Interviews Archives | Page 16 of 19

Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys with Eliot Bronson – In The Folk Roots Radio Studio

Mar 22 2015

Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys (feat. Johnny Waken and Paul Ford) and Eliot Bronson were in Guelph on March 20 2015 for a wonderful show at Silence. They joined us in the studio at CFRU 93.3fm the next day as we went “Overtime” on Folk Roots Radio. Music: Jonathan Byrd “38 Baby” from “You Can’t Outrun The Radio” (2014, Waterbug Records); Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboys – “I Was An Oak Tree” (Live), “Working Offshore” (Live) and “Love Is The Law” (Live); Eliot Bronson – “Comin’ For Ya North Georgia Blues” (Live), “River Runs Dry” (Live) and “One Mississippi” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboys – “A Big Truck Brought It” (Live) and “Sun On The Water” (Live).

Eliot Bronson – The Interview

Mar 07 2015

“Eliot Bronson”, the self-titled third album from Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson has been creating quite a stir since its release in 2014, with favourable comparison being made to people like Ryan Adams. The album, tracked entirely in analog by acclaimed Nashville producer Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Rival Sons, Jason Isbell, Nikki Lane), is already creating quite a buzz on the folk scene. Eliot is on tour in Ontario during March and will be joining Jonathan Byrd for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at Silence on March 20. Eliot Bronson joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music. Music: Eliot Bronson, “River Runs Dry”; “Nothing Like Me”; “Time Ain’t Nothin'” and “Coming For Ya North Georgia Blues” from “Eliot Bronson” (2014, Saturn 5 Records).

Jonathan Byrd – The Interview

Mar 04 2015

North Carolina singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd is back on tour in Ontario. He makes a Guelph stop with Eliot Bronson for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at Silence on March 20. A son of a preacher man and Gulf War veteran, Jonathan Byrd has received many accolades for the quality of his songwriting including being named a New Folk award winner at the famed Kerrville Folk Festival in 2003. A gregarious and affable road warrior, his shows resemble something between a revival meeting and musical theatre, bringing together great songs, fine musicianship and some wonderful southern storytelling. We caught up with Jonathan at home in North Carolina. Music: Jonathan Byrd and The Sentimentals, “If I Was An Oak Tree” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys, “Do You Dream” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Pickup Cowboys, “Pick-up Cowboy” (Live); Jonathan Byrd and The Sentimentals, “You Can’t Outrun The Radio” (Live).

Kerri Powers – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 03 2015

After years out of the spotlight to raise a family, New England based singer-songwriter Kerri Powers returned to the music scene in 2014 with her stunning self-titled album, “Kerri Powers”. A little bit country, a little bit bluesy and very rootsy it was one of our favourite albums of 2014. With too many highlights to single out, it’s no wonder that it found its way into so many ‘Best of the Year’ lists including our own. Kerri Powers joined us on Folk Roots Radio for a feature length conversation. Music: Kerri Powers, “A Little Light”, “Buttercup”, “To Love Somebody” and “I’ve Got Your Back” from Kerri Powers (2014, Self)

Emily Millard – The Interview

Feb 24 2015

Emily Millard (formerly Miss Emily Brown) inhabits the space where poetry and song meet. Whether accompanied by auto harp or tenor guitar she sings with a beautiful ethereal quality that invites the listener into a world of wonder. Currently working on the follow up to her 2012 E.P., “Wire Wood Wind”, she stopped by our studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about her music and Emily chats with us about her home and her music and sings a couple of new songs live, accompanying herself on tenor guitar.. Photo credit: Kendall Green. For more information about Emily’s music, visit emilymillard.ca. Music: Emily Millard (Miss Emily Brown), “Back to the Woods” from “Wire Wood Wind E.P.” (2012, Self), Hunter (Live), Paradise (Live), “Man On Wire” from “Wire Wood Wind E.P.” (2012, Self)

Jesse Parent – In The Studio

Feb 16 2015

Kitchener based singer-songwriter Jesse Parent joined us in the studio on Valentine’s Day to chat about his music and play a few songs. Jesse and his band will be opening for Craig Cardiff at the Burns Howff in Cambridge on February 27 at 8:00 p.m. (doors 7:00 p.m.). Tickets are $15 in advance online HERE or $20 at door. Jesse’s latest album “About Time” is scheduled for a May release. Music: Jesse Parent, “Good To You” from “Jesse Parent EP” (2009); “By Your Side” (Live); “Something More” (Live); “My Last Love Song” (Live); “Bon Echo” (Live) “Blood Red Skies” from “The Uncertainty” (2012).

