Musical interludes

LOCAL MUSICIANS:

ADAPTING TO CHANGE BY WYATT TREMBLAY

“We miss the live events, but it has been great connecting with fans (through Facebook Live and Instagram) and seeing how they connect with each other”

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced artists to adapt how they connect with their audiences.

For Airdrie musician Steve Jevne, it provided an opportunity to explore another dimension of his journey as an artist — music production.

“It’s very humbling to know that despite everything I’ve learned in my life, there’s still more to learn,” he says.

“I like that. I like that I’m always going to be learning, always constantly adapting.”

Jevne, who turns 40 this year, has had a successful career as a songwriter, performer and event organizer.

“Up until the pandemic, I had been very fortunate to make a living doing this,” he says.

However, once the second lockdown happened in December 2020, he began to wonder about his future.

“The first (lockdown) was like a wake-up call, but now I needed to explore other options, because (live music) might never be a thing again.”

This realization pointed him towards music production, something he had dabbled in over the years.

“I knew how to record and how to make stuff sound good in my ears, but I couldn’t pitch a song to a radio station that I’d recorded myself.”

He is also part of the popular country music duo As High As We Go, with vocalist Kyle Miller. The band has a dedicated following, playing venues like the King Eddie, Wild Card Shack and Sorso Lounge in Airdrie.

STEVE JEVNE – SERGEI BELSKI

Purchasing studio time was something he and the band needed to do to get a song radio-ready, so it seemed like a logical next step.

“I’ve got the time, so why not?” he asks.

In January of this year, he began taking online master classes in production, putting what he’s learning into the EP he recorded with Miller or on recordings other artists submitted to him.

Besides collaborating with Miller, he’s also participated in several cowrites over Zoom with musicians from across the country, helped organize ARTember, and attended the Alberta Country Music Awards.

REVIVING LIVE While Jevne has ventured into music production, two of Airdrie’s country acts, Brandon Lorenzo and Flaysher (consisting of brothers Brad and Ryan Fleisher) used the pandemic as an opportunity to reimagine what playing “live” looked like.

Lorenzo used Facebook Live and Instagram last summer to connect with fans, offering free Friday evening concerts from his driveway and pulling up to 50,000 views per show.

He says, “it was a great way to stay busy,” but it also exposed his talent to a wider audience, which led to open-air concerts around, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and a gig with Hotels Live and Live Star Entertainment for their virtual Country Legends Tour. His music is also airing on dozens of radio stations and streaming services.

Lorenzo says he feels honoured to receive the YYC Music Awards’ People’s Choice Award for 2020. The ceremony wasn’t live, but the award was presented to him while he was playing the virtual show for the Country Legends Tour.

“They came out and surprised me; that was really neat,” he says.

Flaysher also harnessed the power of Facebook Live and Instagram, performing virtually for their fans, which has led to a larger audience.

“We miss the live events, but it has been great connecting with fans this way and seeing how they connect with each other,” says Brad.

Flaysher released two new singles, Flat Broke Famous and Ride, both of which are in rotation on radio and streaming services.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of 2021 for both acts has been their Alberta Country Music Award nominations; Flaysher for Horizon Group/Duo of the Year, and Lorenzo for Horizon Male Artist of the Year and Fan’s Choice Award.

“That was super cool considering it was only my second time at the awards,” Lorenzo says.

He also played his newest single, Kissing in the Kitchen, during the virtual event.

“This pandemic has given me more time to reflect on life and dig deeper into my craft so that when I do deliver more music it is felt deeper than rap”

Flaysher’s nomination had significance for the brothers.

“It’s very humbling and an indication that you’re going in the right direction. It made us feel very excited for the future,” Brad explains.

“It was a huge thing for us, to have our names up there with other artists and groups that we really look up to,” says Ryan.

Both Lorenzo and Flaysher say they are ready for whatever comes next.

“It’s the busiest year I’ve had so far, and I have no plans to slow down,” Lorenzo says.

Ryan and Brad agree: “This year is shaping up to be busy. We’re writing and recording. It’s been a fun journey, and we’re loving it.”

DIGGING DEEPER Airdrie hip hop/rap artist and musical engineer Willy Snypes says the pandemic has forced him to find new ways to engage his audience and collaborate with other artists.

“Being able to connect with other artists in person provided a chance to bounce ideas off one another on projects to create a masterpiece,” says the CEO and founder of Cornerboy Music Ent.

He adds that, like many other artists, he has been forced to change the way he creates.

“For me, music has always been my way to escape and to express myself,” he says

“So, if anything, this pandemic has given me more time to reflect on life and dig deeper into my craft so that when I do deliver more music it is felt deeper than rap.”

To that end, he recently released his newest track Mamdani Trials, which was inspired by the 2017 shooting of his close friend Riaz Mamdani.

“I have been his personal trainer for over 10 years and after the shooting, was the one to help him bounce back stronger than ever physically with physio/personal training,” says Snypes.

“I still remember the morning of the incident like it was yesterday. He was on his way to see me that morning for a personal training session. Not too long after missing his session with me, I saw on the news that he had been shot pulling out of his driveway.”

He says the song is a description of the trials of Mamdani, the sacrifice for family, and his return for unfinished business.

“It’s a celebration of life while we’re living,” he adds, saying it is the perfect summer track because it is full of energy and makes listeners feel “in charge.” life