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Electric Soul

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Edouard Durocher of Electric Soul from 2014
MSJ:

Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music – both individually and as a band?

Well, Electric Soul has been around for about two and a half years but the members have played in and out of different bands together for about five years, actually. We just finally found the right fit and everything started to click really nice one we solidified the line up. As for me, I also work as a promoter on a small level and set up shows for other bands, and am involved in the community, as well. I also play in another band but Electric Soul is my main band.

MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing?

Traveling. . . lots of travel. The dream is to travel the world playing music for people.

MSJ: How did the name of the group originate?
I came up with the name and everyone liked it! I can really stand behind it and am very proud of it. I just thought it was really cool sounding and had a good ring to it and names are tricky - they're people's first impression.
MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences?
Oh man! This question, I would say that Frank Zappa, Mars Volta, Pink Floyd, lots of Jazz, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin and many more. Really just bands that played for themselves and did things their own way, but so many influences really - even from the local scene here there are so many bands!
MSJ: What's ahead for you?
Record and tour our a**es off! Play music and spread the music to new ears!
MSJ: I know artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music?
It's rooted in Rock and Roll but mixes in jazz, blues, funk, psych, prog and even a little pop. Nothing is off limits for this band and I think that's what makes us unique and sets us apart. There's a flavour for everyone in our music.
MSJ:

Are there musicians with whom you would like to play with in the future?

Omar Rodriquez Lopez, Robert Fripp, Dweezil Zappa, Roger Waters. . . so many!
MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians?
I think it has changed the music business, of course. Musicians and bands have to think of new ways to get people interested and get out and tour more, because that is where we will make our money. Really for a band like us nobody is illegally downloading us and if they are: awesome! I'm just stoked they are listening to us of course. I just think it is something that we need to adapt to.
MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them?
I feel good about that! Spread the music around with your friends and that's a great way to create word of mouth and get new fans. That's how the Grateful Dead did it.
MSJ: If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why?
Oh boy! Dave Guenette, my brother in Electric Soul.
MSJ:

 If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why?

Mars Volta Circa 2005! I never got to see them live and it sucks because they broke up and they would just be a fun band to jam with. Also, The Frank Zappa band of 1973, the classic Roxy line up. Although, I would love to see Yes with Robert Fripp on guitar and John McLaughlin. I think the music geek in me would just start crying. (laughter).
MSJ:

If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing?

MGMT, Wolf People, Roger Waters, Tame Impala, Sleepy Sun, Mahogany Frog, Black Mountain, Mars Volta, Paul McCartney. . . you know, the greats.
MSJ:

What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?

A local band called “Little House.” They are amazing and good friends of ours.
MSJ: Have you read any good books lately?

I have been reading a bunch of Robertson Davies lately - a really good Canadian author - and some Vonnegut as well. Also, a book called “The Music Lesson”  by Victor Wooten.

MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Mahogany Frog at Union Sound Hall in Winnipeg as part of Big Fun festival. So loud!
MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?”
Madonna's 80s work and Boney M's "Rasputin!" Love those songs. . .
MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment?
Oh... I don't know if we have any good Spinal Tap moments. Mainly just drunken people coming on stage and spilling beer on our gear. . . always really annoying.
MSJ: If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining?
Frank Zappa, Stanley Kubrick and Adolf Hitler. I know that Hitler sounds weird but I think it would be interesting just to talk to him on that level.
MSJ: What would be on the menu?

Hmmm. . . Cream of Mushroom soup, Hummus and some sort of dish with Feta cheese. Yeah, that would be nice.

MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?
We play from the heart and I know people will find something to like about our music so please, come experience Electric Soul.
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
 
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