Phillip Hong
March 1, 2010

 

This artist must have been a very curious connoisseur when it comes to tasting music - in fact, he's compared a good track to a "bit of fine wine" for the ears. What I find very nice about this comparison is that you don't really need to be an alcoholic to truly enjoy a fair bit of gluttony, and your liver doesn't need a transplant if you listen to too much music.

 

Regardless of the horrible poetic language that was found in the previous paragraph, Bain Anderson has somehow made music an integral part of his life, like an alcoholic with a bottle of gin.

 

What really touches my heart is the fact that Bain has reminded me that creating music isn't just a task for the ears, or a recipe for a chef... it can really inspire you in different ways.

 

PHIL: Your music has been called a "fine rock and roll wine". What do you do to make it such an enjoying vintage?

 

BAIN: I think first and foremost timing plays a factor, how long to mature and when to bring it to the public. My sound has been in the making for a few years now and any release pre-mature to this one honestly would have been sub-par to my standard. I have also brought in a "brew master" mixologist Sam Ryan of SOS Music. Sam was the first producer I have met to really "get me" musically. He has definitely brought in some extra "flavour".

 

PHIL: Tell me about "Place to Be". What inspired you to create this song?

 

BAIN: In the past I have been known to be sort of a serious songwriter. Not too long ago I turned a corner in my life by surviving some adversity. After that, I decided to write songs that are fun, upbeat and hopefully out there to help people forget (even for just 3 minutes and 5 seconds) the trials and tribulations that life can bring.

 

PHIL: Children must be a very important in your life. How did it feel to be called a "rock star" by your son's class?

 

BAIN: Having a son who has down syndrome has had a big impact in my life. Both musically and spiritually. Being treated like a "rock star" by my son's class meant so much to me because kids to me, are some of the best critics you can find. They listen to music in its simplest form, the song that it is.

 

The kids don't care who your producer is, if you're signed to a label or if you recorded the CD in your garage. Kids either like your tunes or they don't. They will however give you the kudos for trying your best and shooting for your dreams! My son Michael is a music nut (like his dad) and if I can stay in his MP3 player then I feel like I am on the right track.

 

PHIL: You have some deep roots in British Columbia. How is this picturesque province incorporated into your music?

 

BAIN: I am living in Victoria right now but born in Richmond, BC. I was raised in the lower mainland in and around Vancouver and spent a lot of time commuting to work in my car. I like to give my music the "car test". Plug it in, turn it loud and just drive. My goal is to musically inject some fun into a commute to or from work. If you can forget about the drive, take in the sights and sounds and be inspired by what surrounds you then I have done my job.

 

PHIL: If music wasn't your forte, what would you be passionate about?

 

BAIN: I have this ability to mimic sounds and voices and would love to work in the voice over industry. I am not a big fan of taking "requests" but if you spend any time with me you'll hear almost every accent on the planet, stars like Sean Connery, Owen Wilson, Dana Carvey doing George Bush, Jim Carey doing William Shatner, Dr. Evil and yes even Shrek and Donkey!

 

PHIL: Who would arrive first at YVR? A car taking the ferry from Victoria, or a skytrain passenger departing from Surrey?

 

BAIN: If you don't get mugged in Surrey (ha ha, no offense Surrey) then I will have to say, skytrain from Surrey. I understand for the 2010 Olympics that the skytrain now goes out near the airport. I am also not a big fan of BC Ferries and how off schedule they can be. It is a huge effort to take a ferry 18 kilometres from Victoria to Tsawwassen!

 

Phillip Hong is a presenter on AMPM, combining some great indie music with quotes and interviews.