After listening to Pat Maloney’s latest record it was time to get to know him better…
Pat, What attracted you to the stripped down acoustic music?
Doing the singer-songwriter thing was a pragmatic decision. I was a drummer for all kinds of different styles over the years, from hardcore to hip-hop. I quit my job a few years ago and wanted to make a living playing music. So I had to trim the fat, so to speak. Playing solo is the only way to do it, at first. I love old country music, I love the story telling. I feel like now, three years later I’ve grown into the genre.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
I played piano, and sang in musical theatre when I was young. I got my first drum kit at 12, and was in all kinds of different bands for about 15 years. Now, I’ve been writing and singing my own songs for the better part of three years.
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia’s Joel Plaskett, Old Roger Miller. But I’m open minded and listen to anything from Fugazi to the Band. I’m a firm believer in listening to all genres, and just letting the influence sort of seep in. Instead of trying to model yourself after another artist. [ed: props – first person to mention Fugazi!]
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
It’s a pretty crazy time in history. Perhaps the most dangerous the world has ever been. I wouldn’t say my music is overly political, but I think if you run out of things to sing about, you’re not paying attention. Plus, I’m a deep lover, and there’s always something juicy to write about personally.
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
Yes, this is the first fully acoustic album I’ve ever recorded. It felt risky to strip things down to the bones, but I’m happy I did. The album sounds just like my live show, and not like a big to-do. There are little mistakes that make the whole thing my most authentic effort yet.
What was the last song you listened to?
To Live is to Fly – Townes Van Zandt
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
I’m a modern man. I’ll put anything on. Vinyl records with a sweet house system to crappy little mp3s. Whatever it takes, I want to hear everything.
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
I’d prefer people go straight to patmaloney.ca – there are links to youtube, apple music, spotify etc.
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
Oh yeah. There is no shortage of singer-songwriters out there. Everyone has access to online methods of promotion. I don’t have much of a budget, so getting myself out the is basically just two ears at a time. I’m happy playing live a lot to be active, and get my stuff heard.
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
The works. I’ll play just about anywhere. I’ve toured the UK on six lengthy tours in support of a XXX Hypnotist. I’ve played comedy clubs, wineries and hot tub parties. I play the odd festival, but if I waited around for the “good” shows, I’d be broke and bored.
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
Check out www.youtube.com/patmaloneymusic – there are a couple live videos on there.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
www.patmaloney.ca – I take pride in having a great little hub for everything (videos, lyrics, downloads, show listings, tweets etc) right there.
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
I rode the VIA Rail Canadian train from Toronto to WInnipeg as part of the “Artists on Board” program. I am used to driving across this humongous country in my hatchback, by myself. So it was great to put my feet up and let someone else do the driving. But once I got off in Winnipeg, I had about 20 shows in Western Canada, spanning about 1500kms (800 miles) to get to. I shopped online for community “ride shares”, and scored rides from friendly strangers. My favorite ride was from Winnipeg to Saskatoon, roughly an 8hr trip with a young dude named James. He told me all about fixing up his truck to get to the West Coast (2000kms away) to meet his baby who was born while he was in jail for petty burglary. As he was telling me his story, I couldn’t help but think in the back of my head that he was basically writing the lyrics to a country song. I got out in Saskatoon and picked up my guitar right away, and wrote a new one telling James’ story. It’s one of my favorites now, I play it at every show.
Lightning Round
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Chocolate
Dream vehicle?
Well trained camel
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
Kayak. We’ve only got so much oil, and the coral reef is dying.
Place on Earth you must visit some day
Peru, Machu Pichu
Batman or Spiderman?
Neither, comic books or for children and nerds. I’ll watch or read anything without prejudice.
James Bond or Jason Borne?
Bond, James Bond. Sean Connery of course.
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
Bugs!
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
40 beers please and thanks.
Movie or book quote you are liable to drop at the wrong moment?
Sit on my face and tell me that you love me. Monty Python. [ed: yup, that one gets me in trouble, too]
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
DRUMS.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
See you in Tennessee! [ed: can’t wait!]
