Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Hi, my name is Andrew, my act is called Pranatricks and was formed in 2011 as an alternate outlet when my band broke up. Since I was a child, I can remember waking up with a tune or melody in my head. Something that I heard the day before or something made up, there has always been music playing in my mind. It’s funny I see it in my own young son now as well. My mom has been a painter for nearly 60 years, my dad wasn’t around as much. My parents tolerated me playing the piano, I never had any lessons so I would just sit at it and punch some keys, until it started to annoy them. Then they would say be quiet! I loved the sound but I learned to keep it quiet. I think this was a blessing because in that quiet practice I learned how to listen to what was yearning to be revealed. The songs came and I slowly started to write them down and even more slowly started to share them.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “PRANATRICKS”?
A: The message is “welcome, and thanks for stopping by, stick around because there is lots more coming.” I just recently released my 17th song in under two years. There are a few more tracks coming off of my second album ‘Elements of’ and I have begun tracking the third album. The projects are designed to be consumed in a progression which is reflective of my writing and development as an artist. Like a triptych painting the three canvas’ when viewed individually, their expression stands alone and is unique, however when viewed together they blend to make a collective grander image to be conveyed to the audience. ‘Cherished,’ ‘Elements of’ (and the third album) will eventually complete Pranatricks’ artistic endeavour.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: There are a lot of great artists (and have been for a long time) coming out of Calgary, Alberta. Canada. Chad VanGaalen has always been one of my favourites and more recently Ryan Bourne is fantastic. These guys have been great to connect with peripherally and sort of keep my juices flowing. My inspiration really comes from being in tune with nature and just diving in when the songs come. Creating the right space and environment is super important so I try to make sure that I am living in a way that supports my creativity.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Worlds.”?
A: I wrote this song about 10 years ago at a time when I was exploring yoga and meditation a lot. The cacophony of the outer world is imminent, it’s built on confusion and hyperbole. Leaving it behind seems appropriate but as many sages have reiterated over the years, ‘it is an art to be in the world and not be of the world.’ This really resonated with me and the song is about emphasizing our points of connection rather than our differences. Ultimately ‘all the worlds undone so let’s move on’ is meant to inspire an inquisitive seeking within.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Vast
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Worlds”?
A: It’s hard to say. As I mentioned the song was conceived over a decade ago so I suppose that was a challenge just to keep it in mind for that long. I revamped a couple of the parts and actually play the live version in a different key so yes when I think about it there were a lot of challenges getting it to where I wanted to share it. An artist’s work is never done, so I try not to think about it too much now.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I generally try to convey my personal connections to the highest virtues in my music, Peace, Love, Joy, Compassion, and Truth and believe that when we are emanating these qualities we are vibrating at our highest frequency. My goal as an artist is really just to make a valuable contribution to the already incredible Canadian Independent Music community. I would like to be remembered as an artist who made a valuable and positive impact.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Oh wow, that is a good question. I’ll start with dead; Adam Yauch (MCA from the Beastie Boys), Gord Downie (Tragically Hip). Alive; Chad VanGaalen and Leslie Feist.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: My advice would be to learn how to create as much of your artistry as possible. Try not to rely on too many other people. Certainly go out and learn from them but take it back, dive in and make it your own.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Keep going and be more kind with yourself.
