Category: Uncategorised

Q&A With Brittney Spencer

September 11, 2024 by Josh Steeves

Harvest Profile – Brittney Spencer
By Adam Bowie

If you see Brittney Spencer in Fredericton tonight, don’t forget to wish her Happy Birthday. The Baltimore, Maryland native will take the stage at this year’s Harvest Music Festival on Wednesday evening in the Blues Tent just a few days after her 35th birthday.

It’s an exciting time for Spencer, who has been touring the globe this year in support of her debut full-length album, My Stupid Life, and fresh from being named one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “25 Artists To Watch,” in 2023. After starting her professional singing career as a backing vocalist for artists like Christopher Cross and Carrie Underwood, Spencer spent a few years slugging it out in the clubs in Nashville, trying to find her place within the city’s competitive music scene.

Then, in 2020, she posted a video of her covering, “Crowded Table,” by The Highwomen on Twitter. That video went viral, and was retweeted by Highwomen album and previous Harvest headliner Amanda Shires. An EP followed, then appearances on some of the biggest stages in country music, including opening slots for Willie Nelson, Reba McIntyre, Bobby Weir, The Highwomen, and fellow Harvester Jason Isbell. Now, she’s ready to bring her soaring vocals and fun-loving stage presence to Fredericton’s Harvest Music Festival.

If you want to buy tickets to join me at this, or any other show, you can find them
here. Until then, you can get to know Brittney a bit better through her answers to the Harvest questionnaire.

AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
BS: Nickelodeon was pretty big in my household. We watched nearly everything they aired. Disney was a big one too. And all the teen rom-coms – like, She’s All That, Love & Basketball, Save The Last Dance, 10 Things I Hate About You. The images are all burned into my head at this point. Lol.

AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
BS: Wherever Lebron goes honestly. Lol. And anything Baltimore. Basketball is my favourite sport to watch. Football is a close second.

AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
BS: I’m listening to lots of John Mayer (always), Victoria Monét, Parker McCollum, Teddy Swims, Caylee Hammack, Billie Eilish, Remi Wolf, Ley Soul, Ashley Monroe, Reyna Roberts, Debbii Dawson, Heavy Quitters and Willow.


AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
BS: I think, “Whiskey Lullaby,”[by Allison Kraus and Brad Paisley] is a perfect song. The emotion in the storytelling and the melodies move me in a way I can’t really explain. It’s my second favourite song of all time.


AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?
BS: Keep writing, even when it sucks and you can’t figure out what to say yet. Songwriting is a muscle. Resist the temptation to rely on natural talent and songs falling out of the sky. If a lyric makes you feel exposed and naked, you’re probably headed in the right direction.


AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What are you making, and why did you choose that?
BS: An egg-white veggie omelette with cheese, sourdough, side of bacon, blackberries, hot lemon and mint tea with honey. A perfect breakfast in my book. My family would probably just want regular scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and toast. I’m the extra one of the bunch. Lol.


AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?
BS: Maya Angelou’s autobiographies made a huge impression on me as a kid. They got me interested in the art of storytelling.


AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
BS: I’d love to thank my publicist, Jaclyn, and her team at Shorefire. Deep down, I think I always hoped to be an ‘it’ girl on TV and on the cover of magazines highlighting my art in a really cool way, and now I am. I think that’s really dope.


AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
BS: Loretta Lynn, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé.


AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favourite, and why?
BS: Yay. I’m the kinda girl that probably needs a quick tutorial before I can play. Lol. But if he’s a little patient, me and video games is low-key a big vibe. Haha.

AB: What three things are always in your fridge, or in your pantry?
BS: Liquid Death, some leftover Uber Eats, and a half-eaten box of baby kale that’s about to expire.

AB: Who helped foster your love of music?
BS: My dad. He can sing, too!

AB: What’s your favorite sandwich or wrap?
BS: Grilled cheese. Add tomato soup for extra vibes.

Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner
newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards,
the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works
in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.

Q & A With Sarah Harmer

September 7, 2024 by Josh Steeves

Harvest Profile: Sarah Harmer
By Adam Bowie

If we’ve spent any time together, I may have mentioned that Sarah Harmer is one of my favorite Canadian artists – an absolutely killer songwriter, with a fantastic voice and nimble guitarwork.

I think she’s an excellent choice to help wrap up the 2024 Harvest Music Festival, which she’ll do as part of a Sunday-afternoon showcase at The Playhouse alongside the fabulous local group, The Chanterelles.

While her first hit album, You Were Here, remains one of my favorite records, her work has remained consistently strong, and 2020’s Are You Gone, shows she’s still at the top of her game.

