July 2011 - bluessmyth
I've had the pleasure to share friendship with bluessmyth's very own Celene for almost two years now, so it only followed suit that I would also check out her music. Once I did that, I discovered a band full of the basic qualities I look for in music as well as a fresh take on the scene. A collaboration that seems to flow as seamlessly as their music, it was an honor to interview the band.
AUM: What are the origins of the name 'bluessmyth'?
bluessmyth: A smyth or smith forges materials into new forms. Blues music is the foundation of all soulful music. So we are musical smiths, forging together different styles to create music for thought.
AUM: How did each of you meet?
bluessmyth: The boys are brothers, and had been playing together as bluessmyth with other drummers since 2003. Jason and I have a common friend who insisted we meet when they were searching for a new drummer. She was right about matching up our personalities.
AUM: As in all relationships, I'm certain you all bring something different to the table. What qualities do each of you possess that give bluessmyth that vibe that makes you unique?
bluessmyth: Chris Y, guitarist and lead singer says jokingly: "The word awesomeness comes to mind!" Chris brings his guitar, harmonica and blues soaked vocals to the scene. Jason, beyond his stellar bass playing brings a business mindedness to the band, being our business coordinator, and bookings man. Celene plays drums and does background vocals, and she keeps the stage show moving forward with her level-headed logic.
AUM: What is the worst habit of each member of bluessmyth? What do you guys do that drives each other crazy?
bluessmyth:
--- Chris is always late. This drives Jason and Celene crazy.
--- Chris thinks Jason and Celene are judgmental. Although they would disagree.
"We tend to try to look at the world in a conscious manner".
Chris' response "Whatever gets you through the day".
AUM: Describe your shows for me, visually and musically.
bluessmyth: Visually we are adding some components to make it more visually stimulating by adding video, and more interaction between the audience and the band. Visually on stage we are a trio, with Celene in the middle and not just "backline", but an active part of the show.
Musically we are unique in our storytelling, fusing together of different musical styles with our original music. We have written songs with social significance, talking about the American Civil Rights movement and the story of Emmett Till, songs about the social injustice of post Katrina New Orleans, and approaching subjects like addiction and regret.
AUM: What do you think of your fans? Are there bluessmyth groupies out there who show up at every show come rain or shine?
bluessmyth:
-- We have some awesome fans that make touring like home away from home.
-- Yes, there are a few very loyal fans who make it out to as many shows as possible. Being in Canada, there is a greater distance of travel to each city, and transportation is more expensive... but there are local fans wherever we go who show up to every show in their city. It's pretty cool!
AUM: How far does your fan base reach?
bluessmyth: We have been featured in Blues Matters magazine in the UK, and are reaching for a worldwide base.
AUM: Do you plan on touring in the states anytime in the future?
bluessmyth: Yes, but it is challenging as musicians to get over the border to play. In Canada, we allow artists over the border to play festivals without much hassle. To go to the US, we need a P2 Visa, which costs between $365 and $1365 to APPLY, and there is no guarantee of admittance. The challenge is great, costly and high risk.
AUM: How does your music play over into your everyday lives?
bluessmyth:
-- Celene's sweetheart, Cory, is hooked. He plays bluessmyth all the time, and is a huge fan and promoter of the band.
-- Chris is always thinking about the music of bluessmyth, creating is always in his veins. He is always thinking of the next great story or inspiration. "The music is already there, it's just about allowing the music to flow through you."
AUM: When not playing, what keeps you occupied?
bluessmyth:
--- Jason likes to garden, watch documentaries and dream about true freedom.
--- Chris owns his own business, does sports, works out, collects guitars and fixes them up.
--- Celene teaches kids and adults how to hit things, gardens in the summer and is a truth seeker.
AUM: When do you decide it is the right time to head back into the studio to record?
bluessmyth: When the material is ready and we have enough money to fund that kind of venture. Recording can be expensive, especially for good quality production and recording.
AUM: How does song writing work in bluessmyth? Is there a "main songwriter" or is it more collaborative than that?
bluessmyth: Chris comes in with an idea, and then we build and arrange and change and create from there. It is very collaborative. It is a process.
AUM: What was the oddest source of inspiration that any of you have encountered?
--Chris: Great Question. Observing people in the bars and seeing their behaviour on drugs an alcohol. Seeing some of that is pretty odd.
--Celene: Rhythmically; the dishwasher. It grooves. I Love it!
AUM: What plans are in your immediate future?
bluessmyth: We have developed a school show which integrates visual and live performance. We talk about the history of the blues, form of blues music, talk about the story of Emmett Till and the effects of racism, the American Civil Rights movement, the power of one, regret and making good choices.
We have been developing a new website, beginning to write a concept album "bluessmyth II: Birth of the bluessmyth", and are doing a tour of Canada this winter.
AUM: To anyone who has yet to hear your music, give your best argument to convince them you are well worth the listen.
bluessmyth: "It's Real," Jason says. It's not commercially produced, cut down, formula music. "It has something to say musically and lyrically." This music is the thinking person's rock band.
AUM: You wake up tomorrow, and the world is perfect according to you. Describe that for me.
Chris: Guitars everywhere, everyone everywhere listening to bluessmyth and getting the real message of our music.
Jason: When people realize their potential. A world with real freedom.
Celene: A place where Love and courtesy and community are predominant, where everyone is aware of greater picture and willing to be an active participant in making that the best it can be for everyone.
ॐ An Underground Mainstream ॐ
In early 2009, bluessmyth released "Sola Gratia" which they toured across Canada from British Columbia to Ontario. With two other successful albums under their belt, this new, riveting and introspective recording from the Canadian trio includes powerful tracks written about Hurricane Katrina and deep human experiences such as reaching out in despair, soul searching, and finding redemption.
http://bluessmyth.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/bluessmyth/65201319278
Interviewer, LeeAnn Hively-Insalaco, is a contributing writer for An Underground Mainstream and a participant and occasional host on The Collective Perspective.