Preaching self-esteem, anti-bullying

Ryan Laird double-checks his equipment one last time. He runs through the program with the school principal. He retreats backstage as the audience enters the gymnasium. They fill the room as they sit on the floor.

Laird emerges from behind the curtains and introduces himself. He grabs his guitar, plugs it in, and launches into “I’m Your Man,” a rousing country music song he wrote. As he strums the last note, the crowd bursts into applause.

The gathering is composed kids from kindergarten to grade eight, along with a smattering of teachers. It’s a younger audience than the people who come see Laird at festivals and concerts. But it’s a special show for Laird.

“I’m incorporating a positive message to kids,” he said.

Laird performed at Yorkton Regional High School and Yorkdale Central School on Sept. 14. He stayed onstage for an hour each time, mixing songs with messages of self-esteem and anti-bullying. It was part of his Bigger Than That program.

“I’m really able to connect with the audience,” he said.

The program is focused on discussing empowerment and standing up to bullying. It’s an offshoot of Laird’s music career.

Laird has been a country music performer for years. He gained national attention when, in 2008, he bought billboard space that asked Taylor Swift to produce his next album. Since then he has worked with multiple music labels, been nominated for several Canadian Country Music Awards, and has toured across Canada and America.

Laird’s country music obsession led him to create Bigger Than That. When he was a kid, he was relentless bullied for his country musician dreams. While he overcame it, the experience stayed with him.

In 2013, after performing for kids in Ontario, Laird was overwhelmed by the positive reception. He realized he could combine his anti-bullying stance with country music.’

“It stuck with me,” he said. “[I get] to use my voice as an artist in a positive way,” he said.

At Yorkdale, Laird shared his life story with the kids. He encouraged them to find something their passionate about and to not let others discourage them. He wants to foster a bully-free environment.

Laird is currently traveling through western Canada as part of his “Twice the Country” tour. His next stop is Brandon, Manitoba, on Sept. 21. He stopped in Yorkton because of the importance he places on the Bigger Than That program. Wherever he goes, he always hears about the impact of the show.

“[There’s] been a phenomenal response,” he said. “I always get a lot of feedback.”

Laird closed the show with a song named after the program, written by him and Dave Thomson. He answered questions about life on the road and the country music career. He had another enagement with the local radio in the next hour, but he made the time to shake hands and sign a few autographs. He hopes his messages stays with them.

“Kids are really impressionable,” he said. “Believe in yourself. It’s a powerful thing.”

EDIT: The original article stated that Ryan Laird is currently signed with Studio Gold Music. This was incorrect. We regret the error.