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| Brad Fillatre |
November 27 20212 – Here at T-Mak World we spend a lot of time talking to new artists and as such we have created an Emerging Artist Spotlight series. We usually focus on Canadian bands and artist, and today we set our sights on Brad Fillatre from Newfoundland. All artists we talk to are asked similar questions to each other so we can get to know them better. The description on Fillatre’s website reads:
“Draw a line in the sand and promise yourself that if you cross that line there will be no turning back.”
For singer/songwriter Brad Fillatre, crossing that line was symbolic of a promise he kept to never give up. The result: a collection of songs reflecting his truth, life, love and loss from years spent tirelessly pursuing his craft. Brad was born in the small town of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Made up of endless forests, dark mountain terrain and a rugged North Atlantic coastline, it was these intense landscapes that engrained themselves into the fabric of Brad’s creative consciousness. With much of his early life spent traveling the province alongside his mother and father as they tended to their funeral business, the significance of the west coast of Newfoundland on Brad’s music was monumental, “The mountains, ocean, vast emptiness and harsh climate effect you,” Fillatre reflects, “that environment is magical, and foreboding. It casts energy that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.”
Here is what Brad Fillatre had to say to us:
1. Hey Brad, 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?
Brad: This is a solo record but I have had the help of many great musicians for recording and live shows. I enlisted the talents of some great players for the record including Darrin Pfeiffer (Drums), Nick Greaves (Banjo), Bob Egan (Pedal Steel/Mandolin), Ryan Mercier (Drums). For local live shows I have Adam Ferri (Guitar), Ryan Mercier (Drums), Adam White (Lap Steel), Lorne Houncell (Bass).
2. How about your history, when did you get started and how did it happen?
Brad: This is the first chapter of this project. My only experience playing music up until this point was in a band setting. I really loved being in bands and sharing the experience with others, but I also needed the experience of doing it on my own.
3. Who are some of your musical influences?
Brad: It’s forever changing but some of the artists that have had a lasting impression on me include: Neil Young, Tom Petty, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Adams, Dandy Warhols, War On Drugs, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, National, etc…
4. So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
Brad: The music on For Your Weakness has a darker acoustic folk sound. Lyrically it touches on more introspective, darker subject matter. It’s a pretty mellow listen over all.
5. Why should a music fan come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
Brad: It’s all subjective to the person’s mood and musical tastes I guess, but I think the passion for what I do and the heart I put into my songs translate in my live show.
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| Brad Fillatre |
6. What is your favorite single line of lyrics you have written and why?
Brad: “I never was afraid to try, cause hearts are meant to break sometimes” from Face The Dark. It speaks on not being afraid of putting yourself out there and taking risks, although it may be scary and have an uncertain outcome. I think being in love is like that.
7. What does the rest of 2012 and 2013 hold for you?
Brad: Promoting my current EP, playing as many shows as possible and continuing to write new material. It’s exciting to have my music out there in the world and I look forward to meeting people who connect with it.
8. 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.
Brad: I’d go for a Tom Petty show
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| Brad Fillatre |
9. 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?
Brad: I think it’s hard to talk about something so vast and complex as the music industry as a whole. As long as there is music there will be an industry to sell it. It won’t resemble what it is today but it will certainly exist. I just hope someone figures out how to recondition the public on the value of music, and not neglect the people who create it.
10. Where can people get your music/CD, is it being sold anywhere?
Brad: You can find the digital EP on iTunes. Physical copies can be purchased through amazon.ca, CD Baby, and Maplemusic.
11. 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?
Brad: Norah Jones “Little Broken Hearts”
Well there you have it, thanks alot Brad. We hope our readers get a chance to see you live at your next gig which is November 29th at The Great Hall in Toronto.
Brad Fillatre’s website is here and as you would expect he is on Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime check out his video below from YouTube.
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