World Inspired Artist Pip Shares Uplifting Acoustic Track “Everybody’s Sayin’” from Every City LP
Pip contributed to the ‘first wave’ of music activity on Toronto’s Queen Street West and has lived and played extensively in Europe and Asia. He currently lives in Hamilton, ON, writing, recording, performing, and selling original art-pop with world and jazz elements. Running the blog metroPhilmusic since 2008, Pip’s own music is influenced by world rhythms and the lute. The brand new album, Every City, is Pip’s 30th LP release.
On Every City, Pip wants the listener to feel uplifted. There is a long arc throughout the 16 songs; a few melodic tunes, a couple of ballads, a rock-steady tune, a couple of rockier numbers, and then a novelty song leading to the final two contemplative songs that take out the album’s journey. The double bass and nylon stringed guitar of the focus track, “Everybody’s Sayin’,” is gentle and profound, asking the listener to step back from civil tensions.
Pip shares,
“Observing all the conflicts around the world. In practice, we can’t just go anywhere; but maybe one day there won’t be any fences, borders, prejudices. Never mind what “everybody is saying.” People may say you’re a victim but don’t listen to the shouting of the media. Use your resourcefulness, and think for yourself.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m the musician Pip, from Hamilton Canada. I’ve had a long storied career since the late 70s, performing original unique songs around the world. I have also published a couple of novels about the music scene in Toronto in the 80s.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
Every City is my 30th album continuing my work in chamber pop with world elements and jazz elements.
“the cool cosmopolitan vibe of Philip Pip Kummel” – Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer).
The record takes the listener on an hour-long journey.
While not a concept album, Every City’s sixteen songs take you on a voyage from the beginning hooks through some more intensive terrain and also ballads.
Then, following the rock-steady message of hope, there comes the gateway sound sculpture piece leading to the pair of contemplative compositions that bring the musical journey to a close.
So listening to the record in one sitting brings extra insight and enjoyment. But one song at a time also works.
Guest Musicians:
Karen Thornton (vocal Accompany Me)
Per Garside (electric guitar Everybody’s Sayin’)
Michael Blais (lead electric guitar The Volunteer)
PK (other electric guitars, nylon string guitars)
Dan Fortin (double bass Accompany Me, Everbody’s Sayin’, Emerges)
Kevin Christoff (bass Tonight’s the New Tomorrow, member of Simply Saucer, Martin Verrall Players)
David Lee (double bass Mesopotemkin Cruise)
Jay Burr (tuba Coconut Pearl)
Tori Owen (English Horn Are There Really, plays in the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Elegance Trio, Travelling Troubadours)
Neil Spaulding (horns Skate Lake, principal horn of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra)
Aaron Hutchinson (trumpet Coconut Pearl; worked with Owen Palett and is a founding member of HAVN, also HMAs winner),
Gurpreet Chana (percussion Skate Lake)
Will Gillespie (all drums and some percussion, harmonica)
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I have a comfy couch that I sit on, which has supplied me with many a melody. I sit on the creator’s couch every day. (Anyone else who sits there has to write a song too!)
I think an open attitude lets me find all kinds of stuff, every which way. I have lived a life that is rich in supplying material.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
We’re going to keep on keepin’ on, making music and recording. We’re at the Casbah in Hamilton this month. Auteur Research is handling digital promo. We just played a major festival on the main stage. It’s all happening.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
This latest album is my 30th. That’s a big milestone. It’s also some of my best work. Twelve guests got on board for this one. The result went beyond my expectations.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
She’s not upcoming, but I’ve always loved the songs and singing by Lori Cullen. For example:
https://loricullen.bandcamp.com/album/buttercup-bugle (eg. Grass);
Her latest album is in a new-to-her genre, so she’s still pushing the envelope while remaining in the wheelhouse of the beautiful, soulful, and meaningful. Plus, great arrangements.