BC’s Jan Van Gold weaves together elements of blues-rock, Texas blues, and electric blues to create her own unique style. After a long hiatus, Gold comes out swinging with toe-tapping tempos jamming to the heartbeat of her sixth studio album.
Jan has unveiled her new single, “New Walking Shoes”, check it out below and find out more about Jan Van Gold via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a singer-songwriter/musician/composer living with my partner in rural BC just outside of the tiny town of Kaslo, BC.
I have a small humble home studio that I’ve been fortunate enough, time-wise, to be able to produce 6 albums of original material.
I am an avid gardener and a lover of walking in the woods. The inland rain forest of the Selkirk Mountains has become a daily inspiration.
I spend most of my days creating either with music, photography or building supplies.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
Having studied all genres of music, from classical to country, I find the tunes I write are a moshed blend of them all.
The songs usually start with a guitar riff that guides the lyrics and melody.
Once the basics of the song have been written, (the rhythm, chord structure, melody and lyrics,) I tend to become enamoured with the recording process. Throwing ideas and sounds at the song to see what will stick. Sort of like throwing pasta at a wall to see when it’s done. Then scraping off what didn’t stick and mixing the rest into a song.
I find the recording process an amazing instrument to use to flush out the very soul of the song.
Layering track after track, starting most often with a guitar part, adding bass and drums, then putting the icing on, horns and vocals, the song matures into a different entity than the original spark of inspiration. It’s a beautiful process.
My music is a glimpse into my mind and soul. Mercurial musings, whimsical flights of fancy, or sobering social commentary, the themes traversed are as varied as the music itself. An authentic reflection of my experiences and emotions.
My own personal truth.
My discography also speaks to my desire to push boundaries and experiment with artistic expression.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
I am working on a solo kaleidoscopic jazz fusion project that playfully integrates elements of blues, rock, tropicana and funk that I’m hoping to broadcast online at a date yet to be determined.
Relying heavily on a loop pedal, I multitrack live off the floor using guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, trumpet and vocals.
The eclectic melange of genre-bending tunes will have a bit of something for everyone.
My music is an aural Acid-trip of bold sonic experimentation that has delighted audiences.
“Most bands can carry a tune-but few can carry a groove that feasts ears with original riffs filled with flash-forward, Deja funk innuendo.
Jan’s band has a pulse!” – Bub Patience, President of Kaslo Jazz Etc. Society
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Now that is a difficult question. You do realize that every song is like a child of mine and like most mothers, I couldn’t possibly
love one more than the other. That being said, I am quite partial to New Walking Shoes, until of course, it’s time for the next release.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I absolutely love Five Alarm Funk out of Vancouver. Tremendous horn section and super funky fellas!
I also had the pleasure of seeing Elizabeth Shepherd when she graced our tiny village with her incredible music and show.
Such an inspiration!
I really am impressed with the innovativeness of the group Monkey Dragon, featuring Adham Shaikh, Buckman Coe and Andy Cakes.
Super cool vibe from these uber-talented musicians.
Last but not least my favourite bluesman around these days is Harpdog Brown. Love that he’s added horns to his sound too.
His latest video is superb!
Connect with Jan Van Gold:
Website