Interview with Kyle Pacey

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

There was always music in my house when I was growing up. My mother was a singer and I spent many hours listening to my dad's records.  If I wasn't a musician l think would have been a social worker or involved in a field that focused on helping people.  

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

When I'm not playing music I spend a lot of time reading books on spirituality and metaphysics. These books help expand my view of the world and influence some of the things I write about in my songs.

 How long have you been making music?

I have been making music since I was in my teens.

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

I am based out of Hamilton, Ontario. The city has a strong music scene with a variety of venues to play.  Clubs, halls, cafes, festivals...

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

My most memorable shows were playing Hamilton Place where I opened for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, along with playing the Molson Amphitheatre and the Troubadour in West Hollywood.

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

My two favourite venues to play are the CNE grandstand in Toronto and the National Arts Center in Ottawa. I enjoy playing the larger venues where the crowd is varied and the energy is high. Massey Hall in Toronto and the new OLG stage in Niagara Falls are places I would like to play.

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

Level 42 and Earth Wind and Fire would be the ticket.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Stick to your guns and don't waver from your path. People will give you lots of advice and though sometimes some of it is good it still has to speak to you and the direction you want to go in. 

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

My song World on Fire means the most to me. The music and lyrics reflect the chaos and turbulence of the times.  As we sometimes feel that "we are lost in a world that can't be real." It's a fast paced, high energy song with a great horn section reminiscent of the band Tower of Power.  World on Fire keeps the beat up and gets the word out. 

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

There are several from my CD, So Close that people often ask me to play. The song Divine is the most requested piece that I have written. It's nice when people come up to the stage and say, "Are you going to play my song?" One of the singers I sometimes work with says it's her all-time favorite. 

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

An idea comes to me in a lyric and sometimes a melody; I get out of my way and let the muses speak; I listen to my inner voice! What inspires me to write music is my interest in altruism and humanism. Even if my lyrics are sometimes heavy they are tempered with high energy grooves. 

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

We need to spend time reflecting on the things that pull us apart so we can find a path to the things that unite us. My message is simple: We are all ONE ENTITY. Let's stop tearing ourselves apart.  

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

As ever my plan is to keep making music. I am working on a new project for next year. I like to work with a variety of performers when recording to keep the mix interesting.  This upcoming CD will be an R and B tapestry that mixes funky grooves with bluesy backbeats and as ever a few jazz notes.  

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

My music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon... Check out my website. It also has links to my music, some additional bio information, videos... 

Web site:  https://kylepacey.com

Spotify: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paceykyle