Interview: Edison Rupert
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
-I got into music from seeing my dad perform as a bassist in a few different bands when I was really young, maybe 3 or 4 years old, I always paid attention to music after that, my parents got me drums for christmas when I was 10 years old and I've been playing instruments and music since. Before I got that drum kit which completely took over my mind I had dabbled in the thought of being an actor, even though I was an overweight, shy, unconfident kid..
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
-I like to work on other people's music in my studio, I also repair instruments for income and that's a different battle everyday and has its own creative struggles if you will.
How long has your band been around?
-I put my first song out just over a year ago.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
-Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I feel like to properly answer how it's affected my music I'd have to move, yet at the same time my latest single "Ticket to a place" is about a real experience I had with a homeless man so there ya go.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you
-Oh, ya know.. Just some guy's name..
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
-Well since this is a very new endeavor that started during the pandemic lockdowns there aren't many memorable shows that I can list as Edison Rupert but my previous bands have opened for Finger Eleven, Bif Naked, Big Sugar, Pop Evil, Sparta, and more, Played a closed showcase to Rush's management and booking team at the Horseshoe at their request, Have played on warped tour dates, NXNE, even when I fronted a weird experiental hardcore band and we opened for Juno winners and underground heavy music heroes KEN Mode, there's been a wide spectrum of great shows over the years. The only band I have still going other than the Edsion Rupert solo show extravaganza is a hard rock band called "Quiet Crimes".
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
-Favourite place to play in my hometown Ottawa: Bronson Centre.
Want to play: TD Place
-Favourite place to play away: El Mocambo, Toronto.
Want to play: Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
-I could call some B.S. loophole and name bands for a three day festival but I'll stick to 2 other bands because I think 3 band bills are the perfect scenario in my opinion. This answer could change on a weekly basis but right now I'd choose opening for the technicolors and the arctic monkeys closing off the night.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
-Don't give up, Just keep doing it and do it for you. You'll find your voice if you just keep searching.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
-Don't give up, Just keep doing it and do it for you. You'll find your voice if you just keep searching.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
-The one I have yet to write.. damn, that's deep if you think about it.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
-*INSERT SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION* Definitely my latest single.. "Ticket to a place", It's gotten passed around more than a donation basket at Christmas mass
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
-I basically have a huge ego fest alone and record everything and then get people to back me up live for shows..
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
-It's really all about being yourself and being kind and open to others. I also whine about my middle class white problems but there's also some good stuff in there.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
-If they talk back they get the whip. Pro tip: Have your band members sign contracts they don't understand that enables you to control their every move.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming
up?
Apparently joking a bunch for interviews.. But no, all joking aside.. Full length album for October or November, lots more music and videos coming in the meantime, starting to play shows again, all is looking good. This is just the beginning.