The Magnetic North
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The Magnetic North

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"The Magnetic North are Safe and Sound"

Growing up in a poor family, Paul Van Kampen, singer and keyboardist of the Magnetic North, had very little as a child, but he credits his father with teaching him the value of imagination and love. Throughout his youth, that was all he required to have fun. The statement still holds true, only now his voice, a piano and a few friends round out the mix.

The Magnetic North began as a solo project when Van Kampen’s previous band, Beija Flor, an epic-sounding band loaded with strings and choirs, broke up. It presented an opportunity he gladly seized.

“My songs weren’t coming out like Beija Flor and it was an opportunity for me to branch off and get going with something else,” he says. “I basically just recorded an EP with [producer] Arran Fisher and released that, and suddenly the ball was rolling pretty fast. I wound up needing supporting musicians pretty quickly and lots of shows came our way, then the record came along.”

The supporting musicians came in the form of his brother Stephen on guitar and Dan Wilson on drums, both of whom he had worked with in Beija Flor. Van Kampen once again found himself with a full band that was able to add its influences to his songs, transforming them from a soft singer-songwriter style to a more full sound.

“Dan is a major influence on the band,” says Van Kampen. “We were quite minimalist before, but he brought a real heavy-handed and rock and roll feel to it. It does amazing things for the group. And Steve is best known for having real soul in his guitar playing. You can only go so far with your own writing and you have to entertain other people’s ideas. The ideas that Dan and Steven have brought to the table have completely changed everything. I’m adopting their style and they’re adopting mine. We’re working together.”

What followed was nearly 40 hours of studio time at Fisher’s studio, Acoustikitty, spread out over three months with plenty of gigs in between to fill the gaps. The band wanted to make sure they were laying down everything exactly how they wanted it, returning to the studio only after they had digested and mulled over their latest contributions to the tracks. Eventually lapsteels, violins, horns and plenty of other instruments were added for a fuller sound.

The result is Safe and Sound, an ambient and cold-feeling album with heavy inspiration taken from Van Kampen’s childhood memories and family. There’s a song written for his father and plenty written for his wife. Van Kampen says the intention of the album is to give people insight into his subconscious and pull them into their own childhoods.

“I hope it blows people’s minds,” says Van Kampen. “I think that people are really going to hear something that is so intimate. I’m hoping they understand some of the triumphs and challenges that they’ve had.”

Though their debut album has been painstakingly crafted and the trio is happy with the final product, Van Kampen believes they have yet to hit their full potential.

“I don’t think any artist could bravely say that they’ve achieved what they set out to achieve,” says Van Kampen. “Any time you listen to your last record, you think ‘Man, I’m really excited about this new one, it’s going to be so much better.’ I’m fully confident that our next one will blow this one out of the water, but, of course, this one blows everything else that I have ever done out of the water.”

- FFWD Weekly, Craig Palmer


"Unearthy Aura Surrounds Magnetic North's Constellations"

When you pull in two different directions until the seams give and it all comes apart, sometimes the pieces you’re left are difficult to recognize as parts of the whole.Other times, well, other times it all makes sense.

Such is the case with the cleaving of beloved longtime Calgary roots pop act Beija Flor.

The band, which was a staple on the scene for years, releasing a pair of exceptional and acclaimed albums, called it quits over a year ago, the sibling duo — brothers Paul and Stephen van Kampen — heading out on their own. They were finally free to go as far off in the different directions they were headed, at the helm of their own projects. Two projects that make perfect sense.

“If you took Beija Flor and split it in half to get one sound one way and one the other way, with SAvK and The Magnetic North, you could look at the pieces and go, ‘Oh, yeah, it’s all there,’ ” says keyboardist-vocalist Paul of the resulting bands. “Obviously I always wanted to take Beija Flor in a different direction, and with The Magnetic North I think I’m really seeing that direction that I’m going for and we’re just getting started, too.”

