What is your name?
Owen Marchildon
What is your genre of music?
Folk/Pop Country/Indie Indie/Something Punk Psychedelic
Give us a little bio about you.
I’ve been playing music in Toronto for about 19 years. I played bass in a band called From Fiction. I’ve released 9 albums and 1 E.P. under 3 different monikers independently. Purple Hill, Rough Skeletons and Marchildon!
What made you go in to music?
Basically a kid named Robert Burgess-Webb. He was my best friend. Still is. We live far apart these days. Talk on the phone when we can. Never miss a beat. He had older siblings with an appetite for titles that broke rules. Heavily influential. Gives me the goosebumps regularly. His house was filled with the sounds of the Velvets and Eno. Iggy and Dylan. The memories I have from that time in my life are always fueling me creatively.
Are you a signed?
Signed to myself
You released ‘Sweet Potato Kisses’, tell us more about the track.
The song is about time spent with my oldest son. I took a year off work to hang out with him during the week. He loved eating mashed sweet potatoes for lunch. There would be this orange sheen shining off his face. I was just playing guitar for him one day. He was looking up at me with his big blue eyes. The song was right in front of me. Came quick and easy. The songs about easing into fatherhood and the joy and chaos that comes along with it.
You have the music video Sweet Potato Kisses, tell us more about the making?
My uncle John had old footage from the 80’s he filmed on a VHS C video camera. I reached out and he had it still. So crazy! So he handed it over and I digitized it.
Who did you work on the video with?
My Friend Valerie Calam.
Did you work with anyone else on the video, if so what was it like?
Working with Val was awesome. I digitized the footage and then she edited it to the song. She is a super talented person. Dancer by trade. Can also drum like Moe Tucker. Let’s just say she’s the weirdest triple threat!
You are also set to release your new album ‘Please Pass The Potatoes,’ on May 4th, tell us more about it.
The album is about the simplicity of happiness seen through the lens of family life.
What was the writing process like?
My writing process is a constant endeavour. Some of the songs on the record are newish. Some are 10 years old. Putting a record together is like a puzzle. It’s fun.
What was the recording process like?
It was recorded in various spaces throughout Toronto by long time collaborator Jordan Bruce. He recorded the album and mixed it. He also plays drums, cello, a bass line and xylophone. My other long time collaborator Brent Hough helped out on lap steel and guitar. His wife Julie Kendall sings back ups on one track. I played acoustic guitar and bass. Gavin Gardiner mastered it. It was super relaxed and drawn out. Just hanging with friends and making music. Feels good not to rush.
What was the inspiration behind the Album?
My wife Kaitlin and our two children. Also, my small town roots are highlighted as well. Describe each track in two words.
You’ll have to wait till May 4th when it’s released.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
I have two gigs. An album release show at The Cameron House in Toronto on Friday May 4th w/ Julie Kendall and Jose Miguel Contreras. I’m also playing Hamilton on Saturday May the 12th at the Capitol Bar w/ Julie Kendall. There will be no extensive tour. Just shows close to home.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
No.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Sure. 647 625 9900. Ask for THE BIG SCARY NERD.
What else can we expect from you this year?
Just this album. I got a new one up my sleeve for next year.
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar, bass, harmonica
Who are your influences?
For this album:
Jeffrey Frederick and the Clamtones Lee Hazlewood
Fred Neil
Jonathan Richman
The International Submarine Band
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Usually it’s whats in front of me. If that fails me, I just stare at a wall for hours. Repetition is key.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself doing exactly what I’m doing right now.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Hang out. Lots of exercise. Cooking for my family. Working in restaurants. Listening to music
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Forces at Work by The Feelies
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
When Bela Lugosi says, “Pull the String!” in ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Focus on your body of work. That’s all that matters.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Between thought and expression lies a lifetime” Lou Reed
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
For music i would hit: The Tranzac Club, The Cameron House, The Baby G, The Garrison, The Dakota Tavern, The Hole in the Wall, Junction City Music Hall and Handlebar. For Food: The Annette Food Market, Boo Radleys, The Hole in the Wall and Mortons The Steakhouse.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? 2/ Who do you see first? 3What do you eat first?
I’m currently not touring.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My voice, my fingers, a relaxed mind, dance moves and a hundred dollars cash.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? facebook.com/owen.marchildon
Twitter
Instagram
