INTERVIEWS  with Calgary and area songwriters           <<< RETURN MAIN     |    CD REVIEW >>> JOHN LEEDER  *Tell us a story behind one of your songs*. I had a summer job on a geophysical surveying crew in northern Manitoba, and some of the old-timers I worked with told stories about the early days on the Hudson Bay Railway. Ten years later I was driving alone between Calgary and Ontario, and put some of the stories into song form in my head. It became "The Hudson Bay Line", which was the first song I made up that other people liked; it's been recorded six times that I know of.  *What do you listen to when you are at home?* I mostly listen to folk music, particularly traditional Canadian and British. But I don't listen to music constantly, or even a lot.

*Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?* At one time I listened a lot to Canadian traditional singers. I don't consciously imitate anyone, I just let it come out, and try to change anything that sounds too songwriterish.  *What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us" No one incident, but people have thought my songs were traditional, and have been surprised to find out I wrote them, which is the greatest compliment I could get.  *What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing experience? I am not a natural performer. I try to pretend I'm in my own living room rather than on a stage. I try to be myself but a little larger than life, which still isn't very large.  *Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?* I never put anything on paper until the song is finished. If I can't remember it, why should I expect anyone else to? However, anyone wanting to pursue a songwriting career should perhaps do the opposite.  *What plans or goals do you have for the next year?* I have plans for several new CDs, when and if funding becomes available.  *Where can we buy your CD?* From me ( leeders@nucleus.com , http://www.johnleeder.com , (403) 230-0340 ) or from the Canadian Society for Traditional Music (www.arhyel.ca/cstm/index.htm). It's in a couple of Calgary record stores as well, MegaTunes and Play.

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