Gatin Returns to Brandon
After what proved to be a soulful and fun performance at this past year’s Brandon Folk Festival, Ingrid Gatin is back in town on October 17th to play at the Ginger Cat Cafe on Rosser Avenue. The show starts at 8pm, and if a full house doesn’t happen I will be amazed. What she describes as ‘soulful accordion’ on her myspace page is only the beginning of a great collaborative artist about to release her first full length CD.
When The Quill talked one-on-one with Gatin, it revealed a kind, conscientious artist who has come into her own and continues to satisfy both the mind and ears each and every time.
Can you talk a little bit about your inspiration for the album Broken Tambourine? “It is my first full length album. Some of the songs are older, some are newer. It so exciting to be putting down everything and starting to have a recording. Some have been coming together for a long time and it’s great to finally hear a ‘finished’ product.”
How did you get the time and money to start working on this album? “I received a song writing grant from Winnipeg Arts Council. I got to write music in a cabin in Saskatchewan and some of the work on the album is from there."
How did you decide what to put on the album? “Sometimes it was choosing songs that I really wanted to get a recording of, and be able to play on different radio stations. Also, ones that I just really love, and some want to hear the full beautiful sound. Lloyd did all recording starting with just an EP a while ago. We added a few things to those songs, and four more songs to make up this album. The full length is mixed by Mike Petkow. Those songs sound so full and so different because of the different mixing style.”
What is important to you when you work with other artists? “Creativity for sure is one. If someone can’t put out something to make it feel really alive, I end up not being able to work with them. Also, I think just a passion for different music and almost a geeky passion for different and versatility. “
What has the sponsorship from VIA meant for you? “Well, I have always been really interested in different kinds of transportation, and also really into the whole environment - different ways of transportation, and trying to make partnerships that way. I contacted them about playing on the train. I did on my last tour between Toronto and Winnipeg. I traveled by train and I actually got to play on the train as well. Travelling and playing at the same time is a really interesting experience, and I love it.”
Gatin’s full length album is called Broken Tambourine and is sure to satisfy even the most well trained ear. Something different emerges each time their listened to and a sense of serenity accompanies both the artist and her art wherever they may be.
