INDUSTRY TACTICS with FRIENDLY RICH: Recent Episodes
Friendly Rich
Join oddball Canadian composer Friendly Rich, as he interviews some of the finest outsiders in music today.
NOPE is a new duet recording produced by Joe Sorbara and Rich Marsella. Take a sneak peek into this new collaboration from two creative forces in Friendly Rich Marsella and Joe Sorbara. Out on Oval Window Records, this podcast interview also touches on some of Joe's other work, including a new vinyl release with Steve Sladkowski, among others. Get into it!
A wonderful interview with bassist and film composer Bret Higgins. We discuss his newest recording Scoring the Unseen (Boomba Records) and his great career in music. Bret is taking a big swing with this ambitious recording, and we discuss what it takes to keep progressing as a musician in 2026. Enjoy!
Aki Takahashi is a force! She came to Canada in 1995 and has built up a remarkable community of artists and collaborators. Aki is an instrumental member of the Nagata Shachu and also records under the artist name Ten Ten. She just released a new recording, HORI DASHI. Get into it and this inspiring interview with the great, Aki Takahashi.
Newel. We get into where the idea came from, and what's he's learned along the way. Get into it!
releases this Friday April 17, 2026. Alex’s expertise spans various styles, instruments, outboard gear and creative technology platforms. The New York Times called his “Mosaic” percussion duet, an “absorbing premiere” that “glistens as it seems to rotate, less developing than slowly revealing more of its secrets.”Alex earned a Master’s in Digital Musics from Dartmouth College on a full scholarship, as well as a Bachelor’s in Music Composition from the University of South Carolina. He also directed the documentary film 23rd Century Giants. We learn a lot about how to get things done in this episode of Industry Tactics, chalk full of tips for the aspiring creative.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
A 7-episoode podcast serial written and produced by Canadian duo of writer/performer Cory McCallum (Olde, Pant City) and composer Friendly Rich Marsella (The Tom Green Show). This first season welcomes you in to the strange hamlet of Boringville.
Get a sneak peak listen to some of the tracks from Nash the Slash Covered, a new compilation recording that honours the great Canadian musician, Nash the Slash. We talk with Brian Poole, Ian Blurton, Ronley Teper, Andy Cowan, Eiyn Sof, Colin Brunton, Tim Kowalski, Dave Clark, Tim Posgate, Eric Warner, Alex Wroten and Walter Robotka about the amazing legacy of Nash the Slash. The new compilation recording comes out on Friday March 13th, 2026. Enjoy this special episode!
Such an inspiring look at the rich career of composer Gayle Young. Gayle has worn many hats in the creative world, from author, editor of Musicworks Magazine, sound sculptor and more, we learn alot in this special episode of Industry Tactics.
, his bassoon loomed large. Of course, he's the very first episode of my podcast, Industry Tactics. He's a dear friend, who I will hold with me, as I move forward both on and off the stage. In 2008, The Lollipop People lived together for a week in Montreal when we were presenting The Friendly Rich Show. It was so special being in Jeff's orbit; he'd stay up all night talking on the phone, or re-reading some Dan Brown novel he had already read. Jeff squeezed the most out of life, and when he hugged you, that was an instrumental part of the squeezing. His epic hugs would last forever, and I wish I could have one more. I know so many of us in this city love Jeff Burke and are so thankful to have known him. He will never be forgotten, legendary busker, creative musician, caring father, sci-fi lover, gentle human. Safe passage, fellow dreamer.
A lovely chat with oboist Caitlin Broms-Jacobs of the trio TACAMIS. Caitlin is joined by Tracy Wright (English horn) and Allen Harrington (bassoon) on this stellar new recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations (Leaf Music), as arranged by Broms-Jacobs. We discuss the Canadian classical music scene, music education and much more. Dig in!
just released, we discuss this recording and reuniting with his pals. So many deep thoughts in this talk, buckle up, we're gonna re-crash the Hazelwood van while listening to this beauty!
What a deep discussion with Royal Wood, we discuss his music education, contemplations of leaving music, only to bounce back with one of his finest recordings yet, Dear John. A heartfelt interview with one of Canada's finest recording artists, enjoy!
What an inspiring chat with Pulitzer-prize winning composer and musician, Raven Chacon. We unpack his recent piece, Tiguex, where he worked with hundreds of musicians from Albuquerque New Mexico in performing a piece that took all day, and spanned across various locations in the city, from hot air balloon to volcano! An amazing chat, we talk Guelph, Postcommodity, bird calls, and so much more! Prepare to be dazzled by the great Raven Chacon...
and this new recording is a great reminder that your greatest adventure could be right around the corner, and to keep going...A very inspiring chat, hope you enjoy it!
We get into beard growth, streaming fun, how to last in a band for almost two decades and more. Zach Sutton recently finished an MBA and is putting all his lived experience and knowledge to good use, as the drummer and manager of Jane's Party, he's a loyal, sweet human and he brought the LA sunshine to this delightful interview.
We dig deep into the brain of Lazar Miric, talking everything from video game music to venues and mentorship in music. A wise human, doing it primarily himself and making a real impact on the Canadian music scene. He heads up Lavender Town and Live Video Game Orchestra, and is a working musician in Toronto. A warm welcome to Lazar Miric to Industry Tactics!
and shares so many great learnings from a rich career in music. Having worked with everybody from Neko Case to knowing the folks in No Means No, Carolyn has lots to say on how to stay fresh and lead a creative life. Enjoy this delightful chat with one of the many great Canadian voices, Carolyn Mark!
On this episode of Industry Tactics, Friendly Rich sits down with author Paul Myers to unpack his new beautiful new book John Candy: A Life in Comedy (House of Anansi Press). Such a delight to speak with Paul about all things Candy, including the time he may have (or may have not) met him, early days of SCTV and the legacy of John Candy in the city of Toronto. Enjoy this delightful chat!
We join songwriter, producer and community mobilizer, Joe Lapinski for a chat about his new recording, New Day and so much more. Joe builds community through every project he takes on, and this new recording is such a testament to that. Co-produced alongside Dave Clark, this new offering from Joe is such a great reflection of a very special career in music. Dig in to this incredible new collection of songs from one of our finest crafts people!
Today, we honour the late Bill Exley (Nihilist Spasm Band) on this episode, with special guest Alexander Hacke (Einstürzende Neubauten, hackedepicciotto, and more). Hacke links his incredible life in music to his early connections with the Nihilist Spasm Band and Canada, through the renowned Electric Eclectics Festival. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Bill Exley, whose resounding impact remains firmly planted on us all.
We get into it with Kat Burns from Prince Edward County, talking about tracks from her latest release "Soft" and also what it takes to be a musician in these times. Kat has a rich history, writing music for film and television, as well as releasing her own music for decades now. We pick up some wise tips from an incredible artist. Enjoy!
The hustle and grit of BA Johnston is unparalleled. We explore his never-ending tour, his embodiment of the underdog City of Hamilton, Ontario. This road dog has been doing it two decades strong, and captures the essence of a Canadian culture in every song. Buckle up for a ride in BA Johnston's minivan!
Today, Friendly Rich drops a surprise new recording on all streaming services, FRIENDLY RICH sings the NIHILIST SPASM BAND, honouring the legendary noise makers from London, Ontario. Accompanied by Klaas Hubner, Nichol S. Robertson and Michael Ward-Bergeman, this episode delves deep into the making of this noisy tribute recording. There are also reflections from some of the members of the Spasm Band, including Aya Ohnishi, John Boyle and John Clement. Fetch this surprise release today from bandcamp.com/friendlyrich
As we prepare for something special next week, we thought it would be fun to re-release this episode 76 of Industry Tactics, a feature on the great Canadian noise band, The Nihilist Spasm Band, originally published in September 2019. Enjoy!
From pig farms, to ceiling fans, to electromagnetic fields, Klaas Hubner is a unique sound artist who has his own way of doing things. From growing up on his parents’ farm in the small villageof Obershagen, Germany to now living in New Orleans, Louisiana, we get into the brilliant mind of Klaas Hubner! He has a new recording "Music for Ceiling Fan and Tubes" out on the Yes, We Cannibal record label. He has circuit bent a washing machine...Industry Tactics!
Right out the gate, Dominic Salole aka MOCKY, dives into several tactics, from how to stay engaged as an artist, to some beautiful approaches to production and creativity. From Toronto to Los Angeles, Mocky brings the wisdom in this episode. With a beautiful new recording on the horizon, we delve into his incredible career, having produced so many amazing artists (Feist, Vulfpeck, Kelela and more), you don't want to miss a minute of this jam-packed episode!
We dive into the rich career of cellist/composer Cris Derksen. We talk about everything from musicians' health to classism in classical music. We even get a sneak peak into Cris' upcoming 4th release, "The Visit", due out this Fall. Dig in to this lovely chat with the prolific, Cris Derksen.
