INTERVIEW:
Deanna Petcoff
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I am starting the day by speaking with Deanna Petcoff...
who has been telling me about her new single, Stress, and what its background is. I ask whether there is going to be more material coming along and what she hopes to achieve next year; what music she grew up around and whether there are tour dates.
I ask Petcoff if there are particular albums that mean a lot to her and what advice she’d give artists coming along; if there are any rising musicians we need to keep an eye out for – Petcoff ends the interview by selecting a great track.
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Hi, Deanna. How are you? How has your week been?
My week has been great, thank you! I hope you’ve been well too since the last time we spoke.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m an artist from Toronto and have been working in music for over seven years now! I’m currently working on a record for my solo project under my own name.
Stress is your new track. Is there a story behind it?
Stress is about frustration, loss of hope and acceptance of a situation that will never be fixed. The unbearable weight of not feeling good enough for the person you want and thinking they might want you too but can’t follow through with their flirtatious actions is a common feeling, and I wanted to encapsulate the frustration that comes with. I find way too often that feeling is described leaning heavily on the sadness that it comes with, but there is much anger in that feeling as well.
I also wanted to show the range of emotions women feel with the loss of love that isn’t just the sadness of heartbreak. Ultimately, in the end of the song, she’s done with playing with this person and wants the situation to be over, so they can both get on with their lives. Making the decision to be done with that kind of situation is difficult, but necessary sometimes. I decided it was worthy of a song.
Will there be more material next year?
Yes, there will be! We’re looking to release a record in the early months of next year!
Did you grow up in a musical household? When did music come into your life?
I did grow up in a musical household. My dad favoured the Classic-Rock superstars of the '70s like Queen, Led Zeppelin and Heart while my mom played us music like Carole King, Elton John and The Carpenters. Both introduced me to different facets of my musical personality from a young age.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
I have achieved everything I hoped to achieve by the end of this year; mainly releasing this song for the world to hear!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
I do have plans for 2019. I plan to release a record and tour in other provinces in Canada! I’d really love to make it out to British Columbia!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
I have loved many moments in my musical career so far, particularly getting to finally record all of the best songs I’ve written professionally and feel like they are being produced exactly the way they deserve to be - there really is no better feeling.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
This changes constantly but, right now, the top records for me are Low by David Bowie, Be the Cowboy by Mitski and Les and Mary by Les Paul and Mary Ford.
As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?
I would ask for an amethyst ring. I am really obsessed with amethyst right now.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I would love to tour with Angel Olsen. She is one of my favourite artists and I feel like I would get along with her really well and hopefully we’d get to do an awesome cover together like Fleetwood Mac or Carly Simon and become best friends!
My rider would have Diet Coke, M&Ms; popcorn and Greek food. Gotta eat before the show!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
I would tell you female artists in particular to work as hard as possible and be confident when introducing yourself to anyone. Don’t be ashamed of your project, your name or your work. You deserve to take up as much space as anyone else.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I am playing November 29th at The Monarch Tavern with Helena Deland and Luna Li! All other shows are T.B.D.
IN THIS PHOTO: Mitski
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I’m really into Mitski right now. She’s not a new artist but she did just put out a new record. I am also really into Sunflower Bean. Their newest record is also great!
IN THIS PHOTO: Sunflower Bean/PHOTO CREDIT: Erina Uemura
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I don’t really take breaks from music. I enjoy always working, writing or producing. I unwind by playing music, actually, or watching movies with my boyfriend and roommate.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Please play Why Didn’t You Stop Me? by Mitski! Thank you!
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