Folk Roots Radio Episode 446: In Conversation with… Dave Sills

May 10 2019

We’re giving the whole of Episode 446 of Folk Roots Radio to an in-depth conversation with singer-songwriter, severe weather scientist and social activist Dave Sills, who has just released a wonderful debut album, “Fifty”. Dave Sills was a musical guest on my Guelph focused show Royal City Rag several times over the years. Dave joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the weather, storm-chasing, climate change and making his first album at the age of fifty – alongside a selection of tracks from the new album. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

50 years in the making, severe weather scientist, storm chaser and social activist Dave Sills has just released his debut album, a labour of love that is rather appropriately entitled “Fifty”. Dave Sills has been making music since he was a kid growing up in LaSalle near Windsor in Essex County ON. The new album is an absorbing mix of the musical influences he’s picked up along the way, from The Beatles to Blue Rodeo, to Johnny Cash and Neko Case.

The new recording features nine new original songs with a roots rock flavour, produced by Dave Sills (acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals) with Allister Bradley (keys, percussion, vocals) at Allister’s Tilted White Shed studio in Wellesley ON. Also joining Dave on the album are his brother Ken Sills (bass, vocals) and Adam Skinner (drums and cajon, vocals). There are also cameo appearances from Dave’s father Mike Sills and daughter Alice Sills on backing vocals, and Miranda Mulholland on fiddle. Photos for the album were taken by Dave’s son Jack. Dave’s wife of 25 years, Heather Kepran, also gets named checked as his road (and life manager).

For more information about the music of Dave Sills visit davesills.ca.

Listen

You can listen to this episode again on Soundcloud by following the link below. You can also listen to episodes of Folk Roots Radio, on demand, via iTunes, Stitcher and Tune-in Radio. (Click on the highlighted link to reach your chosen platform.)