Joel Plaskett is one of the most accomplished, prolific musicians, songwriters, and producers to ever call Halifax home. 20 years ago he made his first great in-roads as an artist in the hugely influential underground rock band Thrush Hermit and, when that group stopped playing together at the end of the last century, Plaskett began a successful solo career releasing some of Canada’s most essential rock and folk albums. He runs his own label, New Scotland Records, highlighting the work of artists he loves, and continues to be a tremendous live performer and engaging storyteller.
The Joel Plaskett Emergency released a cool record in 2012 called Scrappy Happiness and they return to Guelph for a show at the River Run Centre on Friday Sept. 13 as part of the 25th anniversary edition of the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival and then play Hamilton’s James St. Supercrawl on Saturday Sept. 14. During this extensive interview, Joel discusses his upbringing, his father Bill, how he first started playing music with his friends, why Family Ties was super distracting, why he’s never left Halifax, how independent culture has changed since he first became involved in it, how he makes sure he’s TCB, the showmanship of Bruce Springsteen, the connection between comedy and songwriting, his new songs, Clayton Park on double vinyl, Thrush Hermit reunions, and his future plans.
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Listen to the full interview here.