Heads or Tails
Nick MacMahon, Staff
Feb.16, 10 p.m. @ Cavern
What’s your musical philosophy?
Music is for inspiration, relief and a good time, but it is also a depressant, an evil sibling who pokes at your weaknesses and a lover who knows you better than anyone does. If I can elicit any of these feelings from a listener, I am in the zone.
What’s your musical style?
I think my style is fused with raw and driven indie rock featuring dynamic guitar, setting a rhythmic back drop for catchy melodies and exposing lyrics. I have been referred to as “indie rocker Sean Brown.” I don’t mind that label.
Who or what are your influences?
Anyone who is creating music outside of the mainstream radio norm — acts like Modest Mouse, the Rheostatics, Elvis Costello and the Pixies. In general, the Canadian indie rock music scene inspires me and, now that I am back in Winnipeg, alt-country is entering the picture.
What inspires you?
My Family, Canadians who write beautiful music, other people’s misery and love.
Who’s in the band right now?
Steve Lagimodiere on lead guitar, Kurtis Wittmier on bass, and Todd Suggitt on drums.
How important is song structure to you?
Without a good song structure, you don’t have a good song. Now, there are exceptions, but for the most part if you want people to listen and understand what is going on in the music, there are structural guidelines — not that this is the most important [thing], but it is part of a total package.
What does musical growth mean to you?
When I started playing music, it was bass guitar and all punk rock. I began with DAC in the early ’90s and played in numerous bands with various styles after that. For me, the largest growth happened when I began to focus on guitar and writing songs. For me, growth is achieved by challenging myself to play and write more and by learning from my mistakes; easier said than done.
What is your purpose as an artist?
I would like to say “to effect change,” but really, it’s to express myself and make a good living. As a songwriter, I try to write so others can relate; that would be the ideal, which is also essential if you are trying to get people out to shows and listening to your album. But my purpose is really selfish — music is what I love to do and, in some weird way, what I need to do.
March 4, 2 p.m. @ Rady Jewish Community Centre
What’s your musical philosophy?
Listen to those with more experience and learn from their mistakes, but do not compromise your beliefs if you truly believe in them. Forge your own path.
What’s your musical style?
Ella Fitzgerald meets Jann Arden.
Who or what are your influences?
My music influences are those that helped me learn how to sing jazz, sitting in my bedroom listening to hundreds of great recordings years ago. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day and Dinah Washington immediately come to mind. I’d like to believe you can hear their influence in my live performances.
What inspires you?
Hearing a really great song for the first time and having an intense emotional connection with the lyrics makes me want to be a better performer. Learning about other local musicians’ successes makes me strive to succeed in this business.
Who’s in the band right now?
Jon Alexiuk and Jordan Jackiew on piano, Chris Berti and Jason Munroe on bass, and Glenn Lambert and Daniel Roy on drums.
How important is song structure to you?
I don’t really concern myself with song structure. In other words, I don’t analyze a piece of music and decide not to sing it just because it doesn’t have a “bridge.” If it’s a great song with great lyrics and I can relate to it, then it becomes part of my repertoire.
What does musical growth mean to you?
Like anything in life, the more you practice your craft, the better performer you will become. My next goal is to really concentrate on the art of songwriting, which as a jazz singer, has not been crucial to my career. I suppose in this regard, musical growth means getting out of my previous comfort zone and trying something new.
What is your purpose as an artist?
I’m not entirely sure that I have a “purpose.” However, if I could devise a purpose for my career, I guess my purpose would be to end animal cruelty through Cole Porter reinterpretations. Saving pets around the world one jazz tune at a time! Hooray!
