Interview with BIG LITTLE LIONS

Jarod Smith

Jul 14, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Paul: The Beatles got me into music, and it just felt like a natural thing to do. I’d probably be doing graphic design if music hadn’t drawn me away from it.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Helen: I like to ski, enjoy my cats, and make a lot of ice cream in loads of different flavors!

How long has your band been around?

We have been writing together for nearly 10 years and playing live for 8.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Paul is in Ohio and Helen lives on Vancouver Island BC. The fact that we’re far apart we think has made us better recording artists.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

We wish the story was more profound but it was because it was available as a .com ;) The Big and Little come from Paul being 6’4” and Helen 5’0”, so we look ridiculous side by side.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

That would have to be our last show before we had to call it quits when the pandemic started. It was at The Dream Cafe in Penticton BC. It was a great gig as we all had a feeling that something big was coming.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

We love playing all the festivals, but our favourite indoor gig has to be Penticton’s Dream Cafe as not only was it our last show before the pandemic, but also the first afterwards. It has always been a great venue to play, but now it has a special place in our hearts.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Glastonbury with Paul Simon and Paul McCartney

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?

Be patient and find your own path. Make sure you really want to do it and always show up prepared.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Be kind to ourselves and trust in the process.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

We have a song called Stories which is very personal to us as we both had close losses at the same time.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Favourite to play is “Lonely Blue” as we get to channel our inner Everly Brothers. Most requested is “Find Your Tribe” which is about community.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

We write via email and send snippets of ideas while fleshing the song out. Inspiration comes from anything and everything. Books, movies, life. We also work well to a deadline!

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

We’re pretty happy people and our message is hope and kindness. We always try to find the strength in adversity.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

We are like siblings so we bicker like siblings, but we’ve always said we may disagree but we are never disagreeable. We are close with each other’s spouses, and they are a huge help in any situation.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Our plans are the same as they have always been… we have no idea! We have pretty much made it up as we’ve gone along and will continue to do so as it has worked up ‘til now :)
We just released an album – Happy Accident – and are always working on the next thing. We tend to always be looking forward. :D