This week on Industry Tactics, we dive into the prolific career of none other than JG Thirlwell. From his early days as Foetus, to Xordox, composing for film, television (Archer, Venture Brothers, etc...) and much more, this episode is rich with wisdom for any aspiring creative. Enjoy!
Friendly Rich MARSELLA and Christine DUNCAN are set to release a new LP of original duet songs titled "BRIGHT". In this special episode of Industry Tactics, Friendly Rich interviews Christine Duncan and producer Kevin Breit on their journey in making this unique recording. BRIGHT features the Upper York Mandolin Orchestra, and it releases internationally on all streaming platforms (and vinyl) on April 25th, 2025.
An incredible chat with bassist and all around super human, Arif Mirabdolbaghi. From Whitby to Tehran, we get into it. We unpack Arif's path, playing in Protest the Hero and other bands in Canada, through to his journey to Iran and his incredible musical output since.
A breath of fresh air! This interview with the great pianist, composer and bandleader, Diane Roblin really showcases the many lanes she occupies in music. We unpack her new album "A Breath of Fresh Air", talk about her multiple collaborations, and what keeps her inspired to keep creating. What a heartfelt, fluid interview with Diane Roblin.
What a treat to get speak with the great indie sensation, Julian Mayorga. From his studio in Madrid, this interview unpacks his amazing career, and his latest gem of an album CHAK CHAK CHAK CHAK. We discuss cowardice, composition, aging parents, poets, rats eating rich people's bones and much, much more!
Join us for a joyous ride through the life and career of cellist and songwriter, Helen Gillet from her home in New Orleans. We get into the art of looping, anti-fascist musical works, long time collaborations and much more. Helen is a DIY workhorse with 14 albums under her belt. Buckle up, we're driving stick shift with one of the greats for over an hour in this episode!This podcast is syndicated every Monday at high noon on CFRU 93.3fm in Guelph, Canada.
A special return visit from Tom Richards, who is set to release a new triple album in early March. Monophilia is a 30 minute triple-album and installation piece which will be presented at the Halifax Library for Cecilia Concerts' Sensory Accessible Music series. Was great to catch up with Tom and talk about new and innovative ways to release truly beautiful music in 2025. We dissect a piece from Monophilia and this interview gives a glimpse into the beauty that's coming soon. Get into it!
From his space in Chezzetcook, on the rural coast of Nova Scotia, Friendly Rich catches up with Darcy Spidle, aka Chik White. A lovely saunter through his career as a sound artist and sound explorer. Darcy has toured the world performing his unique sound, lately as a solo artist on jaw harp and other. His latest recording "Clowning the Town" is a fresh approach to voice and guitar. We talk collaboration, touring, film, the ocean and much more. Dive in!
What a time catching up with the great Rob Mosher from his apartment in New York City. We get into a heavy conversation about collaboration, carrousels, 8-bit chips and a case of egg nog. Put on your festive sweaters and let's get into some serious tactics with the creative force, Rob Mosher!
Juliet Palmer’s music has come to life under a highway off-ramp, in a swimming pool, in the plastic flotsam of a remote beach and in concert halls across North America, Europe and Oceania. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, Juliet makes her home in Toronto where she is artistic director of Urbanvessel, a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. In this episode of Industry Tactics, we get into Juliet's creative process and a whole lot more. Prepare to be dazzled!
We get into the nooks n' crannies with Tim Shia, drummer and creator extraordinaire in this episode of Industry Tactics. Tim leads The Worst Pop Band Ever, who will soon be celebrating their 20th year anniversary in 2025. He's also very active on the Toronto jazz scene. What a joy to discuss family, health, industry nonsense and much more with the sharp-witted wonder, Tim Shia!
ZINNIA is the extended art of Rachael Cardiello - a classically trained violist raised in the mountains of Montana who has spent half her life touring performing and recording in Toronto as a session player. ZINNIA can often be found in full band collaboration with Chris Pruden, Kat McLevey and Mackenzie Longpre. ZINNIA's upcoming album Dollar Store Disco marks an epoch of triumph and perseverance: one part broken, one part rage, and one part escapism with a heavy nod to 1970s Italian disco. Due out in early February 2025 on the Montana label Anything Bagel.
Friendly Rich Marsella sits down with his long lost American cousin, Brian Marsella for a deep chat about why we music! Brian fell in love with it at the early age of 3, growing up in Philadelphia and has not looked back. Performing alongside so many greats, including John Zorn, Cyro Baptista, Trevor Dunn and so many more, Brian Marsella has established himself as one of the great pianists and composers of our time. Don't miss his upcoming new 3-CD release, "Brian Marsella's Imaginarium - Medietas" which comes out this Fall. Let's gig deep into the imaginative musical mind of Brian Marsella!
Such a lovely time speaking with Melissa Boraski, aka Eiyn Sof from Waterloo, Ontario. We get into a rich body of work that spans decades and genres! This episode is full of goodies, we talk comfort levels, muppets, improv, collaborations with Rick White and much, much more. Dig in to this wonderful discussion with an incredible artist, Eiyn Sof.
Friendly Rich recently sat down with Alex Brownstein-Carter and David Sigler of the band Primpce. They discussed the inspiration for their new recording "The Beauty of Blisterpacks" (Urglehorse) coming out July 26, 2024. We talk about touring, New Orleans, freshly getting married, freshly getting COVID and so much more. Prepare yourselves to get PRIMPCED!
A delightful saunter through the musical life of Evelyn Charlotte-Joe, from Montreal. We get into the influence of Dr. Barry Harris on their music and even relation to jazz. We talk about gear, performing with Wax Mannequin, even on how to relax. This episode if full of wisdom, so enjoy every moment!
What a lovely dance through the career of composer and professor Christopher Butterfield. From his creative space in Victoria, British Columbia, Christopher gives us some important reflections on his relationship performing Schwitters' Ursonate over the last 40+ years. Enjoy the ride!
Live from Grandads Donuts in Hamilton, Canada we get into the original glazed glory of Tor Lukasik-Foss. A lovely chat, where we talk about his work in visual art, music, theatre, community and much more. We will hear fantastic new tracks from his "tiny record" The Devil Will Give You Candy and much more.
Leah Hennessy is a New Orleans-based musician writing some amazing music both solo and with her trio project, The By and By. A graduate of New England Conservatory of Music, Leah is the interim Executive Director of Music Box Village in New Orleans. Her upcoming EP "before / during / still" is a meditation on separation and longing from the first several months of the covid-19 pandemic. Leah is a very thoughtful community-minded artist, get into this new recording ("before / during / still"), streaming everywhere today!
A fabulous interview with the award-winning musician Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think, etc). We journey through his storied career in music, and unpack his fascinating new release, "Music For 32 Phones Played Simultaneously". Enjoy the ride!
In this episode, Friendly Rich speaks with Dutch avant-garde composer and legendary performance artist Jaap Blonk. The talk focuses mostly on Blonk's expertise in performing Kurt Schwitters' seminal 1932 sound poem "Ursonate". Blonk is one of the great masters in performing the Ursonate. We get into it and much more. Enjoy this saunter into the wild mind of Jaap Blonk.
We kick off 2024 with an inspiring talk from singer, songwriting, coach and overall creative soul, the great Kristine Schmitt. She's worked for years supporting other great artists such as Bob Wiseman (Episode 19), Fiver and more, she's been writing and releasing her own incredible records for over a decade to critical acclaim! A lovely early morning interview to start your year!
He's worked with everybody from The Arcade Fire to The Hidden Cameras to Zoon. In this episode, we go post-cello with the great Michael Peter Olsen. His new record "Narrative of a Nervous System" is out now on Hand Drawn Dracula and it's receiving rave reviews. We talk touring, production, venues, new projects, the value in a good deadline, early days and much more! Get ready to be schooled in this episode of Industry Tactics.
We get into epic territory very quickly with award-winning poet and scholar, Christian Bök in this delightful episode. Buckle up as we take a dive into Bök's wondrous career, but also begin our deep dive into the work of Kurt Schwitters and his Ursonate. Pure joyful nonsense, just what the doctor ordered!
An open discussion with Bry Webb about his new record Run With Me, out November 3rd, 2023 on Idée Fixe Records. We talk about the nine year break between studio albums, the state of poetry, music, venues and much more. So genuine, this is an easy listen hope it goes down as smoothly as this glass of Carlo Rossi Wine!
Creative mogul and super sweet human Dimitri Simakis shares all that he's learned over a storied career in the arts. One of the masterminds behind Everything Is Terrible, Dimitri unpacks how he has managed to continue living a very creative and collaborative life. Buckle up, everything is wonderful in this here episode!
Let's talk fire, animals, the Earth's core, libraries, and more with Jeff Mattsson. A member of the legendary group Crash Worship, Jeff's got some stories. He currently runs an incredible arts space in the Bywater neighbourhood of New Orleans, nothing will prepare you for this chat with the legendary Jeff Mattsson!
A lovely chat on a hot summer night with Macula Dog, from their respective studios in Queens and Brooklyn, New York. We talk with Ben & Matt about their recent tour experiences, their process in creating a super-unique sound, and how to stay true to yourself as artists. The real deal, coming at you in stereo, it's MACULA DOG!