Jim Bryson – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Feb 10 2015

Jim Bryson is about to release his new album, “The Depression Dance”. Jim joined us for an interview and impromptu session at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October and talked openly about his music, his work as a sideman with Kathleen Edwards and Oh Susanna, and the new album as well as his own struggle with depression. We think it’s one of our best interviews ever and definitely worth checking out. Photo credit: Jamie Kronick. Music: Jim Bryson, “The Depression Dance” from “The Depression Dance” (demo), “Change In Scenery” (live), “Ontario” (Live), “Stuck In The Middle” (Live) and “Fire Watch” from “Where The Bungalows Roam” (2007, Kelp Records).

Shawna Caspi – The Interview

Jan 08 2015

Shawna Caspi describes herself as a guitar-picking, classically-trained folkie with a sweet-tooth for a good story, a sly lyrical wit, and a rich, powerful voice. She’s just released a great third album of coffee-house style folk, “Apartments for Lovers”. We caught up with Shawna at home in Toronto. Music: Shawna Caspi, “Anchor”, “I’m Trying To Leave” and “Not So Silent” from “Apartments For Lovers” (2014, Self)

Dennis Ellsworth – The Interview

Dec 17 2014

Dennis Ellsworth lives to write songs. The P.E.I based singer-songwriter released “Hazey Sunshine” in 2013, and (the limited release) “Love Knows Love” in 2014 and yet he’s already hard at work on a follow-up. Dennis joined us for a chat and a couple of live songs at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information visit dennisellsworth.com. Photo credit: Leigh Elliott. Music: Dennis Ellworth “Valentine” from “Love Knows Love” (2014, Busted Flat Records), “Beauty Is Sad” (Live), “Silver Tears” (Live) and “Perfect Storm” from “Dusk Dreams” (2012, Busted Flat Records).

Irish Mythen – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Dec 17 2014

Irish Mythen travelled the world as a singer-songwriter before settling in Canada and making Prince Edward Island her home. Irish, who is just about to release her new album – the self-titled “Irish Mythen”, joined us for an interview and impromptu session at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information visit irishmythen.com. Music: Irish Mythen “Gypsy Dancer” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self), “These Walls” (Live), “Their Waltz” (Live) and “Take Me To The River” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self).

Jill Zmud – The Interview

Dec 04 2014

Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Jill Zmud has just released her second album, the Canadian Folk Music Award nominated “Small Matters of Life & Death”. Jill joined us for an interview and impromptu session at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. Photo credit: Marc Labreque. Music: Jill Zmud “Victoria Tucker” from “Small Matters Of Life & Death” (2014, Self), “Wishing Well” (Live), “Carry Me Home” (Live) and “Water In The Wine” (Live).

Phil Elsworthy & Ed Koenig – In The Studio

Nov 29 2014

Phil Elsworthy and Ed Koenig are releasing The Crooked Path, an album of mostly Celtic and Appalachian tunes using guitar, fiddle, mandolin and tambourine at The Albion 2nd Floor in Guelph on Sunday November 30 at 7:30 p.m. There is no cover for this event. Phil Ellsworthy and Ed Koenig joined us in the studio for Folk Roots Radio Overtime on Saturday November 29.

Georgetown Musictown – Uncorked On Main

Nov 27 2014

Local groups supporting live music in their own community are springing up everywhere. Georgetown Musictown is another example of a trend that may change the way we all think about live music. Why head to the big city to see a major act in an airport hanger-sized sports arena with poor sound and terrible sightlines when you can get up close and personal with great music close to home at a fraction of the cost? Georgetown Musictown are a volunteer group founded in 2013 to promote and expand the amount of live music available within Georgetown, a rapidly growing community within southern Ontario. They maintain an online calendar and use a mailing list to inform people about opportunities to hear great live music locally. They also provide support to both venues and musicians to increase the number of opportunities for musicians to play within the community.

