Curtis Basque
New
Brunswick-based musician Curtis Basque might be Atlantic Canada’s best-kept
musical secret. In this exclusive interview, the singer-songwriter opens up
about his creative process and his self-titled debut recording.
When and why did you
start playing music?
The
first time I held a guitar I was probably 5 or 6 years old. I fell in
love with playing music instantly. I used to stand on a plastic bucket and perform
for my mom.
Are they the same
reasons you do it today?
Yes
and no. Today I am a producer and composer - I am more interested in the
creative process than the entertainment side of it.
How have you evolved as
a performer over that time?
My
confidence is more grounded now. It also depends on who you surround yourself
with as musicians. Trust is a big issue and connecting with brilliant musicians
will only make you better.
What have been some
career highlights?
Opening
for the band from Montreal, Voivod, in the 1990's was probably a highlight in
terms of performing. In 1991, the band I was in while I lived in Halifax
was on the same bill as Mitsou, Crash Test Dummies and The Beach Boys. We got
to play the Halifax Metro Centre with several other bands. More recently I
was interviewed by CBC because I had been granted permission by Josephine
Chaplin to use an excerpt from Charlie Chaplin's 1939 movie "The Great Dictator".
How would you describe
your sound and style today?
My
self titled debut album would probably be described eclectic with a mixture of
classical, Middle Eastern, and progressive stylings.
What inspired the
opening song Requiem?
The
American Invasion of Iraq - and the fact that my father served in World War II.
What kinds of themes did
you explore on the album?
The
album is first and foremost an anti-war album mixed with political rhetoric and
lost love.
What were the challenges
involved with recording?
The
assembling of the right musicians for the project. At times I felt like I was
climbing up Mount Everest with a piano on my back. In the very end things
turned out the way they were supposed to.
What were the rewards?
I
am proud of the music on this album because it's important and relevant in a
world today where music is pumped out as quickly as it is disposed of.
What has the response
been like so far?
Oddly
enough the response in my hometown was almost non-existent. Yet on my
website I managed to connect with fans from all around the world and the
album getting radio play in France. It's been quite positive. I
received one review where the reviewer stated "anyone looking to
support independent Progressive Music that avoids walking on clichéd paths will
find much to enjoy here."
Is your creative process
more 'inspirational' or 'perspirational'?
It's
a combination of both really. Just when I wanted to be the guitarist that
wasn't possible. I had to wear many different hats including producer,
recording engineer, mixing and mastering.
What makes a good song?
There
are a few important elements - the tempo of the song, the melody of the
instruments, the harmony, great hooks and important meaningful lyrics.
What do you have on tap
for the rest of 2015?
Over
the past 2 years I have written enough material to complete 2 albums - most of
the instruments will be played by myself, except the drums by John Morrison,
and we are collaborating together on the music. John has been an
incredible asset to the music. On some of the material I decided to start
singing again along with my girlfriend Giselle Hannah on vocals who encouraged
me to explore the possibilities of my own voice which I sometimes felt was not
up to par with other singers I have worked with. Also, I am planning a
video shoot on a song I wrote about my home town called Days Gone By. So there
is definitely a lot of diverse music pouring and continued growth as a
musician.
