True artists who create music that makes you feel something are rare these days, but if you pay a close attention, you’ll find such talents producing music that will leave a mark on your soul, send chills down your spine and leave you longing for more. Windmills has always had such effect on me. Back in 2012, I spoke to the man behind this project, Cory Myraas, about his unique musical ways and creating a sound that takes you to a special place. Windmills, based in The Okanagan, BC, have kept moving ever since, evolving graciously through Cory who has been pouring his life experiences and challenges into his writing and music. His latest single, Sierra Nevada, about which Cory talks in our following interview, is a track loaded with beautiful melancholy, and him expressing each heartfelt emotion through the soul-stirring vocals that flawlessly compliment the magnificent soundscapes.
I spoke to Cory not only about his new single and the continuous growth of Windmills, but also about his travels, favourite shows and plans for next year.
In a world of Divides, our love of The Virginmarys brought us together – Simon
Eva
We were riding out to meet the sun, we were shaking from the things we’d done
We were breaking every pattern, straying from the map to make a new life on the run
It was early 2012 and one of my friends made me a playlist featuring a bunch of new bands for me to check out. Little I knew that this particular playlist included one band that would inspire my entire world. Their name was The Virginmarys.
Vancouverite Terence Jack sways with compelling story-telling and adventurous spirit. After an impressive debut Reckless Abandon, Terence continues to share his life experiences with a mighty new single Eastern Rise, taken from an upcoming EP Never Get Back.
Currently on 30-date cross Canada tour, Terence took time to speak to MGMB and introduce his music to new listeners.
Brighton based solo artist Ed Tullett has been paving his way through the music universe for some time now. And with a serious gift. His acclaimed remix of Bon Iver’s Hinnom, TX, collaboration with Novo Amor as well as having his music featured on TV shows such as Pretty Little Liars, Bones and Catfish all led to the recent release of his debut Fiancé, which ought to be described as an epicly powerful masterpiece with beautifully haunting sound waves.
Check out MGMB’s convo with Ed about Fiancé and all things music.
Eva: Hi Ed, congrats on your debut record Fiancé. What’s it been like since its release?
Ed: It’s great to just have it out. The record has been finished for nearly a year and a half and it’s so relieving for it to finally be out, especially since all my other solo stuff is so old now. The press has been great and it’s exciting to be releasing new music at last.
Tell us about the album and its recording process.
It happened fairly quickly, after writing Malignant I finally found a sound that felt my own – I ran with it and within a few months the record was pretty much there. It’s great working alone as it allows you to pick up where you left off whenever you want with no outside pressure.
If you had just one song to play to a brand new listener, which one would you chose and why?
Maybe Ply from this record. It’s not as immediately abrasive as Malignant or Saint for example, a softer introduction, but it sums up the record well – quiet and loud, a ton of harmony, big synths…
Your music is full of intense, beautiful sounds not to mention the gripping vocals. What’s the main target for you when putting a song together?
I guess the best thing is that there isn’t really a target. That’s what I found with this record, and why I still love it even though it’s a lot older to me than to new listeners. I just wrote whatever I wanted and whatever sounded good, and then fit within that sound to make the record cohesive.
What inspired your latest video for Malignant? Amazing track by the way!
The song itself is about disease, and the seemingly random/unfair nature in which it affects certain people. The figure in the video is essentially a metaphor for disease. It’s pretty dark!
Who influenced your musical journey the most?
It’s hard to say, I’m not sure I could narrow it down to one person. I’ve been helped and inspired by a ton of people along the way. Individuals I really admire include Sufjan Stevens, Justin Vernon, Radiohead – people who have a lot of different projects and sounds, something I’m hoping to emulate.
What do you think does it take to make it in the music industry nowadays and how do you see yourself fitting in?
Maybe having no expectations, being ready for disappointment! My main focus is to have a career in music, and if that means behind the scenes as a writer/producer or as an artist then either is great.
Have you got any shows lined up your fans can excited about?
Unfortunately not right now – perhaps in the near future!
MGMB presents an interview with Toronto based solo artist Marc-Antoine Robertson aka AlphaCub and his infectious synth-driven electro pop. His so far released singles Friends and Fighting are both haunting, energy fueled tunes and let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist pressing play all over again.
But how did it all start, what’s the story behind the tracks and what’s in store for AlphaCub this year? Let’s find out.
