Born in London Ontario, Barzin spent his childhood in Iran and has since lived in Guelph and Ann Arbor, but since moving to downtown Toronto over a decade ago he hasn’t been able to fully escape the city’s gravitational pull. Travis and Derek sat down with Barzin in his writing studio to talk about how all these locales shaped his songwriting, how his lyrics are always the centerpiece of his art, and how he feels like he spent his entire career trying to make his latest record, leaving him at a loss as to what to do next.

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 005: Barzin

Derek Harrison & Travis Reitsma interview a different songwriter every episode to talk about their lives and their craft.

There’s no doubt that Patrick Krief has “made it.” Guitar player in Canadian indie-rock legends The Dears, Patrick also has a prominent solo career under the name ‘Krief.’ Derek and Patrick sit down to have a chat about his upcoming double-album release Automanic and the perils of putting economic gain over the creation of good art.

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 028: Patrick Krief

Toronto songwriter Jay Pollock is a man of balance. He loves playing and performing music, but it is far from the only important thing in his life. In a refreshing turn from a lot of our conversations, Jay took issue with the myth that one has to quit their job in order to be a true artist and talked a lot about how his mindset for songwriting has changed since he’s become more financially solvent.

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 027: Jay Pollock

Toronto singer-songwriter Erika Werry can pump you up with an anthemic rock hit or induce goosebumps with a heartfelt folk song. She has made a name for herself by consistently writing great songs and putting on an honest and energetic live show with her band Erika Werry & The Alphabet. Her introduction to music came through classical and modern dance and she’s been releasing records for more than a decade. In one of the more process-focused episodes to date, Derek and Travis sat down with her to talk about allowing yourself to evolve as a songwriter and to learn as you go.

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 026: Erika Werry

Stage fright nearly grounded Kira May’s music career before it even got underway. Now her stage presence is a big part of her appeal. Kira sat down with Derek and Travis to talk about overcoming her fears, discovering how to use her voice as her instrument, and the inherent risks in live performing with intricate looping. 

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 025: Kira May

For a man who finds himself a member of one of the most established and successful rock bands in Canada, Big Sugar’s Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe is eminently humble. Not only is he one of the country’s best harmonica players, he’s got some real songwriting chops and is steeped in the country and gospel tradition. The Windsor native sat down with Travis for a look back on his career which didn’t get underway until well into his 20s and didn’t become his full-time gig until well into his 30s.

Theme Music: “I Quit My Job” by Old Man Luedecke, courtesy of True North Records
www.oldmanluedecke.com
www.TrueNorthRecords.com

Episode 005: Barzin

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