Harmer, who’s won multiple Juno Awards, has also stood up for what she believes in – advocating for better environmental practices, particularly in protection of the Niagara Escarpment from a proposed gravel-mining development.

If you want to buy tickets to Harmer’s Harvest show, you can find them, and passes for other shows, by clicking here.

AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
SH: I wasn’t allowed to watch much TV when I was a kid but when I could I usually chose Little House on the Prairie. As the youngest in the family, I spent a lot of time playing in the barn with my dog, sweeping the granary floor, pretending I was Laura Ingalls.

AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
SH: I watch every Leaf game I can. Why? Because they are the best! (And I’m fond of underdogs) Close second is Canada’s Men’s National Soccer team.

AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
SH: I’ve been revisiting Hannah Georgas’ latest album and admiring the powerful simplicity of her songs. Her voice sounds effortless and I love her whole catalogue.

AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
SH: “I Still Miss Someone,” seems pretty “perfect” to me.

AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?

SH: Go see live music. Book yourself a gig (open mic, etc) so you have a deadline to finish those half-written songs. Even if the sound is bad on stage, or you’re having a rough time, don’t let ‘em see you sweat. If you seem to be having a good time, your audience will too.

AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What are you making, and why did you choose that?
SH: PEI Oysters on the half shell with horseradish and lemon. Freshly picked greens for a big salad. New potatoes, boiled with butter and tamari.

AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?
SH: I’ve realized just recently how influential the songs and lyric writing of Oscar Hammerstein have been on my own songwriting. I grew up performing in school musicals, and songs from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and South Pacific are like old friends. I love Hammerstein’s attention to detail and his timeless, playful spirit.

AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
SH: My first manager, Patrick Sambrook, was a big part of my success. He had faith in me, pushed me when I was getting lazy, and was a trusted advisor. I would thank him for all the support he

gave me, and his friendship.

AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
SH: I didn’t get to know any of my grandparents before they died so I would absolutely love to have a meal with them. I have so many questions about their lives!

AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favourite, and why?
SH: I get addicted to things pretty quick, so I don’t play video games these days. Tetris was on my computer in university and let’s just say it didn’t help with my deadlines.

AB: What’s your favourite sandwich or wrap?
SH: Sourdough with baked squash, arugula and goat cheese, toasted.

Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner
newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards,
the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works
in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.

Q&A With Rising Star, Kylie Fox

September 3, 2024 by Josh Steeves

Harvest Profile: Kylie Fox

By: Adam Bowie

2024-09-03

Kylies Background

Music fans on the East Coast are starting to get used to seeing Kylie Fox’s name on the marquee, or on the show poster. She’s increasingly in-demand. The talented singer-songwriter’s career has been building for several years now, and she seems poised to take another step forward in her musical journey in the months to come, thanks to the scheduled release of her second album, Sequoia, in September.

Based in Fredericton, Fox has the intriguing ability to mix an old-school folk vocal with modern soundscapes and insightful songwriting. That lines up with Fox’s planned performance at this year’s Harvest Music Festival – a special tribute to the legendary Joni Mitchell’s folk/jazz masterpiece, Court and Spark.

After you get a taste of Fox’s immense talents, you’ll want to catch her next show so you can
enjoy her own artistic mastery. Based on the anticipation for her forthcoming album, I think
you’ll have lots of opportunities. As always, you can buy tickets to her Harvest performance,
or any other show, here.

Q&A

AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
KF: I would consider The Muppets Christmas Carol the most highly rated film in my household growing up and we still make an event of watching it each year. The music is so good and Michael Caine is heartbreaking.


AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
KF: I have watched a lot of second-hand golf but I can’t say that I have a particular passion for watching any sport, unless it’s my nephew’s hockey game.


AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
KF: Chappell Roan is taking over, and for good reason. Not only do I genuinely love every song on her album, but her stylist is killing it and she’s the most exciting thing that has happened in mainstream music, for me, in a while.


AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
KF: My first impulse is to answer with “Hard Candy Christmas,” by Dolly Parton, and “Woman of Heart and Mind,” by Joni Mitchell.


AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?

KF: Stop making excuses why you don’t have time to write songs. Schedule it! Not every song is going to hit you while you’re on a bus.


AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What
are you making, and why did you choose that?
KF: I am really big on vacation breakfast and would ensure that omelettes and fresh fruit and even fresher sourdough was present. Then, over breakfast, I would discuss with Ryan Barrie what he would want to cook for us later. And it would be tacos every time.


AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?
KF: The Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling is unfortunately problematic, but she created a world that affected so many childhoods with magic and wonder and possibility and characters that felt like friends and family.

AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
KF: I started working with my manager, Joe Bamford, in January, and he has made my career more exciting, and my workload lighter. He’s been connecting a lot of dots that have been out of reach for me on my own. We went to Toronto together in June and met some very cool movers and shakers in the industry. He has saved a place on his wall for my accolades and I hope to fill it soon. Maybe I will write him a song.


AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
KF: I’d love to hang out with Brandi Carlile or Taylor Swift. They are incredibly innovative business women and artists and are great models of musicians who are always evolving and delivering great music and great shows.


AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favourite, and why?
KF: Nay. My brother owns a VR headset and I climbed Everest once and that was pretty cool.

AB: What three things are always in your fridge, or in your pantry?
KF: Hummus, Oatmeal, Sriracha.


AB: Who helped foster your love of music?
KF: Both of my parents, in different ways. My mom sang to me all the time, made up songs that accompanied bedtime, or certain lunches. My Dad sat at the head of every Fox Family kitchen party singing Lightfoot and Prine and taught me to love Joni MItchell word for word.


AB: What’s your favourite sandwich or wrap?
KF: Tuna, 100%. If mom makes it, it’s best. Ryan, second-best.

Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner
newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards,
the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works
in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.

Too Many Zooz Q&A

July 15, 2024 by Josh Steeves

Harvest Interview with the Bands Trumpet Player, Matt Doe.

Written and Conducted by: Adam Bowie

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the talented three-piece group Too Many Zooz likes to describe its music as “brasshouse”. That sounds about right, as the band takes a variety of musical elements – New Orleans- style brass, funk, electronic and house music – and they blend those sounds together until listeners are left with a high-energy party vibe.

Don’t let the colourful outfits, the impressive dance moves, or the viral videos distract you from the incredible musicianship. These guys have some serious chops. If you’re looking to give in to the groove, if you need to release some energy and dance all your cares away, you could do a lot worse than spending an evening with the music of Too Many Zooz.

I was able to catch up with the band’s trumpet player, Matt Doe, who took some time to answer this year’s Harvest Questionnaire.

AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
MD: Star Wars 4/5/6

AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
MD: Boston Celtics

AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
MD: Brakence, Laundry Day, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Khraungbin, SaveAJ. They’re all dope-ass artists/writers doing creative shit.

AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
MD: “Chandelier,” by Sia. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” by Michael Jackson. “Sweet Life,” by Frank Ocean.

AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?
MD: Write as many songs as you can and write with intention.

AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What are you making, and why did you choose that?
MD: If it’s summer – some sort of seafood and pasta. If it’s winter – steak, potato au gratin and creamed spinach.

AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?

MD: All of Malcolm Gladwell’s stuff – smart guy with a really amazing ability to aggregate tons of valuable information into wonderfully engaging books that are both educational and thought provoking in the way they almost force you to examine yourself. The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason – an amazing read on money management and the skills required to accumulate long-lasting wealth. And Homer’s The Odyssey – one of the oldest stories still read today, and for good reason. Amazing storytelling and thematic development. I really appreciate this poem as the archetype for so much literature that followed.

AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
MD: Too many to thank one person individually. I’ve been really fortunate to have a lot of people stick their neck out for me!

AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
MD: I’m really fascinated with history in general, so it would most likely be someone dead. I’m not sure who, though. That’s a tough one.

AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favorite, and why?
MD: Video games – yay. I think it’s like anything else. Video games are not inherently bad. However, I think they can easily be abused by people looking for an escape from real life. They can also be tremendous pieces of interactive art, or games, or puzzles that people can find joy in. It sort of depends on how they’re used.

AB: What three things are always in your fridge, or in your pantry?
MD: Seltzer water, coffee, oat milk.

AB: Who helped foster your love of music?
MD: Again, way too many to thank here, but definitely my parents for the constant support growing up.

AB: What’s your favourite sandwich or wrap?
MD: Prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze on ciabatta. That’s what sounds good right now.

Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards, the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.

Need some Harvest help? Top 5 underrated shows for Harvest 2024

July 3, 2024 by Josh Steeves

By Adam Bowie

There’s no question that one of the best things about Fredericton’s Harvest Music Festival is the collective breadth and depth of the lineup each year.

For Atlantic Canadian music fans, it’s the only place you’ll find Grammy-winning acts like Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Victor Wooten, and Warren Haynes. Where you’ll find Texas rockers like Spoon and Alejandro Escovedo, or a slew of Canadian legends such as Big Sugar, Feist, Broken Social Scene, Julie Doiron, the Paul Langlois Band, Matthew Good, the Jim Cuddy Band, July Talk, Colin James, and Matt Minglewood.

