The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame is set to honour a stellar class of Legends this year, featuring Andy Kim, Jane Siberry, Ian Thomas, Triumph, Gino Vannelli, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, François Cousineau, Michel Pagliaro, and Florent Vollant. These inductees represent the powerful history and diversity of Canadian sound.
Learn more here.
Ahead of the live tribute events in Toronto (Oct. 17) and Montreal (Nov. 17), we sit down with some of these music giants to hear the stories behind their unforgettable careers.
First, we spoke to Rik Emmett from Triumph, now we are speaking to Andy Kim.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Andy Kim, the third of four brothers.
How does it feel to be inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and to have your work recognized as part of Canada’s cultural legacy?
I’m humbled and honoured.
Looking back, what do you think has been the defining thread in your songwriting — the thing that makes your songs distinctly yours?
I’ve never analyzed myself or anything I’ve ever written. I just express myself with the rhythm of the moment and hope people like it. I learned a long, long time ago that “to analyze is to paralyze.” Reflection is only for the immortal. I’m just mortal.
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songs that stand the test of time. What does “timeless songwriting” mean to you?
Wow! That’s hard for me to say. Timeless is such a powerful word. I don’t think I ever wrote from that perspective. I’d like to think a song lives in its honest bubble. The fact that one writes a song that eventually becomes “timeless” is a rare moment of awe. I can’t take a bow for that.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Canadian songwriters trying to find their voice?
Start your morning the way you always do. Go to your “studio” room. Lock the door. Put the key in your left pocket. Make sure your recording device is on. Pick up your favourite instrument. Play something or nothing. Hum or silence. Eventually, you will hear the sound of God’s Songwriting Angel whisper a melody or lyric. Go for a walk… alone… all the while your cell phone is off and under your pillow.
If you could go back to your earliest days as a songwriter, what is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
I’d say “It’s Decided” (the title of a song I wrote with Kevin Drew). By that I mean you must understand you’re living your one and only life with no sequel. You must find and answer, “Who am I? Why am I?” Songwriters paint pictures, but not the same one every time. Your body and your soul are yours only, not someone else’s. Be brave.
If you could pick one song from your catalogue that best represents who you are as a songwriter, which song would it be and why?
“Shady Hollow Dreamer.” It’s everyone’s journey if you’re honest with yourself.
The first verse lyrics:
Back around the corner
A childhood ago
I left my tiny footprints
On a January show.
Where did they go, where did they go.
I dreamed of being someone
In a movie I had seen
But the hero I could have been
Was left there on the screen
Where did he go, where did he go.
I’m a Shady Hollow Dreamer
My imagination plays
Just a Shady Hollow Dreamer
I’m on the back porch of my days.
Footnote: I truly am 1000% a Dreamer.
With live tributes planned for the Toronto ceremony, what are you most looking forward to seeing during the celebration on October 17th?
I’m looking forward to spending time with my fellow inductees.
After decades of creating music, what still inspires you to write?
I’m addicted to writing songs. The high and the wonder of it all rule every bone in my spirit. I’ll forget to eat and swear I’ll be with you in 10. Hours go by and I’m filled with the joy of my life.
Connect with Andy Kim:
Website