Canyon Records recording artist Louie Gonnie addresses an inflammatory text message that was circulated recently…

“This is not the reason I became a musician. While I and those whom I collaborate with try our best to push our limits musically and visually, the music is made to fulfill our artistic vision. We did not create our music to become famous or earn money. We want to take our belief and create something solid for future generations. We take pride in what we do. For someone to criticize us in such a harmful and cowardly way is degrading. I want to say clearly that the person shown in a recently circulated text message using my music is not me. I am disappointed and saddened to see my music and my family name used in such a vulgar and degrading way. Deeply concerned for how this could affect my family and especially my children, I want to publicly denounce the circulation of this cruel message and state clearly that it is a lie. If you have criticism for me or what I do, then please bring it directly to me. As they say “It is easy to be brave from a distance.” Ultimately, the cruel nature of this text message demeans the person who created it far more than me. No matter how much you may put me down, just remember you are only making me stronger.”