Hiya Michael, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
For as long as I can remember, music has been a big part of who I am. When I was in grade 6, I auditioned for the St. Michael’s Boys School Choir in Toronto, ON with Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. I failed the audition, but I guess you could say I caught the bug. In my teens, there were aspiring musicians in my circle of friends; one drummer and a bunch of guitar players, including myself, so I said hey I’ll play bass and have never looked back.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Once I picked up the bass, all I wanted to do was play in bands and so I did. The most fun I ever had I think as a musician was playing at house parties with friends. I got my first taste on the road in the late 70’s with a cover band called The Coolers touring northern Ontario in the winter. Fast forward to 1983, I hopped on a Greyhound bus (literally) and made the move to British Columbia, which I’ve called home since.
My first few years in BC were prolific in terms of songwriting. I’m still writing of course, but I wrote a lot of songs back then. Over the ensuing years I have played in many original and cover bands, studied recording engineering & production, and even had a stint managing and promoting bands in the early 90’s. I am also a live sound engineer, which to me is the next best thing to playing or producing my music.
What’s the live music scene like in the Vancouver area right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The music scene here is vibrant, I think. There may not be as many venues for original bands to play as there used to be, but the gigs are there. Personally, I am struck by how much good, independent music is being made in these parts, and everywhere for that matter. Some local artists to watch for are Cracked Wheat, Kaleb Vess, La Chinga, Random Dander, Hollow Groves, Super Distorter.. my list could go on and on! Of course, I also must mention my other band 3rd Deck. We have released 2 EPs and are currently working on our third record.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
The landscape has certainly changed over time. Anybody with decent gear (and plugins) can produce and release music as an indie. As an indie music producer myself I find it difficult and frustrating at times too. It’s hard to get noticed with so much good music out there. What choice does one have as an artist though? You just have to keep working it and try to be heard. I think the most important thing to keep in mind as an artist is that you’re really doing this for yourself, and just hope people listen.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I don’t really know how to answer this question. All I can say is that I’m happy and lucky to be able to get my music out there. I feel like my music is resonating with people, of course I wish it resonated with many more people and maybe I’ll get there someday.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I am related, distantly, to Robert Burns.
I was a big fan of Destiny’s Child and the Spice Girls.
I don’t ever rub my nose when I’m telling a fib.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
No, I don’t. Certainly not through my music and It’s one of the reasons I never engage any social media posts that aren’t music related; I just won’t go down the rabbit hole.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
I can be a skeptic, as much as the next person, but at some point reason and science should prevail. I find it entertaining at times, but troubling too that irrefutable facts can give way to utter nonsense, maybe equally troubling that there are quite a few within the music community that subscribe to them.
What was your best experience on stage?
I harken back to my teen years and playing at house parties. We were all just jamming and learning how to play our instruments. No judging, just jamming. They were the best of times and thinking about it makes me want to turn back the clock.
What was your worst experience on stage?
My worst, and funniest experience on stage was with a metal band I used to play in, Damn The Device. We had just finished playing a song, but my bass was still playing, but it wasn’t me playing it. To my horror, I realized I had inadvertently hit the ‘loop’ button my stomp box. The audience found it funny, and not long after so did I.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I can cook up the best cheese omelette you’ve ever had and in my day, I could bake a killer apple pie.
What are the next steps you plan to take as an artist to reach the next level?
I hope to release much more music in my future. I am currently working on a new album, probably 10 or 11 tracks when it’s finished sometime in 2025. Of course, as an indie artist, I’ll keep working as hard as I can to get my music heard. I’m hoping that my upcoming single release will open some new eyes and ears.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Yes I do! A new Animal Souls single ‘The Kids’ is coming out on December 13. I wrote this song back in 1989. Originally I recorded it as a 4-track demo and then many years later I recorded it as part of my 2021 album ‘Wisdom Of Crowds’. Although I was happy with the track, and the album as a whole, a little voice inside me told me I could do it better. The song’s original meaning has faded somewhat over the years, but the song remains very special to me, and my favourite, so I wanted to do it justice. I think perhaps I have this time.
What was the recording process like?
Recording The Kids took much longer than I expected, over a year in all from start to finish. During that time both my wife Eileen and I lost our moms, so we had a lot to deal with. Somehow I also managed to release a 2-song EP ‘Take Me Home’ (which was my personal way to deal with loss), produce a 5-song debut EP for Cracked Wheat and co-produce another debut EP by singer/songwriter Kaleb Vess. It was an absolutely crazy year! The longest stretch was getting Ava Wolsynuk’s vocals done. With everything going on, I was sitting on the music tracks for awhile, but once I had Ava’s tracks, it was smooth sailing. Ava also sang on the aforementioned EP ‘Take Me Home’.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing The Kids?
The steepest curve wasn’t so much in writing The Kids, it was more overcoming the doubt that I had done my best with the production. The album version was good, but not my best. To be honest, I struggled mightily with this song, and I even had thoughts of abandoning the recording altogether. But as I heard the pieces coming together on this latest version, I was inspired to see it through to the end and I’m glad I did because I think I did my best on this one.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t even want to think about that.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’d just like to say thank you for taking an interest in reading this interview and if you haven’t heard my music yet, please have a listen. No two Animal Souls songs sound alike and you just might like what you hear. If you don’t that’s OK, thanks for listening anyway!
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