The latest restaurant to join the music scene in Georgetown is Uncorked on Main, a new tapas bar & restaurant in Georgetown that has made a commitment to present live music on a regular basis, and planned accordingly with a dedicated stage area and premium sound system. Uncorked on Main is a joint venture of local Georgetown restauranteurs Brady Davies (of The Cellar) and Mike Willis (of Bistro at Silvercreek). They describe the Uncorked on Main experience as mouth-watering tapas fare and romantic wines accompanied by amazingly-talented local musicians. Uncorked on Main’s celebratory opening takes place on Friday December 5, and Saturday December 6 from 6 p.m. Tickets for the opening are $75 and can be picked up at Bistro at Silvercreek, and the Cellar Steak and Seafood in Georgetown. Ticket price includes canapés all night long, a cheese buffet, a champagne toast, three drink tickets and dancing until 2 a.m. to Canadian crooner Monty Greig and his Jazz band.

We sat down with Al Robitaille from Georgetown Musictown and Mike Willis from Uncorked on Main earlier this week. For more information about Georgetown Musictown visit georgetownmusictown.com. For more information about Uncorked on Main, visit uncorkedonmain.ca. Music: Ablett & Cooper, “Angie” from “Changing Landscapes” (2008, Self); Second Wind, “Second Wind” from “Second Wind” (2010, Self).

Shawn William Clarke – The Interview

Nov 27 2014

Shawn William Clarke may be one of Toronto’s best kept secrets. After spending time as a sideman for Timber Timbre and Olenka & The Autumn Lovers, he is now forging his own solo career. As much a storyteller as a singer-songwriter, Shawn strives to make the subject matter for his songs as important as the beautiful melodies that accompany his well-crafted lyrics. His first solo album, 2010’s “Like Birds Too Tired To Fly” was very well-received. He is just about to release his latest album “William”, produced by James Bunton. We reached him at home in Toronto this week. For more information visit shawnclarkemusic.com. Music: Shawn William Clarke “Ten Years Ago”, “In Conversation” & “I Blame The Loyalist Ghost” from “William” (2014, Self).

Boreal – Winter’s Welcome

Nov 23 2014

Tannis Slimmon, Jude Vadala and Katherine Wheatley come together each Christmas to put on a series of concerts “Songs For The Snowy Season” in collaboration with Folkway Music. This year’s Guelph show (the 8th edition of this holiday tradition) takes place at Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris St, Guelph on Saturday, December 6 at 8:30 p.m. (Doors, 8:00 p.m.). This year, the performance will be that little bit more special as they are also releasing their first album under their new group name Boreal, “Winter’s Welcome”. Tickets $22.60 (includes HST) / $25 at the door and available from Folkway Music by phone at 1-855-772-0424, email or in person (22 Dupont Street East, Waterloo); The Bookshelf (41 Quebec Street, Guelph) and online through Event Brite HERE. Tannis, Jude and Katherine joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about the new album and upcoming Christmas shows. For more information about Boreal, visit borealsongs.ca.

Samantha Martin – The Interview

Nov 18 2014

Toronto-based blues, roots and gospel singer Samantha Martin will be playing the Toronto Blues Society‘s 28th Annual Women’s Blues Revue taking place at Massey Hall in Toronto on Saturday November 22. She is currently applying the finishing touches to her as yet untitled new long player with her band Delta Sugar; a release that’s expected early next year. Because of her strong stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Samantha Martin is very much a once seen, never forgotten live experience. That she writes fabulous songs and sings like she grew up along the Mississippi Delta just adds to the mystique. We caught up with her at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference for a feature-length conversation and impromptu session. Music: Samantha Martin, “Mississippi Sun” from “Mississippi Sun” EP (2014, Dollartone Records), “When You Walk Away” (Live), “Give Me Your Mercy” (Live)”, “Addicted” (Live) and “One More Day” from “Mississippi Sun” (2014, Dollartone Records).