We get into it with one of the greats in American experimental music...Weasel Walter! Centred around his work leading The Flying Luttenbachers, this discussion goes deep into the persistence and struggle that it takes to be an artist in a challenging industry. It's hot outside, spend some time in the underground with Weasel Walter!
Surprise! Let's get into the story of Vivienne Wilder. This episode unpacks her incredible career to date, from Bach to Lizee to Zeppelin to her own music, Vivienne's musical diet is rich. An open discussion about creativity, the joys and challenges that come with it. We drop some bombs in this episode, including love announcements, preparing fan mail & cancelling Mahler...enjoy!
What a delightful chat with LA-based artist, the funk wizard, CHAKI. We talk about growing up in the valley scene of Los Angeles, his influential musician father, how to pitch a venue, and many more important tactics. Buckle up, and for funk's sake, BE KIND!
A stellar chat with Cone McCaslin of Sum41. This chat unpacks those early days making "All Killer, No Filler" at Metalworks Studios with producer Jerry Finn, where Friendly Rich acted as a runner. Through to an illustrious career in music, Cone shares openly what he has learned along the way. Prepare to be dazzled!
Such a lovely talk with Nobu Adilman. The self-proclaimed professional amateur has lived many artistic lives, from hosting ZED on CBC to founding Choir! Choir! Choir! we talk about how he fell in love with creativity, and the influence of his family. We discuss the importance of rejection and ridicule in any career. Buckle up, this one's full of wisdom, a caffeine-inspired saunter through the mind of Nobu Adilman.
It's release day! Friendly Rich's MAN OUT OF TIME is now available on all streaming services and vinyl (ships internationally from https://friendlyrich.bandcamp.com/album/man-out-of-time)Go behind the scenes with Rich in this special episode to listen to each track, and some bonus material! Check out live dates at https://friendlyrich.com/tour/
Rob Higgins is a polymath with a heart of gold. We talk about his band Dearly Beloved, the early days coming up in Change of Heart, a new pandemic record "Walker Park" (Sonic Unyon) and much more. We even talk about Rick Vaive. Enjoy!!!
A supercut edition of Industry Tactics, dedicated to the memory of Mendelson Joe. This episode features appearances by Selina Martin, Maylee Todd, Trevor Dunn, Dave Clark, The Nihilist Spasm Band, Allison Cameron, R. Murray Schafer, Kid Koala, Bob Wiseman, Annelise Noronha, Nicole Rampersaud, Hawksley Workman, Renaldo & The Loaf, Homer Flynn, Robin Hatch and more! This Friday, we begin syndicating the podcast on CFRU 93.3FM, weekly every Friday from 10pm to midnight!
Described by some as a “Renaissance Woman”, multi-talented Terra Hazelton is a Canadian singer, Genie Nominated actress, and radio personality. Originally from B.C., Terra became involved in professional theatre and comedy at the ripe age of 14, studying with the Internationally acclaimed Loose Moose Theatre Company. It was at that time she made friends with the FUBAR comedy group, and has played the character Trish ever since. We get into how she studied in New York City, eventually made her way to Toronto, and met Jeff Healey, who she worked with for years. From Crow's Nest Pass, enjoy this lovely conversation with Terra Hazelton!
A lovely little conversation with painter extraordinaire, Gregory Jacobsen. We discuss that beautiful line between visual art and experimental music, which Gregory has explored in such projects as Lovely Little Girls and Ritualistic School of Errors. From gregoryjacobsen.com "The work is absurd, grotesque, and a bit brutal, but I try to bring the viewer in with lush and glowing surfaces, creating a disorientating and hilarious balance of revulsion and attraction...I also paint glamourous cats".We talk about everything from the gallery hustle, NFT's, Stockhausen on The View, fresh cantaloupe and much more...dig in to the colourful universe of Gregory Jacobsen!
What a dynamic discussion with composer, performer, bandleader and lovely human - Sam Shalabi. Sam Shalabi is an Egyptian-Canadian composer, improviser and guitarist living between Montreal and Cairo. Starting out during the late 70s punk era, his work has evolved into an experimental synthesis of modern Arabic Music that incorporates free improvisation, traditional Arabic music, noise, classical, text, and jazz. Other than his numerous solo albums, he is a founding member of Shalabi Effect, a free improvisation quartet that bridges western psychedelic music and Arabic Maqam. He has also released four albums with Land Of Kush, the experimental 30-member orchestra which he directs. He has appeared on over 30 albums and toured Europe, North America and North Africa.Dig in to this incredible episode of Industry Tactics with the great Sam Shalabi!
An incredible discussion with composer and musician, Melody McKiver. Melody’s musical work integrates electronics with Western classical music to shape a new genre of Anishinaabe compositions. A proud member of Obishikokaang Lac Seul First Nation, Melody is currently Assistant Professor of Indigenous Music (tenure-track) with the Desaultels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba and a member of the Mizi'iwe Aana Kwat (LGBTQ2S+ Council) within the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3. We delve into their wonderful career to date, ranging from score and theatre work, to studio releases and much more. Chock-full of golden tactics, enjoy this special episode!
Friendly Rich sits with Mr. Let's Paint TV himself, John Kilduff from his studio in LA to talk about independent art and culture. John ran his own live public access show which continues to this day on YouTube and other platforms. He's painted alongside special guests such as Eric André, Zach Galifianakis and more, usually while on a treadmill or stationary bicycle!
John Kilduff received comedic training at The Groundlings, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA. In order to avoid working a day job, Kilduff sells many of his paintings at art fairs around California. He has appeared at several art shows throughout Southern California, often running on his treadmill, painting, and doing various other activities. Buckle up for an interview with DIY art legend, John Kilduff!
A rare live taping of Industry Tactics! From Sept 16th 2022, co-presented by Guelph Jazz Festival and IICSI (International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation), this incredible episode expands upon our first chat (Ep. 62) with talented creative force - Nicole Rampersaud. We talk whale music, adjusting to East Coast living, perfect pitch, practicing and creating through a pandemic and so much more. Recorded generously by our friends at CFRU and hosted by SILENCE in Guelph we welcome back with (distanced) open arms and ears...the Jazz Master, Nicole Rampersaud!
From Brooklyn, New York we catch up with composer, guitarist and bandleader Simon Hanes. We talk about pep talks, his chamber ensemble Tredici Bacci, his music education, the mentorship of folks like JG Thirlwell and much more. Get into the wild universe of Simon Hanes!
An inspiring chat with Italian composer, performer and scholar, Luciano Chessa. We discuss his music education, his professional career and of course, the Italian Futurists. Chessa wrote the renowned book "Luigi Russolo, Futurist: Noise, Visual Arts, and the Occult", we discuss Russolo and the Futurists at length. Let's get noisy with the mastic tree, himself, Luciano Chessa!
We sit down with jazz legend Brodie West to unpack some of his early jobs, his music education and even a phone call from his father. What a career in music, from studying noise (and jazz) at the Amsterdam Music Conservatory with Misha Mengelberg, to musical encounters with percussionist Han Bennink as well as The Ex -- Brodie has led such a rich musical life to date. He still seems to be living for that one musical moment, putting out so much incredible music along the way, from Ways (with Evan Cartwright), to Eucalyptus and his own quintet. Dig in to this piss-powered episode, and we'd apologize for the audio quality if the conversation wasn't so stunning. "Sometimes, a great boss has to make you cry..."
A talk with a true creative polymath, Keram Malicki Sanchez. We talk about his unique musical path, working with such artists as Alex Lifeson (Rush), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie) and much more. This episode certainly celebrates longevity in the creative arts. From his early days acting on the hit television series Catwalk, through to running a record label and curating his own a virtual reality conference, Keram squeezes the most out of life. Get ready to learn a bunch!
A great chat with Jay Pennington (aka Rusty Lazer), a New Orleans-based musician and organizer. He’s best known as the live DJ and creative partner of Sissy Bounce rapper Nicky Da B, and as the onetime manager of Big Freedia. In 2006 he co-founded the artist-driven nonprofit organization New Orleans Airlift. He helped create the Music Box Village, where every house can be used as in instrument. We get into the music industry from Jay's unique perspective -- prepare to be dazzled!
A lovely late-night chat with multi-instrumentalist Aurora Nealand from New Orleans. We unpack Nealand's 2017 masterpiece, "The Monocle" and much more. Whether you're a searcher or a believer, believe this: Aurora is a heavy-hitter who will leave you smiling. Get into it!
From Rhino Party HQ we catch up with their fierce leader, Sébastien CoRhino. We not only talk about some inside party tactics, we also unpack his career in music with the collective LE GGRIL out of Rimouski, Quebec. Sébastien does a COVID test during the episode, and pure chaos oozes from nostril from there: including an historic appointment, a thickening of the caucus, if you will (and you won't). Get into the politics of music and madness with none other than the chef pachyderm himself, the legendary Sébastien CoRhino!
