Lawrence Boxall

Born in 1947 In Pretoria, South Africa about two hours before India and Pakistan officially gained independence from the British. (That's right, I'm the same age as modern India.) My mother was a war bride from Seveso near Milan, Italy. My father was third generation South African from British and German stock.

In 1981, I moved to Vancouver, British Columbia to join my girlfriend who was studying at University of British Columbia. We married in 1983, had a daughter in 84 and a son in 88. My kids feel totally Canadian and I don't. I don't feel South African anymore either. I like to think of myself as indigenous to this planet. My wife feels completely at home in Vancouver and I think it is the second most beautiful city on Earth after Cape Town. My wife is my best friend.

I think Vancouver is the fulcrum of a new global culture that engages diversity with respect. Now if we can just get it together to do justice to the First Nations, this will really be an amazing place.

I feel blessed for the life I have lived.

[Note on my judging: Whatever comments I leave under your songs, it's just the personal opinion of one man who can't sing worth a damn. If I criticize, I really mean it constructively and am commenting because I think you are worth it.]