Luke Michielsen – In The Studio

Nov 16 2014

Kitchener-based singer-songwriter Luke Michielsen is just about to release his new album “Oh Surround Me”. Luke joined us in the studio for Folk Roots Radio Overtime on November 15 2014. Sounding at times like REM’s Michael Stipe with songs that have the feel of artists as diverse as Carbon Leaf, Doug Paisley, Hayden and Neil Young, he’s definitely worth checking out. Oh Surround Me was produced by Michael Langford in Toronto. Luke’s Kitchener CD release is at The Boathouse on December 13. He’ll also be in Guelph on December 12 for a pre-release show at Van Gogh’s. Music: Luke Michielson, “For You” from “Oh Surround Me” (2014, Self), “Every Time I Come Home” (Live), “Derrida Says” (Live), “Wanderer” (Live), “Pine Needles” (Live) and “Hypothermia” from “Oh Surround Me” (2014, Self).

Shore Thing – The Interview

Nov 13 2014

Niagara based Shore Thing will be in Guelph on Saturday November 15 2014 for a show at The Cornerstone . They have just released their E.P. “Outside Voices” recorded at Yummy Recordings in St. Catharines. Shore Thing are Jordan Nicolaides on guitar, Wilson Hadfield on guitar, Ben Goerzen on cello and Jarod Cardas on percussion. Their music transcends folk, soul, funk and indie… they describe it as ‘funky’as’folk’! At The Cornerstone they will be joined by The Sweet Experience and Emily & The Mainlanders. The show starts at 9 p.m., and it’s a pay what you can event. For more information visit shorethingtunes.com. We caught up with Jordan Nicolaides in Toronto.

Carly Thomas – The Interview

Nov 13 2014

London-based singer/songwriter Carly Thomas and her band will be making their Guelph debut at Van Gogh’s Ear on Saturday, November 22 . The show starts at 9 p.m., and also features local band Let’s Just Be Friends. Carly has just released her new E.P. “Explode” recorded at London’s Sonic Zen Studios by Michael “Musashi” Marucci. We reached her at home in London. Music: Carly Thomas, “Lightning Bolts” and “Explode” from “Explode EP” (2014, Self).

The Hello Strangers – The Interview

Nov 10 2014

The Hello Strangers are sisters Larissa Chace-Smith and Brechyn Chace. They come from rural Pennsylvania and write wonderful roots songs with an earthy Appalachian feel and fabulous harmonies that can chill you to the bone. They describe their music as original Pennsyltucky Fried Sister Folk which is a fair approximation of how ‘it’ makes you feel. These girls have it, in spades. Their first full-length, self-titled album is already among our favourite albums of 2014. We caught up with them at home in Pennsylvania. Photo: Ryan Smith Photography. Music: The Hello Strangers, “The World Knows Far Better”, “What It Takes To Break A Heart” and “Runaway” from “The Hello Strangers” (2014, IMI)

Joanna Chapman-Smith – The Interview

Nov 08 2014

Joanna Chapman-Smith may be based in Toronto, but with familial roots in Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Italy and Brazil, and a touring schedule that has taken her across the world she has a diversity of life experience that not only comes through in her body of recorded work but also points towards an exciting and very creative future. Her most recent album “Love Me Deeply” only came out in 2013, however she is already preparing to head back into the studio to record a folk-tale album with Ken Whiteley in the producer’s chair. As well her own career as a singer-songwriter, Joanna is also the founder of Songbirds Travelling Music School, which delivers music, vocal and creative workshops into far-flung under-supported communities of Canada. We caught up with her at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. Music: “Pick Me Up” (Live), “Cry For The Departed” (Live), “Goose Girl” (Live), “Melodies” (Live), “Paris” from “Love Me Deeply” (2013, Wound Up Records).

