Daniel, Fred & Julie by Matt Dixon, June '10

We've got a real treat for you; I'm absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to interview three of the most highly respected Canadian musicians of our generation; Daniel Ramano (Attack In Black), Fred Squire (Calm Down It's Monday, Shotgun & Jaybird) and Julie Doiron (Eric's Trip, Wooden Stars); collectively known as Daniel, Fred & Julie. The trio recently released a self titled LP and did a little Eastern Canadian Tour including a stop at Baba's Lounge in downtown Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

The Gambler & His Bride from Daniel, Fred & Julie

1. Daniel, Fred, & Julie it's an honour to interview you. Thank you for accepting my request. There's quite a bit I'd like to get to, but I think I'll start with how you three found each other. Of course you're no strangers to each other or each others music; there's also the Sappy connection and so on, but could you explain how the three of you found yourselves with a couple of tape recorders in Fred's garage that weekend in 2009?
Dan: Well good sir, Fred and I came up with the vague idea on a tour. He was selling Ladyhawks t-shirts when Attack In Black toured with them. After that (a long time after that) I called him and asked him if he still wanted to do it; and he did. We didn't really make solid plans. I had found these old books and had written some music to some songs in it. So I guess I decided that theme before I ever got to Sackville. I bought a train ticket and made my way there with the books and some guitars. Fred and Julie were just coming back from Newfoundland and his folks picked me up downtown. We got some food and then went back to the house to figure everything out. We tried a few different things mic wise, but the thing that ended up working the best was one mic into one track on the tape machine. Julie asked if we wanted her to sing on it. We said yes. And that is how that all came to be.

2. I think the element of borrowing old words is a very interesting element of the record. As you mentioned you found some old books and decided to put music to them; this is of course true for eight of ten songs on the record; the other two being songs and lyrics you composed. Could you expand on the theme of old words you set out for the record and how it perhaps differs from other things you've done?
Dan: Well, it makes for a more interesting approach to the arrangement. It's a totally different thing putting music to words that already have a structure. You can sort of see what the song sounds like just by looking at it; though I'm sure everyone would see something a little different. In other instances I would not have such a strict structure in the writing process. Sometimes there are words before music other times the opposite. In this case it's always the same and the only difference between songs is the fazing and the emotion that the lyrics give off.

3. Another aspect of the record that really seems to resonate with listeners is not only how it came together; but how it was recorded; the one track recorder, the mic in the garage surrounded by the three of you, the garage door open allowing the sounds from outside to seep into the recording be it the voices of children playing in the yard, or cyclists riding by. It's the very definition of a stripped down, no frills record with a lot of heart. What are your thoughts on this approach of recording?
Dan: I love it. I wouldn't say that I would do it all the time. And there are things about multi-track recording that I couldn't live without in some situations; but for this particular project it made perfect sense. we were running over the songs together and it sounded great just playing them as we were. So this method seemed to be the best way to capture that.

4. It's clear this record is the product of three collaborators who not only respect, but know and trust each other enormously; could you speak to the relationships you share with Julie, Fred and even Sackville itself?
Dan: Fred and Julie and I are very close. We have a large respect for each other. And for the music we all make. That respect was only really understood when we started rehearsing for this record. It came so natural to everyone. We didn't even really discuss anything or make plans or changes. What happened just felt right in all cases and that is a very special thing that I think we all revere. As for Sackville.. It is the heart of the heart of the maritimes. And it feels like home even from the highway. Everyone who goes to Sackville loves Sackville.

Listen to Daniel, Fred & Julie
myspace.com/danielfredandjulie

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