Hi! Congrats on the release of ‘Cont. Bagg Gauge’, the EP sounds great. What was the inspiration behind it?
The inspiration for this EP is varied because the songs that make it up were all written years apart. “Peace of Mind” is about six years old, whereas “Too Sad” is about two years old, and “My, my” is only a few months old. “Peace of Mind” is really a question about the source of peace – does it come from within or from without? Can I have peace of mind in my solitariness, or do I need social and relational influences to give me peace of mind? “Too Sad” really just came out of the experience of becoming a first-time Quaker Parrot owner. “My, my” was really inspired by the sound of Sibylle Baier and also by my own health complications.
Where did you record it?
I recorded “Cont. Bagg Gauge” in my bedroom studio.
What’s your favorite track on the EP and why?
My favorite track is “Peace of Mind” because it’s been with me the longest (it was one of the first songs that I ever wrote) and it’s really fun to play and sing.
I’m very interested in how you started your adventure with music, and did you know from the beginning that this is what you wanted to do?
I started my adventure in music in 2014 studying classical piano, which I went to university in 2017 for but dropped out after one year because it wasn’t really what I was passionate about. The reason I started in the first place was because I listened to music nonstop growing up and felt extremely inspired to participate in the craft. My older brother also had a huge influence on me since he taught himself how to play guitar and wrote a lot of original songs and performed frequently.
Your music interweaves so many different styles and sounds. If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Bob Dylan. I’ve probably listened to him more than any other artist and I read his autobiography “Chronicles: Vol. 1” like it was the last book I’d ever read.
What’s been your favorite musical experience to date?
Honestly, I hardly have any performing experience yet. My Royal Conservatory of Music Level 10 practical examination was quite memorable because that was the longest program I’ve ever performed.
Where are you based? Can you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound at all?
I moved to Vancouver, British Columbia two months ago. I haven’t been involved with the music scene here at all. I’m much more involved with musicians online. I recently started my own music review website (https://heresiarchmusicreviews.com/) where I review music that I love but that doesn’t get very much attention elsewhere – especially more experimental, ambient, and freak-folk styles. I’ve been in touch with several musicians whose albums I’m in the process of reviewing and it’s been really exciting talking with them and I’m always thrilled at how positive their response is when I reach out. My first review was of Miles Hewitt’s LP “Heartfall” and he reached out to me and thanked me personally, which I was overjoyed by. There’s so many talented musicians out there who just aren’t being heard or maybe they have a very small and dedicated audience.
If you could perform at any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
I really don’t like big venues or anything modern. A small medieval church or castle would be the dream because of how beautiful, magical, and sacred these spaces are. Something about being in these spaces gives me a sense of connection to a near past that I normally feel much farther distanced from.
And what was the first album you remember owning?
That’s actually a hard question! I’m pretty sure there were albums before this that I simply can’t remember, but what I do remember is Beach Boys “Pet Sounds”.
Finally, have you got anything to share regarding upcoming gigs, and what have you got planned next?
I don’t have any gigs planned in the near future, but I am currently working with a gentleman from Saga Recording Studio in Vancouver to mix and master a 55 minute long LP of experimental freak-folk songs that I’ve been recording for the last few months. I am also currently writing and recording an album of piano music that is a homage to Mervyn Peakes novel “Titus Groan”. Last but not least I am writing and recording an ambient album. Lots of releases happening in 2023!
