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/ SUPERLONG FIRST-PERSON BIO
Simply put, I love music. It sounds
funny to say, but I'm only interested in making good music, whether it's
creating my own, or playing with other musicians I love and respect.
I'm completely focused on simplicity, and will only use timeless, organic
instruments that do not date or sully a recording with fads or trends.
I've spent a LOT of my life listening to, and chasing after the newest music coming
out. At the time it all seems great, but when I look back at my
record collection, the sheer amount of CD's and tapes that I've sold off
or shudder at the thought of now...it's ridiculous. But Neil Young
still sounds great. Paul Simon's first solo album is deadly and can
change lives today. Nick Drake, Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons made unbelievable records that hold up
too.
I don't want any part in helping to make music a disposable medium.
I just want to make the best records I possibly can. I want to make music that I would listen to if I
didn't know me. That's the most important thing for me to strive for.
I feel like I've done that with "Tiny Increments" so no longer do I really concern myself too much whether
or not people like it. I must admit though, it feels pretty
great when someone reaches out to tell you they DO like it!
I started recording my songs when I was about 20 years old. I'd make these
tapes in my bedroom on rented 4-track Tascam/Fostex machines from Long &
McQuade. I'd would give them to my friends, and someone would always say,
"these are good songs, but you should find someone else to sing them."
I believed that for a long time. These days, people seem to react and
comment positively on my voice before anything else. Strange how that
works out.
I've been playing guitar since age 15, but am no axe slinger. I've
always been a 'rhythm' guy, even though I can't dance to save my life. I still can't solo! For me, I've always
preferred to write and concentrate on my timing, singing, dynamics and
other things more intrinsic to making music.
In 2002, I was working at company writing radio spots & TV commercials
(copy, not music) and often was present at the in-house production
studio. My wheels were turning. I became good friends with the engineers
there, they would teach me stuff, and let me use the space after hours and
on the weekends for free. (FYI - I still work in that very studio to this
day as a producer and audio engineer). After many months toiling away, I
produced my first full-length CD called "Strumming" (now out of
print). The positive reaction surprised me. It was a fantastic learning
experience, I sold tons of CD's (which bugs me because I HATE it now and
want all copies returned!), got some great feedback and started playing
live a lot more. Ultimately, this record gave me the confidence and
skills to continue my journey into songwriting, performing, and
production.
In 2004, I put out my second full-length CD called "Popfizz". I
had been working in the production studio full time, and wanted to follow
up "Strumming" with something huge, professional, and radio-ready
to show off my new studio skills and confidence! I still dug some tunes
from "Strumming" but in hindsight, it sounded very amateur-ish to
me in a lot of ways. Anyhow, Popfizz came out and opened a lot of
doors for me, and led to a lot of great new experiences. People took me
seriously. I got lots of radio play on CBC, college stations, podcasts,
some great reviews, international press...it was cool! I
spent the next few years doing a ton of solo acoustic shows, even thought
the record was a big, full band
sound. So of course, people that dug me playing solo acoustic stuff
didn't always get the record. That's OK, though. I still like
a lot of those songs.
The other interesting thing that happened during these days, was
that the world was finally catching up with the power of the Internet. My
website literally became bigger than my music. Even in the Strumming
days I was constantly geeking-out online about my recording process;
ranting, raving, and waxing idiotic about my daily life. People did not
know what a "blog" was. I've always liked writing, so keeping up
a blog was a joy and
didn't require much discipline at all. I got nice emails from people all
over the world. I was flattered and loved doing it, but really just
hoped all these people would inevitably like my music and maybe buy a
record or something.
This year (September 2007) I put out my 3rd full length CD entitled "Tiny
Increments". It's the first album I've done that I feel fully,
completely proud of and creatively satisfied with. It's also the
first time I've brought in an outside producer (national touring
artist/friend Rob Szabo)
to help me make the album. I had co-produced a couple of Rob's
records over the last few years and we had established a really good
working relationship. Our individual skills compliment one another
nicely. So Rob returned the favour with my new record and really
helped me get my batch of songs in shape.
Another major milestone was bringing in some really amazing musicians and
friends to play on the record. Things really began to click.
I'm lucky to have met and played with some unbelievable performers over
the last few years. Having this group play on my album and in my
live band....man, I won't forget what that feels like. If you were
wondering, here's the people I'm talking about.
Adam Warner (Justin
Rutledge, Golden Dogs),
Alex McMaster (A Northern Chorus),
Dean Drouillard (Howie Beck, Matthew Barber),
Bryden Baird (Feist,
Hayden), Caroline Brooks (Brooks Sisters, Good Lovelies),
Christine Bougie (Amy Millan,
Serena Ryder), Steve Strongman (Steve Strongman Band, Tal Bachman).
The
album was mixed by me, Szabo, and
Michael Chambers (Golden
Dogs, Showroom), and lovingly mastered by
J.J. Golden (Calexico/Richard
Buckner) in sunny Ventura, CA.
So right now, I feel like I'm just getting things started again. I'm
really looking forward to playing these songs a ton (solo and with a
band), getting the music out there and meeting new music lovers and
friends who connect with what I'm doing. Hardcore touring is not really my thing. I love playing, but I've got a great life
here with my career and my wife. I can play shows to appreciative
semi-local audiences and drive home at the end of the night. Webcasting,
podcasts/satellite radio, customized music, intimate performances, and
other niche marketing efforts are the future. More importantly, these
are the things that I have access to and can realistically utilize myself to make
people aware of my music.
I've learned so much and feel so much love these days, it
completely overwhelms me if I stop to think about it. I credit
everything that's happened for me, or that will happen down to the road to
the support and encouragement of my amazing family, friends, and all the
nice people who seem to dig what I do.
I feel like any day playing music, in any capacity, is a gift.
+ PUBLICITY:
Catherine Fawcett/Cat*PR, cat@catpr.ca
+ PRESS STUFF:
EPK
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HEY KIDS!
NEW ALBUM OUT NOW!
"Tiny Increments"
(LISTEN/BUY) |
