
Special moments never last
We still have each other though
So let’s all raise a glass
Here’s to tonight
Live to work or work to live, how’s that one go again?
I used to know it so well
These days I’m not so sure
It’s nice just sitting back and catching up my friend
About all the lessons learned
The pages we have turned
The times we’re up, the times we got burned
CHORUS
Here’s to tonight
And the little things that make it “oh, so good”
Here’s to tonight
Here’s to the loved ones that have passed
We still have each other though
So let’s all raise a glass and sing:
Here’s to tonight
