INTERVIEW:
Mike Edel
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MY final interview of the day is with Mike Edel…
who talks with me about his new track, 31. I ask him what the song’s story is and which artists/albums have inspired him; whether there are going to be tour dates and whether there are any rising artists we need to keep an eye out for.
Edel tells me his goals for the remainder of the year and his favourite musical memory; what advice he would give to artists coming through and whether he gets chance to chill away from music – he closes the interview with a good song selection.
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Hi, Mike. How are you? How has your week been?
It has been good, even though I got really sad yesterday. But, this morning, I woke up early and me and my band are rehearsing today and I went for a long walk and it was really great. I think balance and health and positivity are important!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Mike Edel. I’m Canadian but I currently spend my home time in Seattle, WA.
31 is your current track. Is there a story behind the track?
The song is about not letting time and age get you down. One time, I noticed all my friends were talking about was renovating their basements and buying houses - and I realized I wasn’t in my twenties anymore.
Do you feel the song is a rebuttal and rebellion against what you are ‘supposed’ to be in your thirties?!
There are forces of our culture and society and our families - and our bodies and stuff - that want us to sit on our couches and watch Netflix and work a nine-to-five and have a kid and renovate our basements. All these things are totally fine, but it’s sort of me dealing with the questions of how my life will look in these stages.
Is there going to be more material coming in the future? What are you working on right now?
Yes, there will be!
In terms of music; who do you count as idols and influences? Did you grow up around a lot of music?
I grew up playing drums in a Blink-182 band and also at church. I waded my way through both of those things and I think I listen to a lot of really great music these days.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
Happiness and contentment, to be honest. I am a bit of an ‘achiever’ and I want to tone that down today.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Every day! My friend Jeremy and bass player Jeremy are sleeping on the couch beside me in a kitchen and I keep referring to this as ‘his bedroom.’ This is my favourite moment.
Which album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
My friend Sam Weber just put out a record/E.P. It’s seven-songs-long and I like listening to it because it’s not exactly what I do. But, I like listening to it and I feel like I can get inside his mind a little when I listen; sort of like when Harry Potter and Voldemort get into each other’s minds. It’s called New Agile Freedom.
Might we see some tour dates coming up? Where might we be able to catch you play?
9/5: Kelowna, BC | Fernandos
9/6: Calgary, AB | The Gateway
9/7: Whitefish, MT | The Great Northern
9/13: Victoria, BC | Rifflandia Festival
9/15: Vancouver, BC | Westward Festival
9/16: Parksville, BC | REALM
10/4: Red Deer, AB | Bo’s
10/5: Edmonton, AB | Up+DT Festival
10/20: Burlington, VT | Nectar’s
10/24: Toronto, ON | Burdock
10/25: Ottawa, ON | Cafe Dekcuf
10/27: London, ON | London Music Club
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Celebrate the little victories!
IN THIS PHOTO: Grouper
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Grouper - Grid of Points is what I’m listening to right now and it’s very, very cool.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I’m gonna get a job at a brewery and then work for two days and then leave town for a tour. That’s my new thought on how to chill and unwind and have some friends around.
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).
Grouper - Parking Lot
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