Just getting started but already at a pretty incredible destination as evidenced by the band’s first full-length release, the gorgeous Constellations. While still bearing some of the Beija Flor traits — and actually containing two other its members, including his brother on guitar and bass, and percussionist Dan Wilson — it is very much something unto itself and something pretty wonderful at that.

Recalling acts such as mid-career Radiohead and Coldplay at their most melodic, it leaves the more rootsy or, say, earthly aspects of van Kampen’s last act behind and heads upwards, to a more ethereal and dreamier terrain befitting the album’s title.

“That’s definitely what I wanted to do,” Paul says. “And even in our past incarnation I was bringing our etherealness I guess — if that’s a word — and the ambience and I always wanted to push the melodies and get some really interesting things going on and push a lot more of the composition. Actually, it’s probably to a fault, because a lot of the (Beija Flor) songs that were much more complicated, Steve had to say, ‘Let’s simplify things a little bit, lets hang on these, let’s do things like that.’

“Maybe I’m overcomplicated.”

The five-month period it took to record the album with local producer Arran Fisher would also seem to indicate that there was a little extra albeit well-directed thought involved in the recording process. Van Kampen says part of that was due merely to life — both he and his brother have families — which meant they had to hit the studio whenever they could make the time. But it was also that perfectionist and fussy side of the songwriter, the side given free reign by the split, that wanted to keep adding more layers and sounds into the mix.

“What we were trying to get was a very deep record. . . . I wanted something that you had to turn up to listen to, you had listen to it more than once to gather everything. There’s these tiny little things all over the record,” he says. “I put a tiny little whistle in some parts, just a quick thing, I’d go into the studio to add these things. I once read that Leonardo da Vinci would just sit in front of a painting and he would grab a dab of paint and just throw it on there, out of nowhere. I guess that’s what we were doing, just adding finishing touches all the time.”

As to when he was finally able to let it go, van Kampen admits that didn’t come easily, nor has it fully. “When I listen to it now, I would probably still add some things. Like I said, that’s to a fault for me — I overcomplicate things. I knew it was done when it sounded fantastic and people wanted to hear it and it was time to get it out there.”

That time is now, as Thursday The Magnetic North will celebrate the release of Constellations with a show at Broken City, which will feature a host of guest musicians from the rich Calgary community, and 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of the disc that night going to the Red Cross for its ongoing efforts in Somalia.

It should be a special event all around for van Kampen, who is finally taking centre stage with something deeply personal, something that’s reflective of him and the direction he’s headed.

“For me it was all about putting out the most beautiful music I could write, and telling all of the unconventional life stories,” he says, before admitting many stories are his own, a way of exorcising what he calls his “socially awkward side. . . . I just don’t connect to people quite as well as I wish I did. And maybe that comes through in my music. It’s mostly telling my life story in a way I can actually do it.”

Freely. And in a way that makes perfect sense.


The Magnetic North release new album Constellations with a show Thursday at Broken City.
- The Calgary Herald, Mike Bell


"The Magnetic North"

The van Kampen name shouldn’t be unfamiliar if you keep up with local Calgary music. If you can remember Calgary’s own Beija Flor, a relatively successful indie rock band, you might remember the piano player who was in the band from its inception. Immediately, the piano-playing backup vocalist may not have been what struck your interest in the group. However, if you were able to turn the spotlight to the pianist, Paul van Kampen, you might have surprised yourself.

The Magnetic North is Paul van Kampen’s current project, which puts his skills centre stage. The Magnetic North combines classically influenced piano riffs with gentle vocals in charmingly soothing minor keys. Alongside Paul are his brother, Stephen van Kampen, and percussionist Dan Wilson. “I asked my brother to play with me simply because he is the best musician I know and he is able to assist me and lend me his ideas,” states Paul. Originally, there were a few more members, but after a couple years, The Magnetic North has solidified as three members.