Still, one of my favourite things about the event each year is that it’s an opportunity to find exciting emerging acts – bands that may be flying slightly under the radar, and are about to break out in a big way.

If you’re looking for a few suggestions, a few tips on bands that could quite possibly become your next favourite act, here are a few contenders – in no particular order:

LANEY JONES & THE SPIRITS

The first thing that grabs you about this 32-year-old rocker is her voice.

Even though it sounds sweet, it also has a touch of sandpaper, and it sounds like it belongs to an experienced veteran of the stage – not a rising star.

I’m going to do my best to catch her early-evening set on Sept. 13, and I’m hoping she plays, “Secret Weapon,” one of the best I’ve heard from her band.

GA-20

Most Harvest fans will remember that when The Record Company first came to Harvest, they were virtually unknown, and frontman Chris Vos even told me once that the band

had been struggling at the time and thinking about packing it in. But after a successful showing, one that saw them warmly embraced by local music-lovers, they pressed on, and finally found some sturdier footing in the music industry. They’ve returned multiple times since, and they have become a fan-favourite act at Harvest.

If I was a betting man, I think GA-20 could possibly follow a similar path. Hailing from Boston, and with a Chicago-blues sound that would line up nicely with The Record Company and The Black Keys, GA-20 could be the next Harvest sleeper. Wondering what’s up with the name? The name is a reference to the Gibson guitar amp that was manufactured between 1950 and 1961.

TOO MANY ZOOZ

Looking for a way to release your stress, shake off the worries of your day, and just move your body? These guys can help you out. The band calls themselves “brass house,” mixing jazz, funk, electronic dance and house

music into a high-energy sound that makes you want to dance. The next time you’re scrolling through YouTube, check out the viral video they made for, “Bedford,” which sees them rocking out on the subway. Incredibly fun. This is going to be quite a time.

CONNOR FOX

One of my favourite shows from last year’s Harvest was the blues jam featuring Fredericton guitarist Connor Fox and PEI’s Logan Richard. If you weren’t there at The Cap that night, you missed out. Simply stunning – both for the guitar-work and the soulful vocals. I still think about the J.J. Cale cover they did – like, a lot.

Since then, Mr. Fox has dropped his first solo album – called Music Room – and continued playing with his band, The Hypochondriacs. Music Room is a bit of a hodge-podge of musical ideas, and somehow it just works. It’s a fun listen from an artist who’s still having fun exploring and creating new compositions, and I can’t wait to see where this young man goes next.

He’ll take the stage in the Barracks Tent on Sept. 14 – helping to warm up the stage for Apollo Suns and Too Many Zooz.

THE CHANTERELLES & SARAH HARMER

I think this sounds like an amazing way to close out the festival – to kick back in comfortable seats at The Playhouse and listen to Canadian folk legend Sarah Harmer and three of New Brunswick’s sweetest voices in The Chanterelles.

Hope to see you there!

You can buy tickets to these, or any other show, RIGHT HERE!

A bit about the Author:

Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards, the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.

Saturday, Sept. 16th

September 15, 2023 by Eliza Wolfe

Harvest Music Festival is cancelling Saturday night music programming, based on the current forecast for very high winds and heavy rain, and NB EMO’s advice for New Brunswickers to stay home and out of the storm tomorrow.

We are making this decision with heavy hearts and deep appreciation for our artists, our incredible audiences, loyal volunteers and valued suppliers and sponsors. The safety of our people is our greatest concern. We feel this is the most responsible decision given the information we have today.

We appreciate the support our audiences have shown us in the last few days. We’ve heard from a lot of you online and in person, sharing support and encouragement as we’ve watched the storm forecasts roll in.

All Friday shows will go ahead as planned. Please come out tonight and enjoy the music and see your friends. Make the most of the shows and the street experience – the weather will be fine.

All official Harvest programming on Saturday is cancelled. This means free shows, and ticketed shows in the Blues Tent, Barracks, Mojo Tent, and playhouse will not go ahead. We are working on next steps with respect to your tickets and passes and will have an update on this next week. We appreciate your patience as we sort out these details.

To our ultimate passholders, some of whom have supported Harvest for every one of our last 33 years of festivals. Thank you for your commitment and support over the years. We appreciate you very much. You have helped the festival survive and thrive over many decades and we are counting on this support as we move forward.

Thank you once again to our sponsors, artists, audiences, volunteers and service providers. It’s been an incredible festival so far – have a great time tonight and stay safe tomorrow. We’ll see you tonight AND we’ll see you next September.

