(Photo: Andy Nichols)
Who: Jordan Klassen
What: Richly arranged indie-folk heavy on melody and glockenspeil.
When: Klassen is releasing his new EP St. Brigid at the Marquee Room on Wednesday August 18
How did you get started as a musician?
In grade 8 my mother forced me to take band class. I rocked the trombone. And also I hated it. I made a pact with her that if I could quit I would start guitar lessons. My guitar teacher was this ’80s hair metal fellow who wore polyester shirts unbuttoned halfway down. I remember he said once "You’re not too bad at this music thing don’t give up on it." Around that time I started writing songs and loved it a lot.
How would you describe your sound?
I usually tell people that it’s indie-folk. I’m not sure how accurate that is because I think folk music is music that is stripped down and bare-bones; music of the people. I think my music is acoustic guitar-based pop that explores ambience. That sounds super dorky though. So indie-folk it is.
Why does Calgary need you?
Calgary doesn’t need me as much as I need it! The community of musicians and artists in Calgary totally astounds and constantly encourages me and people are just so darned loyal and supportive! I love it. If I have something to offer it’s to be a part of that community to offer it another voice and be a good friend to other folks who love art.
Where will you be in five years?
I would love to be doing this as my full-time job. I would love to have traveled a whole lot more and read a lot more books. As for location I really have no idea! I tend to migrate a lot. Calgary still feels like home though so I think it’s a safe bet.
What’s the first job you remember wanting?
My mother kept childhood memories books and I looked through mine a little while ago. I think the first job I wanted was in grade 1. I wanted to be a comedian so I could make people laugh. I also ate slugs and peed my pants so my judgement could have been off.