So far, The Magnetic North has toured their self-titled EP all over the province, which, until this month, has been their only release. On October 27, however, the trio will release their debut full-length album, Constellations, out on vK Records.

“Constellations is a fuller, more developed sounding album. On the EP, Paul played everything. For the new album, we were all able to contribute,” states guitarist Stephen. It’s clear that the reason Paul started The Magnetic North was because he needed to. To think, for so many years, he simply “filled the gaps” in Beija Flor, it was assumable that he needed his own release.

Paul has created much more intimate and precise sounds of his own. Within the EP, there is somewhat of a kind, nostalgic feel in the songs. There is a very unique use of distinctive percussion and various effects, accompanied by a diverse range of dissimilar tempos and melodies. “I feel like too many bands in Calgary just worry about appealing to what listeners want to hear. We just kind of did what we wanted,” informs Paul.

Though there are still strong influences and relation to Beija Flor, The Magnetic North is a refreshing contribution to local Calgary music. Sometimes, side projects from bands can turn out against listener’s expectations. However, a good portion of the joy of seeing these gentlemen play music together is the exceptional talent that each of the members contributes. Paul takes those “gap filling” piano riffs and turns them to the point of attention. The songwriting, though incredibly metaphoric and creative, is still relatable. Though the lyrics are somewhat simplistic, they are painted poignantly into the songs with the use of various crescendos and evocative harmonies.

So whether you’re sentimental about the breakup of Beija Flor, a fan of SAvK (Stephen van Kampen’s side project with Paul), or just a fan of beautiful music, make sure you give a listen to The Magnetic North.
- Beatroute


"The Magnetic North"

The van Kampen name shouldn’t be unfamiliar if you keep up with local Calgary music. If you can remember Calgary’s own Beija Flor, a relatively successful indie rock band, you might remember the piano player who was in the band from its inception. Immediately, the piano-playing backup vocalist may not have been what struck your interest in the group. However, if you were able to turn the spotlight to the pianist, Paul van Kampen, you might have surprised yourself.

The Magnetic North is Paul van Kampen’s current project, which puts his skills centre stage. The Magnetic North combines classically influenced piano riffs with gentle vocals in charmingly soothing minor keys. Alongside Paul are his brother, Stephen van Kampen, and percussionist Dan Wilson. “I asked my brother to play with me simply because he is the best musician I know and he is able to assist me and lend me his ideas,” states Paul. Originally, there were a few more members, but after a couple years, The Magnetic North has solidified as three members.

So far, The Magnetic North has toured their self-titled EP all over the province, which, until this month, has been their only release. On October 27, however, the trio will release their debut full-length album, Constellations, out on vK Records.

“Constellations is a fuller, more developed sounding album. On the EP, Paul played everything. For the new album, we were all able to contribute,” states guitarist Stephen. It’s clear that the reason Paul started The Magnetic North was because he needed to. To think, for so many years, he simply “filled the gaps” in Beija Flor, it was assumable that he needed his own release.

Paul has created much more intimate and precise sounds of his own. Within the EP, there is somewhat of a kind, nostalgic feel in the songs. There is a very unique use of distinctive percussion and various effects, accompanied by a diverse range of dissimilar tempos and melodies. “I feel like too many bands in Calgary just worry about appealing to what listeners want to hear. We just kind of did what we wanted,” informs Paul.

Though there are still strong influences and relation to Beija Flor, The Magnetic North is a refreshing contribution to local Calgary music. Sometimes, side projects from bands can turn out against listener’s expectations. However, a good portion of the joy of seeing these gentlemen play music together is the exceptional talent that each of the members contributes. Paul takes those “gap filling” piano riffs and turns them to the point of attention. The songwriting, though incredibly metaphoric and creative, is still relatable. Though the lyrics are somewhat simplistic, they are painted poignantly into the songs with the use of various crescendos and evocative harmonies.

