 |
| Freddie Mojallal aka The Autumn Portrait |
October 1 2012 – Very few things are as exciting as finding something new you love. Much like archeologists that dig to find hidden treasures, we here at T-Mak World really enjoy trying to find new bands and/or artists that we love. Once we find such musicians, we approach our favourites to request interviews for our Emerging Artist Spotlight series. Today we set our focus on a musician from Toronto named THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT. All bands/artists we talked to are asked similar questions to each other so we can get to know them better. The description on THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT’s website reads:
Heartfelt lyrics, a unique voice, and honest songwriting that resonates with every listener best describes the music of Freddie Mojallal aka The Autumn Portrait. Having moved to Toronto from the west coast after experiencing a lost love, Freddie has been winning over listeners with his honest & vulnerable songs. Performing as 3-piece band including acoustic guitar, violin, percussion and group vocal harmonies, The Autumn Portrait are making a name for themselves. With momentum on his side from his previous full length album The Design is Over, Freddie and his band have toured across Canada several times, have had 2 music videos featured on CMT Canada, commercial radio success, performed at both Canadian Music Week & NXNE, and opened for Canada favourites, The Trews.
Oct 2nd marks the release of The Autumn Portrait’s sophomore full length album, Tired Love, a record entirely written and recorded in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario. With this collection of honest & sincere songs written straight from the heart, the new album is easily relatable with audiences everywhere. These folk songs display a more vulnerable, raw and mature sound for Freddie. The Autumn Portrait has found his voice at a time where it was needed the most: a time of Tired Love.
Here is what The Autumn Portrait had to say to us:
Hey THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. Let’s start off with the obligatory introductions. Who’s in the band and what instrument does everyone rock?
Freddie Mojallal – Vocals & guitar
Live band also includes Ryan MacDonald (percussion) & Neil Cameron (violin)
How about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: I began playing solo acoustic shows on the west coast. As soon as I moved to Toronto, I found the amazing team of musicians I currently play with. We’ve come together from different places in Canada (I came from Vancouver and the band came from Ottawa and Halifax) and we are now stationed in this vibrant city of Toronto. It’s great.
Who are some of your musical influences?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: I’m on such a folk kick right now. I’m listening to The Tallest Man on Earth, Glen Hansard, The Lumineers, Head and the Heart, Passenger, and Damien Rice. I also enjoy a good dose of Dylan, Springsteen, and Leonard Cohen.
So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: Heartfelt folk music.
Why should a music fan come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: The music is raw, honest, and straight from the heart. I think people can relate to that. The band & I interact with the audience quite a lot and make the show memorable.
 |
| Freddie Mojallal aka The Autumn Portrait |
What is your favorite single line of lyrics the band has written and why?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: “It’s good to see ya happy, I never wanted anything else, I love to see ya smiling, even if it’s with someone else” – from the song “Goodbye”
What does the rest of 2012 and 2013 hold for you?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: TOURING. Lots of it for the new album “Tired Love.” Canada and Europe. Perhaps some States as well. Europe is a big focus right now, especially for 2013. So much of the world to see and perform in. I can hardly wait.
Imagine that you were asked to be the opener for any band’s world tour (both current and historical). Which band and tour would be your dream opening gig.
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: I would say Glen Hansard. He has so much emotion in his voice and songs. His music comes from such an honest place. Would be amazing to share the stage with him. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him live. Amazing.
 |
| Freddie Mojallal aka The Autumn Portrait |
What is the future of the music industry? With the concept of the album and physical CD’s facing extinction, how will we be consuming music in 10 years? Are the economics feasible for emerging artists?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: I think music will shift to mainly a digital form by then, as it’s heading in that direction. Vinyl may be around as well as it’s popular right now. I’m a fan of the CD but who knows where that will be by then. I do think there is hope for artists to make a living. At the end of the day, it’s all about the live performance and great songs. If you have that, you’re on your way.
Where can people get your music/CD, is it being sold anywhere?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: iTunes & Bandcamp, or at shows,. You can order physical copies online at www.theautumnportrait.com.
At the end of 2011 we did our picks for top 10 albums of 2011. What album do you think we should include in our top 10 albums of 2012 article?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: The Lumineers (self titled). It’s amazing from start to finish.
 |
| Freddie Mojallal aka The Autumn Portrait |
10. Any closing remarks for our readers?
THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT: The songs on the new album “Tired Love” are sincere and heartfelt. I hope people can relate to them and the music touches their hearts. I will continue making honest music and share it with the world.
Thanks so much to THE AUTUMN PORTRAIT. We hope that you can see them live. They are playing songs from the new album “Tired Love” at Toronto’s The Cameron House on Oct 4 2012.
The band’s website is www.theautumnportrait.com and you can check out a video below from YouTube.
 |
| Get the T-Mak World Toolbar to get all the info you need |
