Hi! So that our readers can know a bit more about you, please introduce Redpath
TrafficRedpath Traffic is a Canadian band hailing from Toronto, with Kerem Balci on drums, Mark Fernley on bass, and Rick Todd on guitar and vocals.
Congrats on the release of ‘So Alive’, the song sounds great. What was the inspiration behind it?
“So Alive” is about finding that source of comfort and inspiration that keeps moving you forward. The lines “The icy stars all look the same, ‘cept for the one that bears your name” refers to focusing and drawing your energy from that one thing, be it a person, deity, or something else that brings you comfort and inspires to spread peace and joy. The trick is having that peace and joy inside you first.
Where did you record it?
The bed track was recorded at Revolution Recording with overdubs and at our producer Chris Birkett’s studio, 2 Mounties Media, both in Toronto.
Your music interweaves so many different styles and sounds. If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Tony Visconti. He’s worked with so many heavy hitters like David Bowie and Paul McCartney that collaborating with him on a project would teach us so much about recording and production. Our producer was a protégé of his.
What’s been your favorite musical experience to date?
Our favourite musical experiences involve putting new songs together. I (Rick) remember working out a part of our song “California Sunshine” with Kerem, and how we looked at one another that moment we struck gold. That’s how you know you’re in a band with the right people.
Where are you based? Can you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound at all?
Toronto is such a diverse city with lots of different cultures of music that you can’t help but be inspired by other sounds. We’ve incorporated a subtle Middle Eastern flavour into our rhythm section, giving our music a pretty unique vibe.
Can you write what was the best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
My (Rick’s) best live experience with Redpath Traffic was playing at a little burlesque house called The Painted Lady. The whole crowd was stomping along with “Hey Mona!” and “Diesel Therapy”, two of our more straight-ahead rockers.
Finally, have you got anything to share regarding upcoming gigs, and what have you got planned for 2023?
We’re currently recruiting additional musicians to enhance our live sound, and will hopefully be hitting the circuit soon. We’re also returning to the studio this fall to record a few new tunes to unleash in 2024!