So whether you’re sentimental about the breakup of Beija Flor, a fan of SAvK (Stephen van Kampen’s side project with Paul), or just a fan of beautiful music, make sure you give a listen to The Magnetic North.
- Beatroute


"Somalia Relief Concert Attracts Local Talent"

The Somalia Relief Concert featuring The Magnetic North and SAvK takes place Thursday at the Cantos Music Foundation.

Sometimes grief is something best expressed with others.

It's the idea behind the wake - the ability to gather with others and share in that common sorrow lets you know you're not alone and, perhaps, can make you feel just a little bit better.

In a similar vein, Paul van Kampen is hoping Calgarians will come out Thursday night to Cantos Music Foundation to help support a cause that has brought a great deal of sorrow to many people all over the world, that of the current famine and drought in Somalia which has claimed a great many lives and threatens to take a great many more.

It's the reason van Kampen was moved to help organize a benefit concert, which will feature his wonderful indie pop band The Magnetic North as well as his brother Steven A's more intimate and folkier act SAvK - with both sibs performing in each other's projects.

"It allows them to share their enthusiasm and come together for a common goal," Paul says about the idea behind the show and the audience he hopes to reach. "I think that's a lot of what is missing with charity work, is, yes, it's a very personal thing, you want to go and make your contribution . . . but it feels like a chore almost when actually we should be celebrating generosity. And we should be going out and sharing that energy with each other. When you do that people will pour in more money and people will do more."

The event kicks off at 8 p.m. at Cantos (134 11 Ave. S.E.), which was kind enough to lend the space to the two members of the van Kampen clan - who previously collaborated in the acclaimed local roots-pop band Beija Flor.

In fact, all of the musicians and even the sound tech are donating their time, with monies raised from sales of food, beverages and merchandise, as well as the suggested $10 cover charge, heading directly to the cause.

"It's all straight money right into the Red Cross for their effort there," says van Kampen.

As well as the music, van Kampen is hoping to have a Somali man he knows come up and share his personal experiences with the audience, maybe put a face to the good things being done.

That, he thinks, is what the cause itself could benefit from, the humanizing of a tragedy, which only really gained attention in the western world when the sheer breadth of the suffering found its way onto the front pages of newspapers everywhere, despite the fact that the situation in that region had been dire for a long time.

"People are really drawn to numbers and the preventive maintenance really isn't happening in this regard. The disaster just comes and hits so hard and everyone just seems so surprised," van Kampen says.

"It just strikes home. I just feel guilty every day. And I think a lot of people feel that way. We're just trying to make it easier to do something, and give something back."


Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/Somalia+relief+concert+attracts+local+talent/5331768/story.html#ixzz1Zf5GIwNk - The Calgary Herald


"The Magnetic North; Paul van Kampen embraces a new, uncomplicated beginning"

Close your eyes. Imagine you're at a masquerade ball swathed in candle -light and black lace and all the guests around you are wearing blue jeans. Enter the haunting piano and pure vocals of Paul van Kampen, whose side project The Magnetic North takes you on a journey through a musical underworld where you can almost smell the gnarled wood panels on the wall and the worn leather suitcase clutched in your hand.

You might recognize the van Kampen name from local staple Beija Flor, who disbanded earlier this spring. Brothers Stephen and Paul van Kampen now pursue their own musical ends, under two different names, Savk and The Magnetic North, in two radically different musical styles.

Last Saturday the brothers were reunited for a show at the Marquee Room, with Stephen performing as Savk and Paul performing with The Magnetic North.

Still a fairly new concept, Paul shares that The Magnetic North has officially been on the indie rock scene in Calgary since November 2009.

"[Beija Flor] disappeared for a long time and decided to go out with a big bang and have a big show," he says. "The Magnetic North kind of overlaps into that time period towards the end of 2009. That's when I recorded and put out my demo."

What's important to note here is that the stories of Beija Flor, Savk and The Magnetic North are inseparably intertwined.

