began playing at the age of four . Over the course of his childhood , his passion blossomed , and his parents seized the opportunity to further his emergent gifts after moving from New Hampshire to Southern Vermont . “ I enrolled at Burr & Burton Academy ( BBA ) in Manchester as a freshman , and a large part of that decision was influenced by their music and arts programming ,” notes Sargent . Sargent found a safe and nurturing haven for his musical inclinations at BBA . He acknowledges the pivotal role that the instructors there played in his artistic development , including BBA ’ s Director of Creative Arts , Neil Freeburn , who spearheaded the recent growth and augmentation of their musical programming and facilities . “ Neil was my homeroom teacher , as well as a music instructor . He and Jim Raposa , BBA ’ s Director of Theater and Dance , really made an impact on my life . Mr . Freeburn was incredibly open and encouraging , and Mr . Raposa knew how to light a fire under me and keep me focused whenever I became distracted from my creative pursuits .”
After starring in several roles in BBA ’ s musical productions , Sargent continued to expand his musical horizons , both in and outside of the school ’ s walls . “ They had a great music department and a wonderful studio with great equipment . My parents and the BBA faculty were incredibly supportive , and I ’ m grateful that I got to take advantage of it .”
When Sargent wasn ’ t onstage at BBA , he began to form connections to Southern Vermont ’ s local Hip-Hop and heavy metal music scenes . Sargent played drums for a heavy metal cover band , and he recorded collaborative songs with prominent
Southern Vermont rappers , such as Sirhco Bangz and ForeverFresh , among others .
Although Sargent is grateful to have made lasting connections in Vermont ’ s musical community through those initial forays , he didn ’ t find firm artistic footing until he made the decision to pursue his true passion for rock and country music . Sargent elaborates : “ I was trying to be someone that I wasn ’ t as a rapper , but I don ’ t regret it . It was a developmental stage that helped me in the long run , both in my life and music . Looking back , I was always drawn to country and rock music , as well as the aesthetic and style of that genre . People used to make fun of me for wearing cowboy boots to school , but I knew it was who I truly am . Years later , I learned that my biological grandfather was a blues singer who dressed in the exact same way . I lost my way on a personal and creative level because I ran from who I was ,
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