Rarely, and I use this word scarcely, have I come across a creative whose awareness of themselves supersedes their actual talent. In the realm of creation - especially in the realm of music creation, artists are often sidetracked by their own ambitions. Normally, the drive to become the best at one's craft takes precedent and everything else comes after. I have found in working with musicians, producers, writers and artists of all kinds, the ones who know themselves on an intimate level are often the same ones who create the best shit. 

This is the quality that stood out to me the most when I met Timothy Alai, colloquially known as Timothonius; a local music aficionado. A classically trained pianist who morphed himself into a jazz musician, music producer, music teacher and an all-around good person. He’s just someone whose friendship you’d appreciate before anything else. 

A first-generation African-Canadian, Timothonius and I immediately had an intimate connection: a) because we’re both first-generation African-Canadian, and b) because we are both creatives with a shared experience working to establish ourselves here in Calgary. 

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 And so it began, what one can only describe as:  A Creative Conversation for the Ages. 

We spoke about everything from stoic philosophers, to the advantages and disadvantages of being a Black jazz musician in Calgary. The interview itself took place during Black history month and I felt it was important for us to touch on the latter because we are both Black men navigating a creative space that is located in a predominantly White culture. 

“I think the best and greatest advantage of being a Black jazz musician in Calgary is literally the fact that you’re a minority. Jazz is so tied into Black culture, when people want want something they typically go to the source” says Timothonious

“If people want Mexican food, they would hope that a Mexican person makes it, and I only say that to relate how when people want jazz, they want more than just the sound, they want the look and feel as well. So, I am taken a lot more seriously.”

A response that reflected the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, a stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor whose name also serves as a muse for Timothonius’s own moniker. A Mount Royal University alum and former student of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, the man comes with receipts.

Timothonius continued to explain how his parents put him in music because they felt it would make him stronger in math. “Big mistake” he says, making me laugh.

Curious about what his day to day looked like, I asked him how he worked his schedule and routine - I love schedules and routines. 

“A day in the life, man I’ll take you the whole journey. I believe in God, so I pray first thing. I believe starting the day from your centred place is key. Then it’s off to the studio for a few hours where I make music, followed by teaching music in the evening, and then  it’s time to spend 

connecting with the Wifey” says Timothonious.

“I reward myself with an episode of anime, it's a simple life man. Also, I work with a producer in L.A and so I spend a lot of evenings sending him a series of loops I’ve made.”

There’s an almost whimsical tone to Timothonius when he speaks of music and all it entails. It is clear he loves what he does very much. 

Calgary is filled with heaps of creatives, batches of artists and bands of musicians; all who aspire to be the best at what they do. I am fortunate enough to say I met and befriended a man who does the same, but first -  he is a husband, a connector, and in all aspects of the word, a trailblazer.

“To live successfully is the goal. Success is not a destination.” added Timothonius, as we wrapped up the call.  How can you not like a person who drops gems that are this powerful so easily?