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sometimesalwaysmusic · 7 years ago

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OUTSIDE I’M A GIANT

Composing haunting, beautiful folk music floating down from the Gatineau Hills, Outside I’m a Giant are set to release their debut album on October 7 at the legendary Black Sheep Inn. We caught up with frontman Jeremi Caron (JC) and chatted about the band’s origins, their local musician inspirations, and their extensive future touring plans.

VITALS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsideimagiant/

Web: https://outsideimagiant.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsideimagiant/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/outsideimagiant

Latest Release: Fishing with Jim (Single, Sep 2017)

Upcoming shows: Saturday, October 7 - Outside I’m a Giant, A Leverage for Mountains. Black Sheep Inn, Wakefield QC. 6PM.

SA: How did Outside I'm A Giant first start as a band? JC: Long story:

My previous band (Bitterly Healed) was going through a rough time. Being a part of a 7 piece band can be really difficult. We didn't all have the same obligations, goals, priorities and schedule. Not long after the release of our first album we disbanded. It was a difficult period in my life.

Couple months went by. I wasn't feeling inspired to write. In a way I was kind of enjoying the break. My partner asked me if I wanted to go see a show at the Record Centre. Her friend (VELODRONES) was playing. It was the Bosveld vinyl release show.

I've seen many shows and I can tell you in all honesty... that was the best show I have ever seen. Their performance was amazing. Surreal even. I was in awe by everything about Bosveld. After the show I went back home and I felt like I knew what I had to do. As if they had put me on the right track. Guided me in the right musical direction.

I started writing and it was going really well. I asked my long time collaborator, Pascal Desgagné, if he wanted to be a part of this project. He said yes with no hesitation. We have been making music together for 15 years now so it was just natural for us to continue making music together.

We were looking for a full time violonist to join the band. Samuelle Desjardins was referred to us by our friend JF (Fet.Nat frontman). First rehearsal it was obvious that we made a great trio. It felt good. It made sense. But most importantly, we had fun playing music together and we all wanted the same thing. The same goals.

Another important person in this project is our manager, my mentor, Trish Bolechowsky (Redleaf Music). Music is one thing. Managing is another. Trish is helping us a great deal and without her we wouldn't be where we are today. We're lucky to work with her.

SA: Who would you cite as primary influences on your sound? JC: A mix of Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Harmonium, Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon) The National and Bosveld. Also some movies such as La Bête Lumineuse, Les Traces Du Rêve, Alone In The Wilderness and The Frozen North (I like to watch those movies while I rock in my rocking chair and write riffs).

SA: Thus far in your career, what has been your biggest success? JC: ... I have a bit of trouble with that question. It's weird to me. I guess... I would have to say, being happy doing what you do. That's what really matters right? Doing what you love? If you do that, in my book, you are being successful.

SA: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced, and how have you dealt with it? JC: I think the music industry itself is a challenge. It's not an easy life style/business. Especially for emerging bands playing in new markets. Doesn't stop us from doing what we need to do though. Playing music that is. For me, playing music is therapeutic. I just need it. It's who I am. I'm fortunate to have a family that understands and supports that.

SA: How do you guys approach the song-writing process? JC: I do all the writing. I have lot's of free time in the winter. That's usually the time of year that I do my writing. I make myself some tea, sit in my rocking chair with my guitar and write. Once the songs are done I present them to Pascal and Sam. That's when they add their touch. We share ideas on where the songs should go musically. They let me know if they appreciate the lyrics. It's a fun process. It's really exciting haha.

SA: What are your thoughts on the Ottawa/Gatineau music scene? JC: I love the music scene here. Lot's of amazing bands. Lot's of talent. It's a very vibrant scene and also very diverse. Many different genres out there and it's great. I feel like the scene is blooming full force. Just keeps getting better and better.

SA: Your songs and lyrics seem to be influenced by the geographical region in which you have grown up and lived in. What is it about the Gatineau Hills that is so inspirational for you? JC: The Gatineau is my home and I'm proud of that. I was raised in Hull and Gracefield. It's what I know. I like to write about simple things. I think it's important, as a song writer, to trust yourself, to be confident, to be honest and to write about what you know. In my opinion that's a recipe for good songs.

SA: If you could pick one highlight, one personal favourite point for you, off your new album Point Comfort, what would it be and why? JC: I can't. Each song is personal and I'm attached to each one on their own level.

SA: What can fans expect from your upcoming album release show with A Leverage for Mountains? JC: Lot's of soul power. Lot's of feel. Couple new songs that will appear on our second album and couple new covers that we have been working on. It promises to be a great event. It's happening at our favorite venue, The Blacksheep Inn.

SA: Lastly, what are the future plans for OIAG in 2017, post-album release? All the best this coming year! JC: We have a show coming up in the fall at La Nouvelle Scène. We will be doing an Ontario tour in February 2018. We're aiming to go back in the studio March 2018 to record our second album. A private home concert in May. A second East Coast tour next spring and another one in July 2018. We're also looking into getting work visas for the US. And finally you can expect some merch late fall this year including vinyls.

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