Micah O'Connell

1:50 interview and "Big Mouth and the Old Oak" album showcase. Downloadable podcast available below or tune in to www.thedarkradio.com - The Dark Radio Station, Barrie ON

Something about the Deep Roots namesake really rings true for a writer like me who hails all the way from Vancouver BC. This festival has absolutely nothing to do with Acadia (except for the beautiful venues) and everything to do with the town of Wolfville. Culture that seems to be absent on campus and on Friday and Saturday nights comes out in full swing when these artists come to town to teach, entertain and enjoy each other’s company.

Friday night’s concert was thrilling, the music truly served to bring everyone down a notch, in a way that made everyone feel a little bit more like a maritimer, a little closer to what life and leisure are all about.

Halifax’s acoustic up and comer, Micah O’Connell opened the show accompanied by two talented Wolfville locals, Andy and Ariana whom I recognized from many Open Mic Nights at Paddy’s.

This time however, instead of a bass guitar holding the beat together, a massive cello was finger picked the entire act. It was impressive and a refreshing change. O’Connell’s voice and songs reminded me of Alberta country singer, Corb Lund with his deep, clear voice and minimal instrumental accompaniment.

O’Connell stood in the middle with his guitar, during his song “Big Mouth and the Old Oak” the cello and fiddle who took his left and right seemed to play with each other’s riffs – all the instruments complimenting each other for a really fantastic sound. Knowing that these three musicians came together only for Deep Roots made it lovelier – the talent on the stage was as individual as the voice and instruments played. - The Athenaeum

After the release of his debut album and a tour through Western Canada Micah O’ Connell is already back in the studio.

Talking with East Coaster, folk guitarist, Micah O’Connell starts off with a few rapid-fire-getting-to-know-you questions. Favourite hero of fiction? Rick Deckard (with that answer alone I fall a little in love). The most overrated virtue? Patience. The lowest depth of misery? A Chicken McNugget. When were you happiest? Right now.

His last answer is a pleasant surprise, but then, the singer-songwriter has a lot to be happy about. In 2012 he moved from Nova Scotia to touring the west coast with best friend-turned-collaborator, Delia Macpherson, who O’Connell describes as “a smarter version of me, who learned fiddle instead of guitar and knows exactly what I’m thinking all the time.” The year before he released his debut album, Big Mouth and the Old Oak, backed by the Bruce Street Bandits, the collaboration giving him the chance to “learn….and develop my ear,” he says.

O’Connell’s learning experience began in his elementary school days, getting “a taste for the stage” through saxophone solos in a school jazz band. It all changed change when a friend happened to leave a bass at O’Connell’s house spurring the musician on to buy a guitar of his own a week later.

The adrenaline that comes with performing is a highlight for O’Connell but it is the sense of community that keeps him going. “[Social media] is a necessary evil” O’Connell says on his involvement with Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. “People in Germany or China can feel a part of the community just like someone in Toronto or Halifax.” For, O’ Connell the most powerful part of performing for him being able to “connect with fans.” To be able to “talk face to face or share a beer is what it’s all about,” he says.

O’Connell lists renowned Maritime folk singer Stan Rogers among his main influence and that certainly helps O’ Connell connect to the audience on a deeper level, “We usually get one or two people who tell us our music brought them home …I see people singing along…with tears in their eyes. It makes us feel like we’re not wasting our time.”

Then there’s the other side of the spectrum: a man in Alberta once told him “If you ain’t pumping oil, eating steak, or roping cattle you got no business being here”

O’Connell’s response to me? “I’ve started eating more steak.”

If it means he’ll be sticking around, than an influx of red meat is good news for all.

For more information on Micah O’Connell check out:

http://micahanddelia.weebly.com/

or buy his album Big Mouth and the Old Oak off iTunes.

This entry was posted in Emma Welsh, Interviews and tagged Big Mouth and the Old Oak, Bruce Street Bandits, Delia MacPherson, Interview, Micah O'Connell on March 2, 2013 by eowelsh. - A Case of You Music