Hi Pranatricks! Can you tell us about your background and how you got started in the music industry?
Hi there, sure I’m a lifelong fan of music and really just someone that liked the sound and texture of live instruments. I can remember just playing one or two notes on the piano for hours at a time as a young child or listening intently to my dad’s records playing on a Sunday morning and thinking about the song structure. There was something about music that touches all of us in different ways. I played in a couple bands in high school and then in college and university I started writing more music. In 2005 I made the choice to really start playing live again, bought Pro Tools and began amassing ideas, eventually filling a couple of hard drives full of songs. I had a band in 2008 that played a bunch of shows and toured and then after we disbanded in 2011 is when Pranatricks began to materialize more clearly.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your life that sparked your passion for creating music?
Well, the first time I can recall being really moved by music was when I was about 10 and I heard ‘You gotta fight for your right to party’ by the Beastie Boys. I didn’t know what to do, or whether I liked it or hated it, but it did something that made me say wow! I need more of that. I want to do that!
Are there any specific life milestones or moments that you consider pivotal in shaping who you are today, and do they find reflection in your music?
Oh for sure, I think meeting my partner and the birth of our son is something that consistently grounds me and centres me in my heart space. The challenge of a committed relationship continually requires me to level up, be present and operate from my heart space. I think those experiences are continually reflected in my creativity as love is the highest vibrational frequency. Ultimately, I’m striving to operate from gratitude, the good and the bad, there are lessons in it all.
Can you share some details about your latest single “Cobras” and the inspiration behind its creation?
The song really is about accessing the heart space. In the physical practice of yoga, something I’ve consistently practiced and studied since 2001, the cobra posture involves lifting the chest up from the ground when laying on the belly, it is a backbend which inevitably opens the heart space. Like a cobra snake there is a fierceness required to be vulnerable enough to open the heart and operate from there. The song reminds us that the light bends towards us when we remember to operate from the heart. I wrote the song many years ago and then revisited it again when choosing tracks for the second album. It is certainly an outlier in terms of composition from the songs that I have released over the last couple of years and I like that. Being vulnerable and brave enough to not just fit into a box and really pull yourself out of our comfort zone I think is one of the best things we can do.
“Cobras” has a distinct sound. What instruments or production techniques did you use to achieve this unique sonic atmosphere?
In terms of instrumentation, I found or was given this circuit bent synthesiser and somehow, I was able to run my electric guitar through it. It’s all driving through some distortion and a Wah pedal. The song is built upon two distinct swells of this sound. The first swell features the lyrical content of the song, and the second swell incorporates mantric chants of OM again meant to lead the listener toward their heart.
What are your favorite non-musical hobbies or activities that you enjoy during your downtime?
Skateboarding for sure. For me skating has been something that I have done on and off for decades. We just happen to be in a good decade. I like to go to the skatepark with my son, we also like to play baseball and go for walks with mom in the forest.
Are there any specific venues or festivals you dream of performing at, and why?
For sure, SXSW, Treefort, Sled Island, Rifflandia, there are so many. In terms of venues, the Fillmore in San Francisco, the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, Massey Hall in Toronto. Crazy story, two weeks ago I got a legit showcase confirmation email from SXSW for their annual conference in Austin. An hour later unfortunately, they sent a follow up email apologizing that they made a mistake, and their system sent the email in error. It was crushing because that has been a dream for a long time.
Can you share a memorable fan encounter or experience that has left a lasting impact on you?
Well as a fan of other people’s music I have lots. For instance, I’m a huge Chad VanGaalen fan and every time he comes to town, I make sure to go and say what’s up. I sent him Cobras for some feedback a couple of years ago. He’s always been gracious and carries on some dialogue with me about all thing’s music and skateboarding. To me that is memorable.
If you could offer a piece of advice to your younger self, based on the life lessons you’ve learned so far, what would it be, and how does it relate to your musical journey?
I think I would say go for it sooner. Lean in, don’t give up or let up. It (life) is a balance, remember that.
How do you see your music evolving in the future, and what direction do you envision for your artistic journey?
There is definitely one more album coming, which will complete the Pranatricks endeavour. I have a vision of a triptych painting where each album when observed on its own has its own unique expression but when viewing the image as a whole a larger theme reveals itself. For me ‘Cherished,’ ‘Elements of’ and the third album (which has been named but will be revealed at a later date) will present a chronological ethnography of my musical development. Cobras represents a turning point in terms of direction, the new project will be rooted more in indie psych rock with still some hints of indie folk. Stay tuned!
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