Free Programming on Saturday

September 14, 2023 by Eliza Wolfe

Due to the anticipated weather, the Rocket Street Experience will not be open on Saturday. This means the free street party will start Thursday, continue Friday afternoon and finish at about midnight on Friday night, so make sure you get down there to enjoy it! Friday’s weather is expected to be sunny and cool with light winds.

We have also had to make the difficult decision to cancel the performances on Fredericton’s Own Stage, the Graystone Riverview Stage and the CBC Acoustic Stage on Saturday. Our stages are connected to outdoor electrical outlets and we want to be extra careful with the potential for heavy rain and standing water to cause problems.

We are deeply saddened to have to cancel all of this amazing free programming, but this decision was made with the safety of our artists and festival-goers in mind.

Harvest Profile: Wolf Castle

September 12, 2023 by Eliza Wolfe

Harvest Profile – Wolf Castle

By Adam Bowie

At this point, it might be safe to say Tristan Grant is one of the most exciting and interesting hip hop voices to emerge from Canada’s East Coast.

Grant, a Mi’kmaq rapper, producer, and radio host from Pabineau First Nation who takes the stage under the name Wolf Castle, has been steadily building his audience in recent years, thanks to catchy tracks like “Get Lit,” “Believe It,” and “Awaken.”

Beyond the impressive flow and super-catchy soundscapes, Grant has a very likeable personality. I don’t know if you’ve heard him on the radio, co-hosting CBC’s Information Morning or steering the ship solo on the CBC’s Indigenous radio show Reclaimed, but he comes across as intelligent, engaging and comfortable.

For his coming performance at Harvest, Grant will join forces once again with Fredericton favourites, The Olympic Symphonium. The two acts will find ways to meld elements of hip hop, jazz and indie-folk.

If you haven’t seen this rising star live yet, or if you’re new to live hip hop, this might be an interesting way to check him out.

For now, let’s get to know a little bit more about the man behind Wolf Castle.

*****

AB: What song are you currently obsessed with?

WC: Obsessed with “Fire and Brimstone,” by Indigenous guitarist Link Wray – super influential guitarist from the 50s onward. Highly recommend this one.

AB: What three things are always in your fridge?

WC: Ice cold grapefruit sparkling water, tupperware containers with leftovers and ketchup. You can never have enough ketchup. Lol.

AB: Name a book, or any other piece of writing, that’s important in your life.

WC: The poem contained within Kendrick Lamar’s album, “To Pimp A Butterfly,” is one of the most powerful things you can read, and explains the whole album clearly. It’s amazing. 

AB: When you think about the music you heard as a child, who was choosing the song or selecting the radio station, and what kinds of stuff were they picking?

WC: Mom was always picking the music, and her taste was impeccable. From 2pac to Soft Cell, Don Henley to Backstreet Boys, I listened to everything.

AB: What’s more important – talent or work ethic? Why?

WC: Work Ethic. 100%. Talent is about 10% of it. You really need to work hard to make things happen and last in this business. 

AB: If you had to cook for someone, what are you making and will they be complimenting you afterwards?

WC: Currently obsessed with pork tenderloin with maple chipotle spice on top. I love cooking and I’d do my best to prepare a delish’ meal for ya! 

AB: What’s a TV show or movie that you’ve watched a dozen times?

WC: One of my comfort shows (which I’ve seen over and over) would be Community, which ran from 2009-2015.

AB: Is there an artist that you think deserves more recognition for the inspiring work that they do?

WC: In the hip-hop world Future is popular, but I don’t think people understand how much his style influenced rap music of the past decade.

AB: If you could thank someone for a helping hand they offered or a piece of advice they delivered when you needed it, who would it be, and how did they help?

WC: David Myles has never steered me wrong! Mentored me in my final year of university and pointed me in the right direction of flipping my mindset towards a music career and longevity.

AB: Is there an example of what you’d consider a perfect song? For example, I might suggest George Jones’ “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Lauryn Hill’s “X-Factor” are perfect songs.

WC: “The Wind Cries Mary,” by Jimi Henrix is a perfect song. Definite contender for my all-time favourite.

AB: What’s a goal that you have for yourself in this business? Maybe you want to make an album at a certain studio, or with a certain producer. Maybe you have a venue in mind that you’d like to sell out, or a festival you want to play. Maybe there’s an artist you want to work with. Anything like that?

WC: My main goal is to always grow my reach, make better music and have as many people as possible listen to it! 


Wolf Castle will perform a special collaboration with The Olympic Symphonium in the Ginger Agency Barracks Tent at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are available here.