Just because the festival is a little light today doesn’t mean our coverage is! Catch up with local rising star TALK, who has gone supernova since we last chatted and will perform on the main stage this Friday.
In August 2022, Ottawa’s TALK started going viral in Scandinavia, as his song “Run Away To Mars” began trending on TikTok. Then, one country after another, it began to chart and climb, eventually hitting #1 on many charts worldwide, including the Canadian Rock chart back home.
Since we last chatted, he’s gone on to release an album, tour the world, win a Juno, and perform at star-studded events, including the NHL All-Star Game and the Montreal Grand Prix. Not bad for less than two years. His homecoming show at the Bronson Centre last April was a full-out celebration, but could have been much bigger. Thankfully, those who couldn’t attend get to see him on the mainstage of Bluesfest this week.
APT613: It’s less than two years since we talked, but what a two years! You were on your way to LA to record the album. Looking back now, have there been any breaks or have you been going non-stop the entire time?
TALK: There have been breaks. I had a week and I had a couple more, what was it, maybe eight days off in January this year. That was the first time I had gone on vacation, like a real vacation, in my adult life. It was the first time I could afford to go to Mexico with my girlfriend. So we did that and then it was pretty much back to it, to be honest. It was tour prep, and the NHL All-Star game this year. Then I toured the U.S. for six weeks, I did the Junos and had another week after that. So there’s been time. I’m on a little bit of a break until the 13th of July right now, just working on new music, which I guess doesn’t sound like a break, but it is a break from the road at least.
You mentioned the Junos. Congrats on winning the Breakthrough Artist Juno! I was wondering, and maybe it’s impossible to do, but can you compare winning the Juno for New Artist versus being nominated as one of the top five songwriters of the year in the country, as a newcomer?
It was nice, honestly. It was a shock to be nominated for so many. I went into the weekend thinking that there were a couple I had a chance at, but at the end of the day, just being nominated a bunch of times on my first go was a blessing, and I got to hang out with friends I love, like Aysanabee, and The Beaches, and other artists.
We all had such a good time. And Aysanabee won Songwriter, and I think he’s incredible. He’s such a great artist. Losing to him a bunch of times was great because I think he’s amazing and deserves those awards.
When it came to the broadcast, I said it on stage, I’d already lost four of the awards, so I was like “Okay, you know what, this has been an incredible weekend, we had a great performance, met a lot of people, hung out with a lot of people, I’m ready to just hang out and party a bit” and then won the last award. So it was a great experience and I’m hoping to go back.
The songwriter award was also shared, with (guitarist) Connor (Riddell), who was also part of the nomination.
That was such a great part. And I know he wasn’t expecting that. I think we were pretty teary-eyed. We watched it together in our house. And it was great to be nominated with him. I try giving him as much credit everywhere I go, even if he doesn’t like it. He’s more in the background, and I think that’s something he prefers. But I like to embarrass him and make him the center of attention.
As soon as we get on stage, the whole band is so good. Carter, my drummer, and Waylon, my bass player. All three of them are incredible people and musicians. And we’ve been playing together since the start, since my first show in Toronto in 2021. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon; we’ve become a big family.
Your homecoming show at the Bronson Centre was quite the event. Having Amos the Transparent open for you must have been special.
Yes, they’re big heroes of ours. We love them. We think they’re the greatest band that never got famous.
Given how quickly it sold out, you could have filled in a second date. Was there consideration of doing a second date, or did coming back soon for Bluesfest make it difficult?
We wanted to respect that and make sure we gave the festival attention. They were kind enough to let me do the Bronson show. We know there is a big demand and I think the venue told me there were 3,100 people on a waiting list. We probably could have even done two extra nights. We’re going to make that happen. It’s just going to take us a minute to figure out all the scheduling, but it’s coming. All I can say is more to come.
Now, for the truly hard-hitting question: how much distance do you think you can get on the Croc Kick? Can you set the record at Bluesfest?
I would say that I have improved steadily over the last, I don’t even know how long. It’s just over a year since I’ve been doing it. It was May last year that I started it. I’ve become quite the croc kicker.
I can probably set the record. I’m in good shape. I’ve been playing golf a lot, and I feel like I have the mechanics now to turn my hips and get the croc in the air.
As for Bluesfest itself, this event that’s been perennially THE event in Ottawa, and being one of the first ones announced and on the main stage, how does that feel?
Yeah, it’s a huge honour. I’ve seen tons of bands there. Rush, KISS, Black Eyed Peas, Jimmy Eat World, Skrillex. I’ve been to Bluesfest a lot. And I did play it one year, in 2011, on one of the side stages. I was playing bass for another artist. But not the main stage. And it’s been longer than a decade since I’ve been there. So I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be great, all about fun. Hometown. Tyler Childers is great. I’m a huge fan.
There’s going to be some Sens-related stuff like we had at the Bronson Centre. We’ll bring that back. It’ll be great.
Don’t miss TALK on the main stage at Bluesfest this Friday at 7:30pm, and keep up to date with all the festival info here on apt613.ca.
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