We get to talk with an accordion legend, Michael Ward-Bergeman a passionate performer, songwriter and composer.
In 2011 he launched his GIG 365 project, which saw him performing at least one gig for every day of 2011. Performances took place at an incredibly diverse range of venues in over thirty-five states and nine countries. Highlights included performances at Gainesville Correctional Facility, Danish Radio Concert Hall, and on the streets of New Orleans.
Ward-Bergeman’s electro-acoustic compositions have won international awards and he has premiered new works at Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he was commissioned to compose for Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project.
This episode is chalk full of wisdom, hope you dig it!
Friendly Rich catches up with the great experimental artist Vicky Mettler, aka Kee Avil from her hometown of Montreal. They discuss her process and what led to her upcoming release "Crease" which comes out next Friday March 11, 2022. You get a sneak peak today into the wacky world of producer, guitarist and artist extraordinaire -- Kee Avil. Enjoy!
From his bunker in San Francisco, we catch up with the godfather of weird, the elder statesperson of experimental music, the reason for the season -- none other than Homer Flynn.
Homer Flynn is an American artist, graphic designer and businessman who is a founding member, co-owner and President of The Cryptic Corporation; the management firm who have represented the legendary cult band The Residents since 1976.
We talk about family, friendship, Vonnegut, the music industry, the new book on The Residents by Melodic Virtue and even get a sneak peak into the creative process of The Residents. Enjoy!
We go cross-continental on today's episode from Berlin to Brampton, with the great John Kameel Farah. We talk about his unique path to music, his one-of-a-kind compositions, with a side order of barbershop magazines, Bramalea bullies, and more!
In this episode, we talk with jazz legend Richard Underhill of his early days coming up in Toronto, co-leading The Shuffle Demons, touring, promotion, even running for mayor!! Get on the right path with sax great, Richard Underhill. Enjoy the ride!
The ever-evolving Aiyun Huang enjoys a musical life as soloist, chamber musician, researcher, teacher, and producer. In this episode we talk about her amazing career to date, and how she found her voice as an artist/educator. Bon appetit!
This talk with Hugh Marsh goes all over the place, from his work on the Armageddon score to 3am phone calls from Robert Palmer. Hugh Marsh has had some incredible adventures in music, playing with everybody from Loreena McKennitt, The Rheostatics, Bruce Cockburn and more. Hugh shares some very important tactics in this episode, as he prepares to release an album of 80s cover tunes, alongside Kevin Hearn. Get into it, an epic chat with the prolific violin guru, Hugh Marsh!
Suzie Vinnick unlocks the secret level of Industry Tactics, where we talk Hyundai Touring, Ellen McIlwaine, growing up in Saskatoon, with a side order of Tim Hortons jingle work. Dig in to a DIY feast, served fresh from just yesterday with the great Suzie Vinnick!
An uplifting chat with the Professor Emeritus, Casey Sokol. We talk about piano performance, music education, improvisation, early days in Toronto and a hell of a lot more! This episode pairs nicely with episodes 129 (Lisa Conway), 19 (Bob Wiseman) and 71 (D Alex Meeks). Let's connect the dots!
Shanika Maria is a queer Black singer-songwriter, producer and creator currently based in Toronto. Her lyrics are contemplative and introspective. She is influenced by music across genres, borrowing sounds and ideas from country, folk, jazz, classical, latin and electronic music. She is interested in integrating new styles and ways of creating music into her practice. In this episode we discuss her latest release under the artist name Shn Shn and a new EP, "Estranged".
Sponsored by the new absurdist comedy podcast series The Boringville Chronicles [subscribe today wherever you get your podcasts].
On his way to Nova Scotia to start afresh, we catch up with trombonist, composer and producer, Tom Richards about his incredible musical career to date. We go from Moosejaw, to Boston, to Toronto, to Nova Scotia! His "Unfolding River" a ten-year ongoing series of 81 compositions based on the Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu is a work of true beauty that we unpack at great length. Get out your notepad, and maybe a spreadsheet, as we sit with the great Tom Richards.
What a special talk with Canadian trumpeter, improviser, prolific composer, and bandleader Lina Allemano. From her flat in Berlin, we discussed how she has shaped her life as a creative musician. With an active international career, performing and recording cutting-edge contemporary music primarily in experimental, conceptual, improvised and jazz settings, Lina is a fountain of creativity, working in a wide array of genres. She is educated in both classical and jazz trumpet and specializes in extended technique on her instrument. Allemano now splits her time between the music scenes in TORONTO and BERLIN, and she runs her own internationally-acclaimed record label LUMO RECORDS. It's mushroom season!
Sponsored by the new podcast THE BORINGVILLE CHRONICLES, available wherever you fetch your fungus.
He's a tour guide, he's punk, he's jazz, and everything in between - Jaymz Bee shows us all how to live a creative life to its fullest. Learn how he does it, his tactics, his philosophy, he is a very generous artist and he does not skimp today on sharing how to keep it weird! An deep dive that barely scratches the surface on the many lives of Jaymz Bee.
Colin Fisher listens to himself, and shares the deep wisdom in this episode. We talk Alexander Technique, Stratford, Bieber, music festivals and much more. The audio quality may be a little dicey, but don't turn that shit down like those wankers from NXNE -- crank it!
Legendary songwriter Ron Sexsmith shares much of his learning to date, from a rich career in music that spans over three decades. We talk about his early days, working with various producers like Mitchell Froom, Tchad Blake and many others. A generous artist and national treasure, hope you enjoy this very special episode with Ron Sexsmith!
From his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, we catch up with drummer, writer, poet, percussionist Dr. Rob Wallace. We discuss his dedication essay "On Neil Peart", his time in Guelph, Nonessential Records and his beautiful career in music to date. Get into it!
The final of our partnership with the Guelph Jazz Festival, this an insightful chat with festival founder, Dr. Ajay Heble. From his chalet in the Gaspé, Dr. Heble unravels his early career, what led him to the City of Guelph, and the rest is history.
Ajay Heble is Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation and Professor of English in the School of English and Theatre Studies at the University of Guelph. He is the author or editor of several books, and a founding co-editor of the journal Critical Studies in Improvisation/Études critiques en improvisation. We hope you enjoy this interview as we prepare for another incredible year of the Guelph Jazz Festival (Sept 14-19, 2021).
Co-presented by the Guelph Jazz Festival, this week's episode features a deep discussion with Toronto drummer Nick Fraser. Nick is a pensive, dedicated musician, who talks at great length about what got him into jazz, his educators, his collaborators, and the journey to "early retirement". We even stew a little on our mutual distaste for Randy's Vinyl Pap. Dig in!
This episode is co-presented by the Guelph Jazz Festival, where our guest, Lisa Conway is launching a sound installation "Sound Mill" from Sept 14-16. We explore Conway's incredible career, as musician, producer, composer, sound artist, and more...Enjoy!
This episode is co-presented by The Guelph Jazz Festival (Sept. 14-19, 2021) and features an indepth look into the career of Matt Brubeck. Brubeck is a composer/performer specializing in improvisation on the cello. Classically trained, with a Master's in cello performance from Yale, Matt is at ease in multiple genres and has taken his cello improvisation skills into diverse musical territories.
In the pop/rock world, Matt's eclectic adventures have included touring with the Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, and the Indigo Girls, as well as performing and/or recording with Tom Waits, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie MacMaster, Tracy Chapman and others.
In this episode, we go all over the place, from what it was like growing up with jazz legend Dave Brubeck as a father, to music education, his new recording with Caylie Staples and much more. Buckle up!
Friendly Rich gets into it with Juno-award winning composer, sax wizard and bandleader, Allison Au in this episode co-presented by the Markham Jazz Festival. They talk jazz, loyalty, education, the pandemic and a side order of golf! Enjoy, and tune in to the Markham Jazz Festival this weekend (Aug. 20-22).
This special episode, co-presented by the Markham Jazz Festival features an engaging talk with the talented bass player Brandi Disterheft. We learn about her rich musical lineage, her exciting journey making music in New York City, and much more. Let's get into it with Brandi Disterheft!
This episode is co-presented by the TD Markham Jazz Festival, a chat with their Artistic Director, Sarah Kim Turnbull. We talk about artistic growth and leadership in a pandemic. A deep conversation with a great artistic mind, Sarah Kim unpacks her creative career. We talk about the importance of windows and doors, keeping them wide open. Prepare to take in the tactics in this special episode!
From his studio in California, we catch up with percussionist and composer Gino Robair. Robair has performed and recorded with Tom Waits, Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Nina Hagen, Terry Riley and more. He is one of the "25 innovative percussionists" included in the book Percussion Profiles (SoundWorld, 2001), as well as a founding member of the Splatter Trio and Pink Mountain. His opera, I, Norton, based on the life of Norton I, Emperor of the United States, has been performed throughout North America and Europe. Always hungry for knowledge and the next musical adventure, Gino shares some gold in this episode. Hope you enjoy it!
