INTERVIEW: Nightshifts — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Nightshifts

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MY mind raced too quickly to a name-based question…

when speaking with Nightshifts. I ask him about the song, Karma, and what the story behind it is. He discusses his music and what he hopes to achieve going forward; why there is such a busy and impressive music scene in Toronto; a few artists that are worth checking out; working with Matthew Vlahovich on his latest track – and whether he will come to the U.K. anytime soon.

I ask him what he has planned this Christmas and the music he grew up to; the albums that mean the most to him; why Bon Iver is such an important artist to him – what he would say to any new artists coming through at the moment.

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Hi, Nightshifts. How are you? How has your week been?

I am wonderful, thank you! My week has been great: writing tunes and Christmas shopping.

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am a twenty-five-year-old musician from Toronto. I spend my nights recording guitars, synths and drum machines in my bedroom. During the day, I play guitar in the Indie-folk band, Wild Rivers. I love dogs, guacamole and vinyl (in no particular order).

Before I go on – and a little name-based ‘humour’ – if you had to do a night-shift at any workplace; what would it be and why?

Late-night pizza-driver. I love driving at night; listening to music (and pizza…).

It seems, mind, you use the night to experiment with music and keep your mind active. Is sleep something that alludes you? How productive are your night-time recordings?

I’ve had troubles sleeping for most of my life...

It was something I really worried about and had anxiety around. I decided to embrace it fully and live a more nocturnal lifestyle. I used to just lay awake for hours and feel bad the next day that I had wasted so much time.

Now I use that time to write and record (sorry, roommates!).

Karma is your new track. What is the story behind it?

I have been holding on to Karma for a couple of years - it began with a beat I made one winter night…

A couple weeks later, I had the opportunity to go into the studio with Matthew Vlahlovich of Young Empires. We were looking for a starting point, so I brought up this beat. The beat had been called Karma - named after a stripper with the same name that we had hired for a friends birthday party (sorry, Mom!).

The song needed lyrics. I had recently graduated and, like many of my friends, I was having a bit of an existential crisis regarding my career path. I was thinking a lot about what I should be doing with my life. It occurred to me that no one really has those answers - and that we should be easier on ourselves.

This song was written about the sense of relief that letting go creates.

What was it like working with Matthew Vlahovich (of Young Empires) on the track?

It was fantastic. I had never collaborated with an experienced producer before and it was awesome to see how much we differed and how much we had in common.

He has been an incredible mentor ever since.

Was recording the track, and making music in general, a way to quell nerves and focus your thoughts?

It was definitely a cathartic experience.

It causes me to think deeply about whatever is on my mind. It also allows me to turn any negative experience into a productive experience. If something bad happens, I always think: at least I get a song out of it.

I understand your eponymous album is arriving soon. When will that be and what kind of subjects will you be addressing throughout?

I have been recording the songs for this album over the last couple of years. It is a very personal one. It will arrive mid-January, 2018!

The songs are all about love, growing up and figuring out what I am all about.

You produced an official remix of Bon Iver’s Michicant. Was that quite an experience and do you like stepping away and working on other artists’ music occasionally?

That was a fantastic milestone.

I remixed the song with one of my best friends. We chose that song because Bon Iver/Justin Vernon was a huge hero of ours. A few days later, Justin Vernon was tweeting about us and promoting the song. It was the first real validation I had from creating music. It was also the first time I had been paid for music - which really solidified the idea that this is what I will do for a living.

I am encountering a lot of musicians around Toronto and Vancouver. Is there something in the Canadian water, would you say?!

I think about this a lot as I find myself listening to mostly Canadian musicians. I have come to a few conclusions: we are so fortunate to have a grant system which really supports the arts. The government pays for artists to record albums - so that certainly helps. I think the drastic change in season is also a goldmine for inspiration.

Also, if we are locked inside for the frigid winter; we may as well be making beats!

IN THIS PHOTO: Andy Shauf/PHOTO CREDIT: Geoff Fitzgerald

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Well. On the subject of great Canadian artists; I would check out Andy Shauf, Bahamas and Leif Vollebekk. All absolutely incredible - and you can hear the seasons in their music.

I also can’t get enough of Julia Jacklin - an incredible songwriter from Australia.

IN THIS PHOTO: Julia Jacklin/PHOTO CREDIT: @daniel.boud

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

It was the first time I really discovered a new band. My friend Brady and I stumbled across their MySpace before they even had a record deal. No-one sounded like them at the time. After discovering them, I became addicted to searching for undiscovered bands.

Their sounds are still showing up in my recordings.

Radiohead - In Rainbows

This was another big one for me…it just blew my mind. I just remember lying in my bed listening to it on-repeat.

Kanye West – The College Dropout

Kanye was my first musical idol. When I was eleven; my friend and his mom brought me to one of my first concerts: it was Kanye West opening for Usher. Kanye was supported by John Legend on keys; A-Trak D.J.-ing, GLC hype-manning and Christina Milian singing back up. It was incredible.

I looked up to Kanye as a role model - and still; l try to bring his confidence to my creative process.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Think very deeply about whether this is what you want to do. If you can’t live without making music, then commit yourself fully. I think a lot of artists struggle by being on the fence. The only way (I think) you will be successful is if you dive in and commit yourself to being a musician.

I also would try not to overthink the process. I struggle with this. Just make music you love; release it, promote it and repeat.

Where can we see you play this year? Any plans regarding coming to the U.K.?

It is a secret right now - but there will be some shows announced in the New Year! A lot of my family is from Britain; so I am definitely hoping to tour there soon.