Folk Music Ontario Youth Program 2014

Nov 01 2014

In this audio documentary we step inside the Youth Program at the 2014 Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Conference. The program is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. The selected youth members are paired with experienced mentors from the Ontario folk music community for the duration of the weekend conference, while developing a showcase performance and participating in professional development activities. The documentary features commentary and musical contributions from programme coordinator Treasa Levasseur, mentors David Newland, Melanie Brulée, Drew Gonsalves, Tannis Slimmon and Brian Kobayakawa; as well as youth members Jazmine Wykes, Campbell Woods, Martine Fortin, Annie Sumi and Benjamin Rogers. For more information on the Folk Music Ontario Youth Program visit folkmusicontario.ca. Photo credit: Mike Bourgeault. Music: Treasa Levasseur “Shine Your Light” from “The Memphis Sessions” (2013, Self), David Newland “I Saw the Light” from “Give It A Whirl” (2012, Self), Melanie Brulée “Wonder” from “Sucré/Salé” (2012, Self), Kobo Town (Drew Gonsalves) “Mr. Monday” from “Jumbie In The Jukebox” (2012, Cumbancha), Tannis Slimmon “Do What You Do” from “In & Out Of Harmony” (2013, Self), Brian Kobayakawa “Indeed Indeed” (Demo), Jazmine Wykes “Laura’s Song” (Demo), Campbell Woods “Mad Trapper” (Demo), Martine Fortin “Qui est c’est fille?” (Demo), Annie Sumi “Life Like That” (Demo), Benjamin Rogers “Wayfarer” & “Pendulum” from “Wayfarer” (2014, Self).

Fish & Bird’s Taylor Ashton – The Interview

Nov 01 2014

Fish & Bird are a five piece alt. folk – roots band, featuring songwriter Taylor Ashton (vocals, banjo), Adam Iredale-Gray (fiddle, vocals), Ryan Boeur (electric and acoustic guitars), Ben Kelly (drums) and Zoe Guigueno (upright bass, vocals). They will be in Guelph for a Folk Roots Radio promoted CD launch for “Something In The Ether” at Silence, 46 Essex St on Wednesday November 12 2014. The support act will be Guelph’s own Tannis Slimmon. I had the privilege of introducing Fish & Bird at the Kingsville Folk Music Festival this summer, and they put on a fabulous show. Their performance at Kingsville was especially memorable in that they earned, that rare distinction, a festival main stage encore. The Silence show starts at 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Tickets four the Guelph show are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Advanced tickets may be purchased online from Ticket Scene here. Silence is a fully accessible concert venue. We caught up with Taylor Ashton earlier this week. Music: Fish & Band, “Something In The Ether” , “Lost” and “Go-To-Bed Light” from “Something In The Ether” (2014, Fiddle Head Records).

Cambridge Live Music

Oct 30 2014

Cambridge Live Music (ClM) are a group of music lovers passionate about the local live music scene in Cambridge, Ontario. Their mission is simple – to raise awareness of the incredibly talented artists who perform live music, of any genre, within their own “Music City” – Cambridge!. CLM publishes a free Live Music calendar on their website at cambridgelivemusic.com as well as via the monthly Live Music poster displayed in almost every local live music venue, as well as select local businesses. Ted Ferris from CLM joined us in the studio to chat about this important local music awareness project. Music: Jesse Parent, “Good To You” from “Good To You” EP (2009, Self); Dan Walsh, “Stayin’ Low” from “Outta The Jam” (2013, Self)

The MacKenzie Blues Band – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

MacKenzie Blues - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 23 2014

The MacKenzie Blues Band are one of the hottest bands out of Owen Sound. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Tara MacKenzie alongside the guitar of Trevor MacKenzie with Joel Dawson on bass and Mike Weir on drums they were voted best new artist or group at the 2014 Maple Blues Awards. They released their sophomore album, “Slam! Bam!”, an album of dark and spiritual but ultimately uplifting blues earlier this year. We caught up with band members Tara MacKenzie, Trevor MacKenzie and Mike Weir at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a feature length conversation. Photo: Jason Ruznak. Music: MacKenzie Blues Band – “Down With Love (Slam! Bam!)”, “Move On”, “Bone Cage”, “Spiritual Power” and “Higher Road” from “Slam! Bam!” (2014, Self)