A sit down with a legendary Toronto music and visual arts mogul, Kurt Swinghammer. He's worked with everybody from Ani DiFranco, Ron Sexsmith, The Rheostatics and many more. Kurt shares his story and some beautiful tunes from his rich body of work, 15 solo albums deep! Dig in!
Guitarist extraordinaire Mike T Kerr talks about his musical family, his music education, what it was like to go to Berklee School of Music, his Album of the Month Club and more. A gentle soul, Mike is a powerhouse musician with lots to share!
Nick DenBoer (aka Smearballs) is an award winning director, animator and video artist based in Toronto. Nick honed his skills working as a writer and bit creator for Conan O’Brien producing and remixing popular culture segments for the show. His groundbreaking short film “The Chickening” (a poultry-infused remix of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”) graced the screens of over 100 film festivals around the world including TIFF and Sundance. We get into it, his early years working with Run With The Kittens, to now The Residents, deadmau5 & Flying Lotus. Hop on the school bus for a wild ride through the career of Nick DenBoer!
A thrill to speak with legendary artist Frank Pahl from his studio in Wyandotte, Michigan. Pahl discusses the influence of Eugene Chadbourne, Trimpin and many more. A prolific tinkerer, sound artists, recording artist, educator and much more. Hope you find great inspiration in this talk!
We take a beautiful stroll through the life and career of outsider artist Fred Spek, cause as he puts it "who the hell wants to be mainstream?" We talk about growing up all over North America, and staying true to his mantra of never growing up. Weirdo to weirdo, this is Friendly Rich and Fred Spek getting better-acquainted!
Elena and Rich lay it down on this 118th episode of the podcast. From that week long jazz party at the Royal York Hotel to the Juhas Jazz House. This talk even gets into the speed of walking and a fateful sip of cognac with Abbey Lincoln. Walk slowly...
Friendly Rich sits with long time producer and now bandmate, Greg Dawson to walk down memory lane and unpack nuggets from their new release "How to Slaughter a Lamb", the debut offering from their metal project, HEAD OF JEDDORE.
Buy the new album at https://headofjeddore.bandcamp.com/
A thoughtful reflection on an incredible career in music, Carlie Howell shares some golden tactics in this episode! We talk about the importance of showing up, her organic path to music education, composition and love for collaboration. Enjoy this inspiring chat with a truly unique composer, Carlie Howell from her studio in Prince Edward Island!
Happy Infoday dear listeners! From infochammel HQ, we talk with their CEO, Davy Force. We discuss his early days opening for the likes of Beck and with his quirky TV Sherriff project, to now running his own positainment empire. This is extreme weirdo art, some of the finest in culture jamming, DIY genius, Davy Force walks us through an incredible career. He talks about coming up in Chicago, moving to LA, connecting with the fine artists in DEVO, Tit Mouse Animation, and many more heavy hitters...all the colours to you and yorce on this the happiest Infoday!
Annelise Noronha is a pioneering artist with many accolades. We discuss her latest release "Into the Headlights" among other things, such as working in the studio with the likes of James Brown and Oscar Peterson. She's learned alot to date, and shares it in this beautiful chat from her studio in Prince Edward County, Ontario -- the one and only Annelise Noronha!
Frontman of Moneen, Kenny Bridges unpacks the band's story to date, from those early days in Brampton, to touring and paying back his father. In fact, we take an impromptu call from his father! We talk about Greg "Gerg" Dawson, Alexisonfire, The Sheepdogs and so much more. A wise soul who clearly remains in love with music-making and the friends you make along the way. Learn how it's done from one of the greats!
The fearless and thoughtful artist Kelly Sloan shares her incredible story of why she makes music. From shepherd to death auditor, she not only makes music, but observes humans (and sheep) with a unique lens.
From his home in Brooklyn, we talk birds, bass, life, education, quarantine projects and much more with Trevor Dunn. A storied career in music, he plays bass with some of the heaviest musicians around, from Mr. Bungle, to John Zorn, Fantomas, The Melvins and many more. He heads up Trio-Convulsant, and his special "Flexes for Carietta White" mix-tape project, which we discuss at length. Dig in!
What a delight to unpack the rich career of Lisa Bella Donna! Lisa is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, modular synthesist, and clinician. She has many years as a session musician as well as developing extensive techniques with musique concrete, modular synthesis, analog & digital recording techniques, and much more. From her studio in the Appalachian Mountains into your ears...get into it!
This episode features a heartfelt chat with visionary musician and entrepreneur Cosmo Ferraro. We discuss his deep connection in leading one of Toronto's most important music venues, The Cameron House, his family band Ferraro, and so much more. You can see a thread of family and community through all of Cosmo's work. Get into this, a rare interview with Toronto music mogul - Cosmo Ferraro!
This 108th episode of Industry Tactics dives deep with JUNO-nominated artist, Tara Kannangara. Tara is a second-generation, Sri Lankan-Canadian force of nature, giving you music that is deeply personal, genre-bending and culture blending. Growing up in Chilliwack BC, we get into Tara's music education, and after years of studying institutionalized art, Tara was compelled to break the veneer built around her experience of music-making. By writing about the realities or absurdities of white excellence, and the triumph of being an outsider, Tara will compel you to listen. Get into this refreshing discussion with Tara Kannangara as we hear tracks from her latest release, "It's Not Mine Anymore".
Another original Canadian artist to emerge from the Rosedale Heights high school music program, under the alternative music education model of Doug Friesen. This chat with Evan Cartwright is so thoughtful and spans not only his time at Rosedale, but a refreshing and budding career in music, playing with such artists as U.S. Girls, Tasseomancy, Ways, Andy Shauf and many more! Get into it and let's celebrate music education and the many unique voices it fosters.
Anh Phung is a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays in some incredible acts including Tullstars, Twisted Pine, Jaron Freeman-Fox, and also leads her own duo Hainbrain! She has travelled the world making the music that she wants to make. Learn how to storm a stage, persist and build community both in-person and virtually!
Jack Moves (aka Mike Simpson) and his 6-cylinder General Motors brain talks touring, collaboration, work ethic and much more. His genre bending career has spanned metal, hip hop, and everything in between. Learn more and dig into the musical life of Mike Simpson!
Such an inspiring conversation with Dr. Myrtle Millares. We talk about social justice and education, her doctoral work, and her rich life in music. Enjoy!
Governor General award-winning artist sound artist Gordon Monahan opens up about his early days in Germany, his compositions, unique spaces like the Funny Farm (Meaford), the Glowing Pickle (Berlin) and much more. Buckle up for storytime with Gordon!
Episode 102 unpacks themes of nostalgia, time travel, creativity and more. A deep conversation with Michael McGlennon, aka Moon Toboggan in anticipation of his latest release "Time Machines". Enjoy!
Another student of Doug Friesen's to go on and make some very special music, episode 101 features a refreshing chat with Hiroki Tanaka. We discuss education, early work, touring and recording with Yamantaka Sonic Titan, and Tanaka's latest work, "Kaigo Kioku Kyoku” which translates into “Caregiving Memory Songs”. Enjoy!
Brought to you by the number 100, we go back & forward 100 years, we talk about his 100-release project, our upcoming collaboration A MUFFLED SNORE and more. Episode 100 of Industry Tactics features a wonderful chat with the real Santa Claus, the mail art master, the connector of weirdos Neal Retke, aka {An} EeL.
In preparation for the upcoming co-release of "A MUFFLED SNORE", Friendly Rich sat down with David Sait to discuss this special full length recording and David's adventures in music to date. In Episode 99 of the INDUSTRY TACTICS PODCAST, we talk about Brampton, collaborating with {An} EeL, the guzheng, experimental music and much more. Dig in and prepare yourselves for a new release of "A MUFFLED SNORE" out on Friday February 5th on all streaming platforms.
Pianist, composer and community builder Thompson Egbo Egbo unpacks his wonderful and adventurous career in music, performing for the likes of Quincy Jones, Prince Charles, and many more. Buckle up, Episode 98 gets the year started on the right note!
Episode 97 features an inspiring interview with soprano, community artist, and music educator Gwenna Fairchild-Taylor. From her home in Omaha, we catch up on all things, opera, and of course, the early influences of Doug Friesen on her budding career!
Episode 96, an inspiring chat with the creative force in Bernard Pearce. From Promised Land, Louisiana, Pearce has been based out of New Orleans for most of his life. A nomadic artist, he's also travelled the world, mostly by ship! He's a chef, poet, musician, and community builder. Learn about his latest project, the Selma Alabama Art House and much more in this episode loaded with tactics for the hungry creative artist!
What a talk with Dr. Kathryn Ladano about her journey with the bass clarinet, and etching out a diverse career in music. From artistic direction (NUMUS), to teaching (Laurier University), to performance and academia, Dr. Ladano is in it for life and making a big difference in helping define modern music. Brought to you by the colour MERLOT!
