When contemplating the analysis and complexity of life on the road as a musician, weighing the balance of it's tender ways as it applies to the musician and their brood of significant others, few compare to Old Man Luedecke's ability to pierce to the core. Hearing him for the first time at The Cove last spring was a trip. I had seen his name on hipster posters on the Montreal scene for years but had never had the opportunity to catch one of his shows. I never like to say that I regret things, but I do regret not taking in the experience of his performances which feel as close to a spoken word, fireside folk chat as you can imagine. His stories of ultimately being vulnerable and content in diving into the exploratory trip of being on the road will be on full display at The Cove on Thursday, May 22, 2025! Details and reservations here: web link

Seamus Cowan: So great to hear you travelling westward to hit the Canadian touring circuit again. What have you been up to musically since you were here last year?

Chris Luedecke: I've just come back from a long tour which started in the NWT for a couple of weeks and then took me to Edmonton where my instruments were stolen in a smash and grab from my rented cafe. I recovered them after a mad caper and worked my way (after several shows without them) to BC from which I flew to Australia for an inspiring tour if folk festivals.

Q: Your songs are an open book. It's almost like you said, "If I'm going to sing it and talk about it, it might as well cut to the chase". I think this is what is most attractive and endearing about your appeal to listeners. What do you think lead to this style of songwriting?

Chris: I think the fact that I discovered this way of relating to people and myself through playing and talking with a banjo has been the reason why I do this and not something else.

Q: Playing different instruments on stages creates a true dynamic variation that piques interest all around. Who are some of your favourite musicians who have exhibited this talent?

Chris: Well so many, but Tim O'Brien is a huge inspiration. His ability to play folk music on multiple instruments and sing amazingly has been a huge inspiration.

Q: Awards aren't everything but they sure are a great badge to wear in order to feel some tangible love from the music community. Has this given you a sense of confidence to have won some JUNO awards and be nominated for a Polaris Prize?

Chris: It did at crucial and critical moments in my career for sure.

Q: This is clearly your story and continues to be your path. When covering so much ground physically, musically and poetically, what would you say is left for you to challenge yourself creatively? Do you have some new music plans?

Chris: I'd like to get right back to the beginning again and regain the magic that discovering these banjo songs gave me. I know it is just around the bend. I'll play it all so much better now when I find that gold. Posted: May 14, 2025