Second chances

Nearly three weeks ago, Evan Fry was just another inmate at Westmorland Institution, a minimum security prison in a village in New Brunswick.

He paid $15 every three months to rent a guitar. It was $50 if you broke it, Fry said — not that he ever would. It was too precious. 

But after his friend posted a Facebook video of Fry strumming his own guitar in a St. John's park, he's gaining a new sense of hope after his release from prison.  

Switching between soulful acoustics to rap, Fry's music bears a raw account of a young life that's been overshadowed by poor decisions and addiction. 

It is, though, one that's starting over, with a fresh perspective. 

In the comments section of the video posted on friend Josh Richards's wall, there are dozens of messages praising Fry's lyrics and encouraging him to continue on with his music.

"I’m not a bad person, I just made some bad choices." 

It's clear his message hits home for many.

"It’s definitely a confidence boost but it just shows me that there are a lot of open-minded people out there," Fry, 24, said in an interview with CBC News.

"People are supporting me because they understand I was struggling and I was at a bad point in my life. I’m not a bad person, I just made some bad choices."

A story worth listening to

Fry was raised in Cupids, in Newfoundland's Conception Bay — a small town that's known as much for its rich history as its beauty.

By the age of 12, Fry played drums, guitar and bass.

But growing up in a small town can be boring and void of distractions.

"When I started just to dabble or experiment [with drugs], it was more so because I didn't have anything else to do and I eventually became physically dependent," he said

In 2016, Fry was sentenced to federal time for his involvement in a break and enter and robbery at an elderly woman's home in nearby Bay Roberts.

While serving his time, Fry began to sing and write — after all, he had a lot to say.

With his rented guitar, he estimates he penned hundreds of songs in prison.

"Music is just something that keeps me busy, it keeps my mind occupied, so that’s something that — if I am bored — I’ll just pick up my guitar and play a couple songs."

Music became the ultimate therapy.

"I always wrote lyrics but I was never focused or motivated — in regards to my music — when I was an addict," he said

"I really realized who I am in the last few years and I think music is the best therapy. It helps me stay clean and stay away from things that I shouldn’t be doing."

Although Fry said he's been clean for three and a half years, he relies on solid support from his family and friends and is making positive changes to help in his journey.

At a local St. John's tattoo shop, Fry checks off another bullet point on his to-do list.

"I'm getting a tattoo fixed up that reminds me a lot about my past life," he said.

"I'm sick of looking in the mirror and being reminded of it, so I'm trying to turn over a new leaf."

After seeing a video online of Fry rapping, Josh Richards connected with a friend he has known for 12 years. 

Richards ended up recording the original video, which had been viewed more than 19,000 times as of the time of this publication.

"[I'm] just being a positive support. Trying to encourage him to do better, stay clean, stay good," Richards said. 

Since the video was posting online, Fry said he's been approached by a local music producer and there have been inquires about possibly performing some gigs.

And he says he has a lot to offer.

"I just want to show diversity. I’m an artist, I play drums, guitar, bass, I sing, rap — I can do a little bit of everything," he said.

"I can get into a studio really and just pretty well do a song from scratch if I had all the proper equipment."

Asked if he ever dreamed of being where he is today, Fry looks down and he laughs.

"I’m just focusing on my life. I’m hitting the gym. I’m staying surrounded by good people. I’m focusing on my music and staying clean and healthy and enjoying life for the first time in a long time, it feels good."