Working with such artists as Tool, Nine Inch Nails, even Motley Crue, James Cavalluzzo walks us through his unique career in music, and main project Malhavoc. His love of music and the friendships made along the way are central in every tale told in this podcast full of soulful tactics. Get down!
Episode 93 features a Zoom chat with Joan Smith & Tom Juhas of Joan Smith & The Jane Does, from their home studio in Peterborough. We chat about process, publicity, collaboration and more!
Another graduate of Rosedale School of the Arts in Toronto, Aaron Comeau discusses his music education, opening for Levon Helm, running a studio for 6 years and much more. Dig in to this delightful saunter through the musical mind of Aaron Comeau.
In episode 91, we chat with Robin Hatch (Our Lady Peace) about her new solo recording, NOISE, and releasing three recordings last year alone! We talk practice, quarantine releases, SubmitHub, DIY basement production and other deep tactics you'll wanna hear about!
We talk mentorship, early days coming up in Brampton, Canada and community-building through music. The metal mogul himself, producer, musician and dear friend Greg "Gerg" Dawson joins us for Episode 90 of Industry Tactics. He's worked with such bands as Mare, Moneen, The End, Gargoyle, Alexisonfire, and so many more! Buckle up for a trip down riff memory lane, with the one and only, Gerg Dawson of BWC Studios.
We talk Doug Friesen, we talk music education in challenging times, we talk Egypt! Get into this wonderful discussion with life long learner, Sarah Benoit, Episode 89 of Industry Tactics!
From BCB Music and Not-So-Sirius 179…it's Friendly's Vinyl Pap. The theme of today’s show is FOOD. We all eat, we all shit, we all write songs about it. This is a chance for you to hear stories about my music, hear from you our loyal listeners, and dig deeper into my vault of recordings.
With a new album coming out next month, Sameer Cash discusses his education, the making of this album, and music in the time of COVID-19. Episode 87 full of great tactics from this wise young artist...
A lovely chat with soprano Anais Kelsey-Verdecchia on working with Doug Friesen at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, then migrating to a world of new music, improvisation and Schafer's Wolf Project!
Episode 85 features a lovely chat with Leland Whitty. Best known for his work as a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist in the group Badbadnotgood, Leland opens up about his music education. We discuss the impact Doug Friesen (Ep. 80) has had on Leland's career, and how he approaches musical collaboration.
Welcome to Friendly’s Vinyl Pap on BCB Radio One, BCB Music and Not-So-Sirius 179…on the show this week, WAR. Drop a bomb! We’ve got some slick weapons of mass destruction cued up for you on the show today.
One of the hardest working, most persistent musicians in show biz today, Frankie Whyte opens up about early beginnings at Rosedale Heights studying under Doug Friesen. Moving on from high school Frankie has studied with Dave Clark, Mike Mangini and more. Gaining support from so many, including Jim Vallance, Duncan Coutts (Our Lady Peace) and more, Frankie Whyte has toured with the likes of KISS, Bon Jovi, and more. Buckle up, this is an awesome episode, full of golden tactics.
Episode 82 is a talk with drummer Bennett Bedoukian, from his studio in the woods of Havoc, Ontario! We discuss his artistic development through the renowned Rosedale Heights program, and being from the first generation of Doug Friesen's music graduates. He plays in Horseman, Pass By with Mark Molnar, get into the brain of Bennett Bedoukian!
Episode 81 features a chat with graphic novelist and musician, Georgia Webber, who builds community through graphic medicine, her MAW vocal arts series and more. Georgia is a generous artist, and we get into her exciting career, through the lens of one of her early mentors, Doug Friesen, and her time studying at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts from 2003 to 2007.
It's the start of a new season!
Season 2 will feature Friendly's Vinyl Pap and other wrong turns, but the main body of the thing will be a deep dive into the impact of music education. Through the lens of Doug Friesen and the great work he's been doing the last fifteen years at Rosedale School of the Arts in Toronto. He's raised a generation of musicians, made a huge impact, like one of his mentors, R. Murray Schafer, Doug has done it off the beaten path.
This season, I'll find and speak with many of the students Doug has helped shape as musicians in the City of Toronto and beyond.
Welcome to Friendly’s Vinyl Pap on BCB Radio One, BCB Music and Not-So-Sirius 179…on the show this week, FAMILY. We all have them, we all gotta get along, from your mothers and fathers to cousins, brothers, sisters & aunts. This episode is all about FAMILY!
Catch a sneak peak of the new Friendly Rich recording, with audio liner notes to help you navigate!
The record is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Misophoniacs be warned! Episode 77 features a popcorned sound adventure with none other than new music guru, Gregory Oh. He reflects deeply on his path to musicianship. Full of golden tactics, take a ride in the Cadillac of Gregory Oh's mind for over an hour and come out a little wiser in the end!
A snapshot of legendary noise-makers, The Nihilist Spasm Band at 54 years into their legendary journey. We talk to some of the founding members, and their spouses! A great Canadian anarchist model, they combine humour, nonsense, and also a sense of community into the mix that is unparalleled. They're one of the longest-standing bands in Canadian history, enjoy this hour special, full of tactics on how to persist at something you love. NO CANADA!
What a rich career Allison Cameron has had to date, flowing through it, she studying in Amsterdam, went to New York, ate beans with John Cage, cracked nuts with Louis Andriessen and much more. She leads the Allison Cameron Band, and is a member of the trio C_rl. Get into it, Episode 75 with the persistent Allison Cameron!
An amazing chat with Dan Loughrin from Baby Labour. We dissect his process, from poodle perms in high school, through to duelling guitars and ring modulators. Studied with the late Ken Aldcroft, Dan is a work horse in his own right, setting the bar higher with everything he creates. This episode connects the dots to several prior episodes -- hope you dig it!
A great honour to crack the mind of audio connoisseur and studio lab scientist, James Paul. From both sides of the mixing board, James Paul's work over the last 30+ years has made a big impact on Canadian music. His work producing records for Hawksley Workman, Chris Warren, Jack Breakfast, and many more...to his new electronic project, Homo Trans Futura, we get into the inner-workings with James Paul in this epic Episode 73!
Drawn to the calmness, singer-songwriter Clara Engel is from a different time - the age of Myspace, and "minimalist holy blues". Get into it, learn about campus mailers, touring solo, swimming, and what persistence sounds like...Dig in!
Sometimes David, sometimes D Alex, this keeper of time is a well of knowledge and unbelievable experience. Tick tock, get into it -- a full hour inside the mind of D Alex Meeks!
Friendly Rich wrote a chapbook, MORTADELLA IS DONKEY MEAT: TALES OF AN ITALIAN-CANADIAN WEIRDO. It's illustrated by the great Gregory Pepper and the print version is available for order now at www.friendlyrich.com/books
This is the accompanying audiobook, enjoy!
Enjoy this very recent radio interview, courtesy of the fine folk over at KEBF Radio in Central California, on "Lunch with Abe" a chat with Abe Perlstein and Friendly Rich, discussing, amoung other topics, Friendly's latest release, available today on all digital platforms - Friendly Rich Sings for Only the Lonely.
From the upcoming book, "Mortadella is Donkey Meat: Tales from an Italian-Canadian Weirdo", hear Friendly Rich read a couple of stories. The book (and accompanying audiobook!) will be available for order on June 1st from friendlyrich.com with book launches June 6 (Guelph) and June 9 (Toronto).
We talk Broken Social Scene, Denman Island, being comfortable in your skin, being thankful and much more. You also get a sneak listen to the upcoming studio recording, "Friendly Rich Sings for Only the Lonely". Out April 27th on all digital platforms, you can also join us live that night at The Burdock for the release party.
Matt Fong embodies the DIY spirit in all his work. Whether it was once spearheading the indie magazine Spontaneous Combustion, or releasing the upcoming Future Machines record, he treats it all the same.
We talk Falcon Punch, Blastronaut, Jazz Tactics (trademark used without permission, please don't sue) and more!
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Let's take a space walk through the life and artistic process of Raha Javanfar, unique violinist, bandleader and well rounded creative force! Raha leads Bad Luck Woman and Her Misfortunes, and plays in a number of Toronto outfits, from The Double Cuts to Zuze.
The one-of-a-kind musical mind of John Oswald. Episode 65 features an indepth discussion with this great composer, saxophonist, and instigator. He gives us a tutorial in Plunderphonics ("familiar music made strange") and much more!
A higgledy-piggledy cruise ship journey through the diverse tactics of Kelsey McNulty. In Episode 64, we talk sleeping bag slippers, keyboards, Ace Tones, accordions, tour health, and much more. We go back to her first release, "Excuses for Small Details" (2014), and you'll even catch a glimpse of a demo from her upcoming follow up record, due later this year. Kelsey is touring extensively these days with Great Lakes Swimmers, also playing in a bunch of other projects (Boxcar Boys, Carlo), currently touring with The Longest Road Show this week!!! Hope you enjoy this wonderful chat with Kelsey McNulty.
