INTERVIEWS  with Calgary and area songwriters           <<< RETURN MAIN     |    CD REVIEW >>> TONI VERE  *Tell us a story behind one of your songs*. I wrapped up my last tour in 1997 with my then band "Cinnamon Twist". We were a cover tune band and I realized that cover tunes weren't where I wanted to be. I didn't like the business any more and I just wanted out. I got a day job and locked my guitar way. About two years later I was watching a Mary Chapin Carpenter special on TV and she was talking about the inspiration behind her song "This Shirt". I actually got kind of emotional and all of the reasons I ever started to play music in the first place just came over me ... I did pick up my guitar again that night and wrote the song "Levi Straus" which is on my current album "Just To Be" ... it's not really about my jeans .. .but sort of .. you know?  *What do you listen to when you are at home?* I have all kinds of music at home, Indigo Girls, Jann Arden, ... I love Blue Rodeo ... but in the past five years or so the only current CD's I have are from other singer songwriters like me, and I've met all of them in person .. so in my current library I have: Kate Reid, Amy Bishop, Jasmine Whenham, Sarah MacDougall, Joanna Chapman-Smith, Heather Blush, Trina Nestibo, The Fates, and Bill Dowey to name a few.

*Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?* That's a hard call... life experiences mostly. I think Corb Lund is brilliant ... Kate Reid opened my eyes. Blue Rodeo gives me hope.  *What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us" Its as simple as having the opportunity to get up on a stage and do what I love. I work 40 - 50 hours a week at another career .. .the career that pays for all the musical going's on. Having the freedom and support to fill what hours I have left in a week singing my original music to the people who support live original music, that's my highlight!  *What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing experience? Do it because you love it. Period.  *Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?* Do it because you love it... stop long enough to hear what isn't being said and let it bloom on it's own.  *What plans or goals do you have for the next year?* We're in the middle of a new tune and music video due out in the next month or so. My four piece folk rock band Hashmagandy is going on tour to Kingston Ontario and working on the way there. The plan is to start recording the next CD in about a year. I'm also headed into the studio to record a song penned by the one and only Greg Godovitz from Ontario's rock band "Goddo" ... lucky ... lucky me! Oh yes... and some day I'd like to be on "Ellen".  *Where can we buy your CD?* Preferably from me at a show you come to see! Or... plan "B" www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ToniVere www.indiegrrlrecords.com/vere.html itunes.apple.com/us/artist/toni-vere/id352979553 www.tonivere.com

RETURN TO THE TOP

All material and images on this website are protected by copyright laws.   © 2010   All rights reserved.  
Webpage designed and maintained by DFweb Designs, Calgary, Canada.