"Beija Flor was just a big stepping stone towards getting to where we really wanted to get with music," says Paul. "Steve put it a really good way the other day -- there's a lot of fat that I needed to have trimmed off of what I was trying to do."

Stephen van Kampen agrees that it was difficult for an individual's sound to come through.

"Beija Flor was six people, so it was really busy all the time. Paul's songwriting demanded a little more minimalism on everybody else's part so that Paul's primary parts of piano and voice could shine through a little bit better. There was almost too much crap going on that his songs just weren't being represented correctly."

It's not that the van Kampen brothers regret their time in Beija Flor, but Paul definitely sees a decided difference in the music he played then and the music he plays now.

"Beija Flor was where I cut my teeth . . . there were a lot of really great things going on, but there were a lot of jewels that were sinking down to the bottom of the ocean and now we're lifting those jewels up," Paul says. "Virtually all the songs that I started The Magnetic North with are just backburner Beija Flor songs. Minimalist is the big key. It's not complicated."

Beija Flor played a big role in Paul's development as a musician and after they split, he knew exactly where he wanted to take his new band and exactly what kind of fan he was trying to attract.

"If someone really appreciates music, they're going to gravitate towards good songwriting and good songs in general. So my fan base is going to be music lovers -- people who really love music," said Paul. "Turning on a record and listening to it in the basement by themselves, those people, I think, will come. And they're coming already."
- The Gauntlet Entertainment, Andrea Rojas


Discography

Constellations Full Length Debut LP
2011

1. When You're Gone
2. Safe & Sound
3. The Birds
4. Right or Wrong
5. Lonely Ranger
6. Rowboat
7. Carousel
8. This New Mentality
9. Choir Boy
10. My Fate
11. Falling Rain

The Magnetic North Self Titled Demo EP
2010
1. Falling Rain
2. Safe and Sound
3. Lonely Ranger
4. My Fate
5. This New Mentality

Photos

Bio

Canada’s newest and most refreshing sound, The Magnetic North, have officially broken the ice.

Featuring brothers Paul and Stephen van Kampen, Dan Wilson and Stefan Smith, The Magnetic North are now bigger, louder and better than ever. They have tapped into the complexities of ageless rock and roll, and infused it with sensible pop hooks and imaginative melodies, resulting in a raucous and emotionally charged new sound.

Their carefully crafted songs and turbulent lyrics have been compared to Radiohead, The Beatles, Patrick Watson and Beck.

The musicians of The Magnetic North have performed alongside an impressive roster of talent including: The Acorn, Elliott Brood, The Handsome Furs, Blue Rodeo, The Weakerthans, The Sadies and Ohbijou.

The impressive concert history includes The Calgary Folk Music Festival, Sled Island, the Trans Canada Alberta Music Series and The Western Canadian Music Awards.

"Constellations" is The Magnetic North's new debut full length album, filled with passion and dedication. The subject matter of each song is a nostalgic path between epic life events… like constellations, the songs can be likened to the stories that draw the lines between the stars.

You will be plunged into the frigid pools of child like sadness, love, hope and longing. With melodies that ebb and flow with glacial smoothness, and crescendos that sweep you briskly over the empathetic vocals, then wrap you in sensitively orchestrated piano, glistening guitar and articulate percussion.

The Magnetic North are not afraid to expose deep vulnerabilities of everyday life in their song writing. They are so prolific in this exposure that audiences are not only engaged, but completely captivated.

“You’ve heard these names before, but for good reason: Paul van Kampen’s gorgeous project, The Magnetic North”
~Mark Teo, FFWD

“The Magnetic North takes you on a journey through a musical underworld where you can almost smell the gnarled wood panels on the wall and the worn leather suitcase clutched in your hand.”
~Andrea Rojas, The Gauntlet

“Paul van Kampen — one of the minds that propelled epic indie-rock band Beija Flor — releases a very autumnal EP of emotionally warm, sometimes haunting, piano-based soft-pop songs.”
~Matt Learoyd, FFWD