Phil Miles is a wise guitar player who grew up in Ottawa (and Victoria) and now calls Toronto home. He's a well of wisdom and likes to keep his musical diet diverse. From playing with Nick Teehan, Godstopper, Aline Morales and his own solo projects, Phil makes any good project great, and he is a joy to spend time with. Spend an hour with Phil, you'll enjoy every minute!
Episode 62 flowed like hot coffee on a humid summer afternoon. My chat with the jazz master herself, Nicole Rampersaud, who discusses her rise in music and upcoming move to the East Coast! Enjoy…
Friendly Rich & The Lollipop People teamed up with Dave Clark and the Woodshed Orchestra on the EP "THE LEONARD COHEN SWEET". This shared release comes out Sept 10th on all digital platforms, followed by 5 big band shows to unveil the vinyl pressing, five tunes about Leonard Cohen.
Visit friendlyrich.com and/or thewoodshedorchestra.com for show details in October! This podcast features unreleased demos, and background interviews about this special project, conducted by filmmaker Adam CK Vollick from his upcoming film about the record. Enjoy!
In Episode 60, we take a journey with the violin through the life and times of Dr. Parmela Attariwala. Parmela is a great thinker and musician, who has devoted much of her career to helping break down barriers both on and off the concert stage. Dig in!
"The only cats worth anything are those who take chances", Thelonious Monk told a young Gary Topp -- the rest is history. Take a trip down memory lane with a one-of-a-kind Toronto music legend, Mr. Gary Topp. Better pop two sticks of gum for this one, it includes tall tales of everybody from The Police to Bob Dylan. Let's go!
A lovely chat with producer Colin Brunton, looking back on his friendship with the late Jeff Plewman (aka Nash the Slash). Enjoy!
We talk hat tricks, ice music, treehouse concerts, music of the heart and much more. Episode 57 is full of gold, sprung from the head of creative polymath Jesse Stewart!
We get into Leonard Cohen, Cowboy Junkies, touring the country and much more with Canadian work horse singer-songwriter Andrea Ramolo. Enjoy!
From his mud room in Hamilton, Ontario Dale Morningstar talks about his musical coming of age, from Dinner is Ruined Band to meeting Bobby Orr and much more! He gives a glimpse into the making of Gord Downie's "Coke Machine Glow", and many more seminal works from the oeuvre.
Just a magpie with a dream, Olivia Shortt is a freshly shorn master of music! The saxophone phenom and new music champion originally from North Bay, she now pushes Toronto's new music community to new frontiers both on and off the stage. Take a fun stroll with Olivia!
A delightful saunter through the mind of Brooklyn-based guitar guru Myk Freedman. From the Toronto house he grew up in, Myk opens up about practice, shredding, his early years, failure, and much more!
We went all over the map with Sarah Jane Scouten, from Belgium to British Columbia. She shares some deep and difficult life experience with us, and the tactics she's picked up along the way. What a ride, what a voice, enjoy this deep dive with an amazing artist!
Devin Cuddy shares his unique journey, from arena tours opening for Blue Rodeo, to his latest EP "Amy's Dream", this episode unravels much about what he's learned along the way.
Karen Ng walks us through her first three decades and the good people she's worked with along the way. From Broken Social Scene, to Andy Shauf, Karen is an incredible musician wearing many hats. Learn many a tactic, on this our 50th episode!
We talk about his first release "There is Not a Snake", CRA tactics, jazz names, and much more. Dig in to a deep dish pan pizza with the unique and talented Nick Teehan!
We take a good look behind the curtain of the Canadian music industry with James Keast, Editor in Chief at Exclaim Magazine. Digging up angry letters from 20 years ago, we learn about one very important tactic...don't pee in the pool, kids!
A conversation with Myra Davies. She opens up about her early years working in the musical underground with artists such as Skinny Puppy, Einstürzende Neubauten and more. A fascinating adventure that spans over 30 years between Germany and Canada....ENJOY!
A well of knowledge, inspiration and good vibes, Steve Sladkowski talks about his development as a musician, touring/creating in the band PUP and much more. Crack open a fresh bottle of Club-Mate and drink it outta the ding-dong cup...this talk is gonna blow your mind!
A personal trainer of artistic sorts, Maylee Todd unlocks some key tactics for us today on the podcast. Her new release "Acts of Love" is a well-thought, revered recording from a great Canadian polymath. Dig into it!
We're poppin' P's on the podcast today with Guelph's own, Gregory Pepper! We crack open a can of beer and a can of worms, learning all about his new Song a Week Club and more! Dig into this Boxing Day miracle...
Episode 43 unlocks a new level of awesome: JULIA HAMBLETON, Toronto clarinetist and do-it-yourselfer extraordinaire. Unraveling the cabbage, we discuss the vital tactic of RECOUPING, and also walk through the obscure recording "YOU ARE MY FRIEND: Shaun Driver Sings the Classics". Such a generous human, Julia tells us all about her father's record label, and the many musical families she's a part of. A classic!
Take a trip through Peterborough via the Cameron House patio...it's a deep dive with "future Canadian legend", Jay Swinnerton. He talks Los Diablos, The Silverhearts, New Grease Revival, and how his existence might be hinged on Canada's boycott of the Russian Olympics!!! Crack open a six pack-o-buttertarts and enjoy the joy of our boy, Swinny.
From Toronto island, a chat with Benjamin Hackman (The Holy Gasp) who discusses his upcoming recording, his influences, and approach to making some seriously demented music. He's a punk rock cabaret beatnik oddball, and we crack open his beautiful pinata skull on this episode. Happy Halloweeny!!!
Tim Posgate is in a great artistic place, just back from a tour with Roney Teper in Europe, and releasing a new So Long Seven recording in November. We sat down in an noisy cafe in Toronto's Little Italy, sharing some cheerful tactics along the way.
She's a card-carrying member of the Woodshed Orchestra, FOG Brass Brand, Brodie West Quintet, and her own quartet. Tania Gills eats a jazz sandwich and takes us through many tactic-filled worm holes. Listen up!
Tom Wilson is a seasoned storyteller, a Hamiltonian of true grit, an artist of epic proportion. He reminisces about early days in Hamilton with Bob and Daniel Lanois, his start in the band Junkhouse, and his upcoming book Beautiful Scars. Enjoy the ride!
Take a sneak-peak into Friendly Rich's 11th studio recording, The Great Blue Heron. Glimpses into the recording, featuring interviews with Hawksley Workman, Kevin Breit, and Greg "Gerg" Dawson. The Great Blue Heron release date is September 14th, with all live dates posted at friendlyrich.com
Selina Martin has released four incredible recordings to date, most recently "Caruso's Brain". With a background in theatre and music, her community spans far and wide. Selina never stops searching for the next great song or project, now based out of France. We caught up in a Toronto parkette, and hammered through several important tactics....ENJOY!
A pleasant chat with producer and composer Eugene Martynec. At 70, he's got an amazing perspective on Toronto in the 60's. He talks about Yorkville and working with folks like Bruce Cockburn, Felix Pappalardi, Kensington Market and others. Dig in to a rich career in music, and learn the new term..."sweetening" courtesy of the generous Mr. Martynec.
A delight to catch up with chanteuse Patricia O'Callaghan. She's released six recordings, toured the world, and never stops learning. We talk stage fright, record company tactics, and more in this episode.
This episode comes to you from the inside of a music box. The tinkerer himself, Mr. Henk Degraauw joins us on the podcast to crank up the organ and grind out some serious tactics. Learn all you need to know about mechanical music, from one of the great suburban mad scientists.
Friendly Rich sits with Kid Koala, the polymathematician to talk about his inspirations, from Jim Henson & Monty Python to working with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Mike Patton. Some serious tactics are explored, this guy oozes creativity -- listen up, hook in that aural intravenous and reach your artistic Pluto!
Some fine Toronto music anthropology as seen and told through the lens of photographer Lisa Macintosh in this episode of Industry Tactics. She's shot everybody from Bruce Springsteen to Amanda Palmer, and she's excited to share her story and tales from her upcoming book called Music Makers: Portraits at the Great Hall, coming out this fall. Dig in!
Trombonist, composer, programmer, Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival...he is a difficult human to classify, and why try? One thing is for sure -- Scott Thomson embodies music from a variety of perspectives. Scott has toured the world with the late Ken Aldcroft and other unique artists, he has composed several pieces of music featured across the country, he even ran his own ground-breaking DIY space Somewhere There in Toronto. Advanced tactics are shared in this episode, and dealt to you with uber-focus, the kind that makes the Christine Duncan episode seem tangential! Buckle up, pack lightly (but smartly) as Scott "smooch" Thomson walks the walk...
Nate Mills, frontman of the band Run with the Kittens talks about his early years growing up in Orillia, Ontario, how we moved to Toronto, started a band, toured in a school bus, and became a frequent flyer at the legendary Cameron House. He shares how Terry Brown, the producer of several classic Rush records discovered RWTK and ended up producing more classic material with them. A joyous talk with a fountain of creativity and a genuinely nice guy...the kinda guy you'd like to enjoy a good steakette with!
