MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Fall 2018

42 ML BLUE FALL 2018 ML: What drew you to the band? SK: What I saw was, first and foremost, Jacob. Jacob Bergsma to me is like the greatest friend/person on the planet. I was like, “that guy’s voice is pure magic.” He’s an incredible person, kind and thoughtful and it just comes out of him. That was the first thing that struck me. And, of course, all the horns. I love the brass. ML: For those who haven’t seen My Son the Hurricane, how would you describe the band? SK: My younger cousin said to me last night, “your music is like nourishment.” People say that it makes them feel good. The music is full of uplifting messages. It’s New Orleans funk grooves with hip-hop and sometimes a little bit of jazz but sometimes it gets classified as rock music. It’s about feeling good. Jacob’s writing is amazing and I always take some really cool messages from it. The lyrics I write always have some kind of positive messages but might be a little more political. My husband, Mike, writes some of the lyrics too and he’s definitely an uplifting guy. I think the combination of the genre with these uplifting messages adds up to nourishment. ML: The live show is a whole other experience. Can you describe that? SK: Definitely, it’s not just the recording, it’s the show. Seeing a sea of people singing the lyrics back to us, it’s humbling, it’s mind blowing and it’s incredibly exciting. We just want to give joy and then the joy comes back. It makes this awesome circle and everyone feels good. That’s what music is all about, right? Don’t we all need some joy right now? ML: The band has added some school performances in between gigs on this tour. What’s that experience been like? SK: Playing for kids is my favourite thing. Kids are the most honest. If they don’t like it, you’ll know and if they love it, you’ll know. The kids come up to you after and say really nice things. “You inspired me and I play the saxophone and I can see that I can do this.” I think it’s cool for young women who play horns to see Victoria Cox, our baritone sax player. I’ve heard Vic say she was told she should play a smaller instrument. She didn’t listen. She’s powerful on stage and a great role model. ML: Speaking of women in the music industry, what would advice do you have for females trying to break in? SK: I’d say stay strong and don’t be pushed out of this, and support other women. I’m super conscious of it and I make a huge effort when I see a woman performing to go over and talk to them, to make sure they know they had a great performance. Sometimes I just say, “It’s really comforting for me having you here because I’ve been with 12 dudes for however many weeks and it’s really nice to see you.” Solidarity with other women is really important to me. ML: You have a powerful presence on stage. How close is that to who you are? SK: The most truthful version of myself is what you see on the stage. It’s when I’m the most relaxed and centred and I’m doing what I’m supposed to. I’ve never been a fearful person on stage, I’m just so comfortable. The show has changed, the dances have evolved, and there’s the dynamics of working with the other people. It’s neat working with that many people and sharing. You really have to learn how to share and it’s good. Want to experience My Son the Hurricane in person? Check msthofficial.com f or tour dates. Kindree in Owen Sound. ALLISON KENNEDY DAVIES