Having already established himself with a wealth of mystifying delights these last few months, Canadian singer-songwriter Logan Richard is back on the grind once again to deliver his eagerly-awaited new album 'Character Traits'.
Featuring the previously shared gems 'The Grass Is Blue (Wherever I Go)', 'Rolodex', 'Up From Here' and 'Feels This Way', this new nine-track collection makes for an incredibly warm and emotive return for him. Filled with shimmering textures, a lofty atmosphere, and his own spellbinding vocals at the helm, he returns to us with one of his more captivating work to date here.
So with the new album available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The guitar. My older brother played when I was young and I got hooked from there. My dad was a big fan of blues guitar players like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King and Derek Trucks, so it all started there.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The blues. My earliest memories are listening to ‘In Session’ by Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I even started my own blues band at 12 years old, haha!
What was the first album you remember owning?
Continuum by John Mayer
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Small Doses by Ken Yates. It is sooo good. Everytime I listen to him I get inspired and frustrated all at once. That is the sign of a song I wish I wrote..
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not necessarily. I try not to put too much pressure on myself or the song, and let things flow. I try to say ‘yes’ to every idea I have, and then filter through them later. I don’t think about whether something is ‘good’ or not until later, and just be easy on myself and my collaborators.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Wyatt C Louis. Field Guide. Ken Yates.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
John Mayer
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Connecting with people. There is nothing more rewarding than having someone come up to you after a show and exclaiming how much a certain song meant to them. I never thought I would like making people cry, but when you strike a chord within someone that moves them to tears or a place close to that, it is very rewarding. That is the goal.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Taxes!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
One of my favourite Canadian songwriters Dan Mangan once signed a CD of his for me and just wrote ‘Be writing. Always.’ and that has stuck with me. Such a simple piece of advice, but I always think of it and it always finds a way to inspire me to pick up the guitar or head to the piano and write.
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Logan Richard's new album 'Character Traits' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.