A talk with koto-pop sensation Jessica Stuart, a hard-working force majeure in Toronto music, traveling the world, sharing her music far and wide. Jessica opens up about her music education and what led her to this wonderful body of work. And a dazzled you shall be!
Join us for a second interview with cult legends, Renaldo and the Loaf, via Skype from Ted the Loaf's home in Wales. We dig deeper into their collaborative recording, a 1983 co-release with The Residents called "Title in Limbo". We talk about Snakefinger, their disturbing music video done by Graeme Whifler and much more!
An amazing chat with Toronto songwriter Laura Barrett. Well known for incorporating the kalimba into her music, this interview digs deeper into her work, as a film composer, pianist, and educator. In addition to her solo work, Barrett has also performed as a member of The Hidden Cameras, Henri Fabergé and the Adorables, Woodhands and Sheezer. Enjoy this beautiful chat with one of Toronto's finest voices!
Immerse yourself in the beautiful world of Doug Tielli and his heartfelt music. You'll hear the stories behind his records, and the role of middle names in the Tielli family. Fresh piss from the well of genius!
He's a well of creativity, a connector of humans, a constant force in the world of weirdo art. From hip hoppin' moose puppets to doom metal to rock operas, Cory McCallum won the lottery on creative output. There ain't no genre or medium void of his treatment, Cory is a fearless renaissance man from Orangeville, Canada and it's a big treat to get into his mind and process on this episode of Industry Tactics!
Friendly Rich sits down with English avant garde masters, Renaldo and The Loaf to catch a glimpse into their wonderful world. So many artists are influenced by this subtle duo from Portsmouth, England, from Spike Jones, and The Locust, to Friendly Rich himself, this two-part episode is a great treat to share with you all!
Since the early 70's Brian Poole (aka 'Renaldo Malpractice') and David Janssen (aka 'Ted the Loaf') have released some of the strangest music ever made! One an architect, the other a biomedical scientist, Renaldo and The Loaf's friendship began when they were teenagers, and has bloomed into a truly inspiring story, the biproduct...this incredible body of work. If you are new to the world of RATL, you're in for a real treat today. If you're a fan, we dig deep into some of the elbow crevasses, shuffles and rodcods!
Toronto trombonist, Steve Ward plays with Minotaurs, Caribou, The Lollipop People and many more....A man of many passions, Steve breaks it down into 3 easy chapters: meat, music, and graffiti. Urine soaked sausage for all my friends!!!
Kevin Breit has performed on several Grammy and Juno award-winning records. He works with everybody from Norah Jones, Hugh Laurie and Cassandra Wilson to Harry Manx, Rosanne Cash and more. A well-grounded human, Kevin is always pushing his creativity to the limits. We discuss Kevin's Jukebox series, his latest release Ernesto & Delilah, recording with Norah Jones and alot more. A great storyteller, enjoy this window into the mind of one of Canada's finest musicians -- he sees the future, ladies and gentleman...and it's all Breit!
Wax Mannequin waxes more than poetic in this heartfelt conversation. A seasoned veteran and crafty songwriter from his home just outside of Hamilton, Canada. Listen up, as the tactics flow outta this wise candle!
She leads The Lipliners, and has been releasing her uncompromising music for over fifteen years. A staple in the Toronto improvising music scene, Ronley Teper is now on a quest to make new musical friends in different cities, from Berlin to Melbourne. Ronley has recently released a trilogy of songs with accompanying videos by acclaimed director Davide di Saro', one of which was recently nominated for a Jutra Awards for Best Animated Short. Hear us catch up at The Tranzac Club in Toronto.
For the last fifty years, The Nihilist Spasm Band has done it their own way. Pioneers of the noise music genre, this Part 2 Extra Special Industry Tactics XMAS Special is a chat with John Boyle of the NSB. Ear plugs are mandatory. Murray, prop me up here!
Part one of this Extra Special Industry Tactics Christmas Special features a Lindor chocolate treat from Friendly's Festive vault: a 2004 interview with Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer. At 83 years old, Schafer is one of Canada's most prolific composers and musical minds. From coining the term 'soundscape' to being a companion of the Order of Canada, R. Murray Schafer is a national treasure. Pour yourself a glarse of egg nog, sit back and enjoy your time with one of Canada finest minds (and Friendly Rich).
Bob Wiseman is enjoying a remarkable journey in Canadian music. One of the founding members of Blue Rodeo, Bob left that band in 1992, and has since released 13 solo records, produced 29 other artists, scored for film, television, working extensively in theatre, and comedy. This is a lovely conversation, that scratches the surface on a rich career that remains creative, collaborative, and original.
Wanna learn all the different types of gigs? This is the podcast for you! This week's podcast features an in depth discussion with trumpeter Rebecca Hennessy and bassist Michael Herring. Two fierce band leaders and life partners...presented on a bed of tranquil aquarium trickles. It's a caffeinated journey into the white board of your mind!
"It's like listening to a Salvador Dali painting" Transcending age, race, and genre; Cheldon Paterson, aka SlowPitchSound does not consider himself a DJ, rather a creator of sound collages. Enjoy this sweaty conversation we had under a Toronto tree...
"There's nothing worse than a bass player with a dream..." This episode, Rich hangs with James McEleney, bass player and swell gent. Nothing like drinking beer, talking beer, music, and much more. A man of many words, today we celebrate SHAMOO on the podcast!
A gripping discussion with Guelph's creative genius, Jenny Omnichord! We talk about her one-of-a-kind bus project, how she came up in the indie music scene in Guelph and much more. Thanksgiving!
He's a man of few words and incredible beats, Sly Juhas. The son of a Hungarian horologist, Sly is set to squeeze the most out of life. His latest adventures send him to Berlin to live and make new friends in music. It is the relationship between the drummer and the dancer, and Sly has no problem splitting jazz atoms on stage, paraddidlin' his way to greatness. Three cheers (and a kooya) for Sly!
Buckle up and take a ride with Joe Sorbara, Toronto drummer and the sweetest soul you'll ever meet. Joe walks us through the importance of being respectful, how he came up in the Toronto improvised music scene, and many more interesting tactics. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Toronto guitarist Ken Aldcroft (1969-2016).
Friendly Rich chats with the talented songwriter Jadea Kelly to discuss her new recording "Love & Lust" and other important tactics. Kelly now spends most of her time in Nashville, so it was a real treat to sit with her and reflect on a very exciting career!
He walks and a talks in tongues. Step inside the brain of a true artiste, the enigmatic Canadian, John Southworth carves out some new tactics, from keeping the cards stuffed deep in the meat pie, to deconstructing "the title track". There's alot to learn from this gem of an artist. Dig in to the meat pie of musical wisdom [recorded in 1872].
Episode Ten features guitar marvel and deep thinker, Nichol S. Robertson. As a very special bonus, we're happy to unleash a previously unreleased live performance at the end of this episode, Nichol shredding all over Friendly Rich's arrangement of Rimsky Korsakov's Scheherazade, premiered in 2013 at the Guelph Jazz Festival. Enjoy!
Canadian painter and blues musician Mendelson Joe opens his cabin in the woods to speak with Rich about all things music, culture, politics, and end of the world.
This week, we chat with the musical genius Hawksley Workman, from his studio in Burk's Falls. We talk about his incredible career in music, touring, gardening, and much more.
A laser beam of focus, Christine Duncan [shawoman] gently walks us through her incredible journey, from evangelical touring family band, to hardest-working woman in show business. There's love, understanding, passion and a beautiful sense of humour at the end of this rainbow. Get on board the Duncan express, as she double parks us toward a better way of life.
This week we visit Alex Pangman at her place, to talk jazz, horse, and Lawrence Welk. You dig?
We talk baseball, birding, Soda Popinski and tactics along the way. Relish the gentle voice of Jack Breakfast on the podcast this week.
In this episode, we sit with Krista Muir, aka Lederhosen Lucil, a hyper-creative wonder in Canadian Music. Krista and Rich have known each other for years, sharing stages in Montreal and Toronto, and holding mutual weirdo friends in Germany. We talk worst gig, best gig, Kid Koala, and tonnes of tactics for any budding oddball. Dig in mates!
Friendly and Andrew talk tactics with Gordon Shawcross over some eggs in a special diner-edition of "Industry Tactics with Friendly Rich". Gordon is a prolific songwriter, who's got a new recording Almost Science Fiction out now on Squirtgun Records. Friendly and Gordon have been enjoying eggy talks like this one for over 20 years now. Welcome to the breakfast nook, gentle listeners!
Episode Two features an extensive interview with legendary Toronto drummer Dave Clark (Woodshed Orchestra, Rheostatics, Dinner is Ruined, The WoodChoppers Association, Gord Downie & Charles Spearin).
The first episode of Industry Tactics, we're joined by the gentle wiseman himself, Jeff Burke. We talk about bassoon, internet fame, supping cranberry juice and not sleeping much. This man is a one-of-a-kind...let's spend over an hour inside his mind!