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| Tim Chaisson |
November 12 2012 – Here at T-Mak World we really enjoy trying to find new bands or artists that appeal to us musically. We strive to bring these bands some exposure through our ongoing Emerging Artist Spotlight series. Today we set our focus on Tim Chaisson. Please note – all bands we talked to are asked similar questions to each other so we can get to know them better. Here is what Tim had to say to us:
1. Hey Tim, 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?
Thanks for having me! I play acoustic guitar and fiddle – Tian Wigmore plays electric guitar and mandolin – Nat Lamoureux plays the drums and Koady Chaisson is on the bass… Oh yes and we all like to sing.
2. How about your history? When did you get started and how did it happen?
I grew up in Bear River, Prince Edward Island… I come from a fairly large family and everyone plays music. Traditional fiddle music was prominent… I’m a sixth generation fiddler – it’s kind of a tradition that the Chaisson Family in PEI has kept alive.
Thanks for having me! I play acoustic guitar and fiddle – Tian Wigmore plays electric guitar and mandolin – Nat Lamoureux plays the drums and Koady Chaisson is on the bass… Oh yes and we all like to sing.
2. How about your history? When did you get started and how did it happen?
I grew up in Bear River, Prince Edward Island… I come from a fairly large family and everyone plays music. Traditional fiddle music was prominent… I’m a sixth generation fiddler – it’s kind of a tradition that the Chaisson Family in PEI has kept alive.
So, I traveled around with my folks playing anywhere – celiedhs, benefit concerts, strawberry socials, etc. When I was a teenager, I played the bass in a touring band with my cousins called, “Kindle” and it was around that time that I took an interest in writing songs. Since then, I’ve been writing, making little recordings and touring wherever I could. When I was in University at UPEI I started taking touring and recording more seriously… Since then, I started working with a manager, agent and label all based in Toronto. They keep the ship afloat.
3. Who are some of your musical influences?
Growing up, like I mentioned, there was a lot of Scottish/Cape Breton fiddle music in my house… Jerry Holland and Natalie MacMaster (among others) were always going. I used to sing (and still do sometimes) The Rankin Family and Stan Rogers… My mom loved the Beach Boys and Beatles… I always loved James Taylor and Tom Petty. Too many to name!
4. So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
That’s always a tough question… A bit of east coast-folk, a bit alt-country, with a pop and slight rock influence.
5. Why should a music fan come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
5. Why should a music fan come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
We’re friendly people! Haha. No, I’m all about the song and just hope that people dig it. We try to make our show diverse… We definitely bring an east coast vibe to it by playing a few fiddle tunes and incorporating that into our set. The fellas in my band are wicked musicians and great singers too. We also give it 125% every night even if there’s 1 person in the audience. That’s my best pitch!
6. Tim, thats a great pitch and we are sold! ;-) What is your favorite single line of lyrics you’ve written and why?
I think “Come Clean” is a favorite of mine… It’s a song written about losing someone close.
“Stop the traffic – dismantle the sun,
You sent a silence out to everyone,
Tell the birds to save their earnest song,
Everything is lost since you are gone.”
7. What does the rest of 2012 and 2013 hold for you?
Last week we just started a cross country tour – we started on PEI and we’re making our way out to Vancouver, then back to Toronto. The day after that, I fly to Australia to start a 5 week tour down under. I’ll be there over Christmas so it’ll be my first Christmas away from home (my mother isn’t too happy) but at least it’ll be summer there!
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?
My dream would be to open for Tom Petty… Could you imagine going on tour with him and the Heartbreakers? Wow. I guess he applies to current and historical eh?
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?
That’s a tough question… It’s no surprise that CD’s don’t sell like they used to and the digital music world is becoming more and more common. I still know some folks that prefer the hard copy (like myself) but I think that will eventually disappear. The only way to really make a living is to get out on the road and sell tickets!
10. Where can people get your music/CD, is it being sold anywhere?
My record is available at every HMW across Canada… Also iTunes. If you feel like it, you can pop by my house on PEI if you’d like ;)
11. At the end of 2011 we did our picks for top10 albums of 2011. Which album do you think we should include in our top 10 albums of 2012 article?
One of my favorite records of 2012 so far is Rose Cousins “We Have Made A Spark” – I’d include it.
12. Any closing remarks for our readers?
I don’t think so! Thanks for having me.
You bet Tim, we like featuring nice people, and you sure seem like one! Thank you for taking the time out for the interview. Tim and his band are playing Toronto’s The Legendary Horseshoe on Noveber 17th and we hope you can make it out to see them. Their website is here and as you would expect they are on Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime check out their video below from YouTube.
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