My Musical Journey: From Fields to Melodies
- Robbie & Andy - Chatting Tracks
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A Rural Beginning
Growing up, my world revolved not around sheet music, but around fields and tractors. Raised on a farm in a small rural town, my early life was more John Deere than John Lennon. Music wasn't a family affair; it found its way into my heart, almost as if it skipped a few generations.
The Leonard Cohen Influence
Music came to me unexpectedly, but it was Leonard Cohen's work that truly struck a chord. His poetic lyrics and the careful attention to detail in his songs inspired me heavily. For me, songwriting is all about the lyrics — a lesson I took from Cohen. The DIY spirit of independent music, especially rock and punk, taught me the beauty of just getting up and doing it. Those genres, like Cohen, became a blueprint for my musical journey.
Guitar and the Punk Ethos
The guitar became my instrument of choice, much like Cohen, and I've spent countless hours perfecting those cowboy chords. Learning to play those movable power chords ignited my passion for songwriting. This idea — three chords and the truth — really resonated with me, forming the foundation of my musical ethos.
Discovering the Canadian Music Scene
Canada was an eclectic mix of musical pockets, with Toronto being a significant hub during my early career. It was there that I formed Great Lake Swimmers. Toronto's music scene was thriving, full of camaraderie and inspiration — somewhat like a Canadian equivalent of Laurel Canyon. It was more than just folk music; it was an amalgamation of styles like indie folk and Canadiana.
Great Lake Swimmers: A Musical Collective
Starting Great Lake Swimmers in 2003, it became less about a fixed band and more a revolving door of musicians, depending on what the songs needed. This fluid line-up allowed for a rich tapestry of musical input, much like a creative collective.
Songwriting: Craft and Authenticity
Songwriting is a delicate balance, a craft that requires both authenticity and inspiration. I often draw from personal experiences, but occasionally pull back if I feel a song bears too much negative energy.
Recording is another passion. I prefer ambient spaces to traditional studios for capturing unique sonic signatures. Whether it’s a disused church or an empty subway station, these venues add a depth hard to replicate in a studio setting.
Embracing the Environment
Recording in non-traditional settings isn't without its challenges, but the rewards are immense. Unexpected sounds become part of the music, creating an authenticity you can't fake. It turns recording into an adventure, something Neil Young and other artists have also embraced.
The Journey of Albums
Over the years, I've explored various musical landscapes through my albums. From the stripped-down vibe of our first album to the richer orchestrations of later records, it's been an evolution. Our song Your Rocky Spine has resonated deeply over time, achieving gold status after a slow burn over 18 years.
Recent Work: Catch Light
Our ninth album, Catch Light, represents a new way of working. It came together quickly and intuitively, capturing an immediate, urgent sound. Themes of nature and spirituality continue to inspire me, offering endless avenues to explore.
Looking Ahead
As I plan to dive back into writing, the world around me and the experiences on tour continue to fuel new music. While the music industry is ever-changing, the true essence of music — creating and sharing meaningful experiences — remains my primary focus.
Conclusion
Music is about creating a space for listeners to lose themselves, to find an alternate world through sound. Whether it's through a single track or diving into our full discography, I hope listeners discover a world they'll want to revisit.
If you're new to our music, I'd recommend starting with our latest album or the one that includes Your Rocky Spine. Each offers a unique snapshot of our musical journey. Thank you for taking the time to explore it with me.
Website: https://greatlakeswimmers.com/
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