Name: Jon Shrier
Hometown:
Montreal
When did you first get to Whistler, and what brought you
here?
I first came to Whistler 10 years ago to try out the mountain,
then slowly I found myself showing up at the open mic nights to play music. I
say the combo of mountains and music are my strong reasons for being here.
How were you introduced to music?
My mother always played music around the house while I was
growing up. I really enjoyed listening to guys like Neil Diamond, Elvis
Presley, and Buddy Holly.
How do you describe your sound?
At the moment I’m warming up to alternative soul country rock
pop, with a touch of folk.
When you aren’t on stage, where can people find you just
hanging out?
I am definitely a homebody. I spend a lot of time at home
writing and practicing. When I step out its usually at the coffee shop or to
get together with a fellow artist(s) to jam.
This year alone, the Jon Shrier Band captured the Battle of
the Bands title, and you’ve walked away with the title of King of Song —
it sounds like you’ve been busy! What is your long-term goal for your music?
To simply be heard. I would like to complete my six-song demo
CD and promote the band as best I can.
So, you’re working as an independent solo artist and
performing with the band, still — how do you find this is balanced?
There are not a lot of venues to perform original material.
However, many opportunities have come my way to play cover songs as a solo
artist. This allows the band to focus on the original material… plus, they hate
it!
You also had a chance to perform at Pemberton Festival. What
was it like to play such a huge event?
To be asked to perform at an event of that size is surreal. The
fact that it was in my backyard was also an experience in itself. The band
never played better and this guy has never been prouder. Also I got to sneak
backstage and hang with The Sam Roberts Band.
You play some covers, but also a lot of original material. Where
do you find inspiration for the songs you write?
In the beginning, there were a lot of songs about love and
hate, relationships etc. Now I am trying to tell stories. Inspiration for me
comes in all forms. Could be a car accident on the road, or the smile someone
gives me when they know I want to leave. One of my personal faves is a song called
“Naked.” Its inspired from the feeling we all get when someone we love takes
their clothes off for the first time. It’s really a song metaphor about trust
and expression.
What was the King and Queen of Song competition like?
It was great to see artists come out and play unique material
if only for 10 minutes each. Everyone seemed comfortable and I got a chance to
hear some wonderful original songs.
Now, you have an on-air interview and live performance on
Mountain FM on the horizon. How are you preparing?
For the past several months, I have been on a steady diet of
practicing and writing a little everyday. In addition I am constantly
re-working material to better prepare myself for the studio where there is
little time for invention. The guys at Mountain FM are great. It’ll be fun!
Hit shuffle on your IPod — what are the first three
songs you come across? (Come on, be honest!)
To be honest, I do not own an IPod. But the CD player in my
kitchen has Bob Dylan inside with a Jon Mayer CD resting closely beside it.
There are those who like Bob Dylan and those who do not. If you do not, we can
be friends… but I will never love you.
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Today it’s a song I wrote called “Hey La” about this couple who
possess an amazing physical chemistry but cannot stand each other. It seems
that whenever they’re on the brink of breaking up only two words need to be
said to bring them back in love… if only for a few moments.
What’s your favourite venue in town, and why?
When I first came to Whistler in 1997 I spent more time at the
Crystal Lounge than any other venue because of the variety of artists that came
through there. (And the drink specials!) It was the first place I performed in
Whistler, and because of that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
That, and the drink specials!
What’s been the most memorable performance of your career?
Thanks to Tom, Paul,
Raj, Jason, and Roz… July 26
th
2008 at the inaugural
Pemberton Festival from 1:30 to 2:15. I played along with the best band anyone
could have asked for. We worked our asses off and then we played them off. I
was totally and completely happy. I have had other memorable performances in my
life but I cannot mention them without someone else’s permission
.
What musician (alive or dead) would you like to jam with?
Hank Williams Jr.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I have an upcoming show at the Crystal Lounge on Thursday, Oct.
30 at the Crystal Lounge at 9 p.m. And, if you want to have a listen, please
visit
www.myspace.com/jonshriermusic
.
