Interview with Len Bowen

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

Music has always been in my life. My Dad would be playing Reggae at home and in his car. My older cousins were into hip hop and I looked up to them so whatever they were into I was as well, and it just stuck with me. If i wasn't making music i would have  probably pursued acting. It's something I've always wanted to do.

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

When I'm not making music I'm catching up on movies, I'm a movie fanatic. It definitely helps spark ideas.

How long have you been making music?

I've been making music longer than i haven't been at this point probably going on a couple decades but i started young.

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

I'm from Winnipeg, Canada. Its place that has short summers and long cold winters so I use that time to really hear myself think and create. It just makes me go harder being from a place where  getting recognition in the city can be challenging nevermind out of the city.

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

My most memorable show to date would have to be my release party for my "Goin Away Party" EP. I was so focused and everything went right that night, it was a moment. But the most recent would be a show in Toronto I did at the Rivoli with Mindbender and Tough Dumplin. I feel like I really connected with the audience. I feel like when I walked off stage I earned their respect.

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

My favorite venue would have to be the Goodwill social club in Winnipeg. Myself among other groups in my city have amazing performances there and have gone on to great things. It's a place in my city where people truly leave their problems at the door when they enter.

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

Myself, Shad K, and J. Cole, that would be an Amazing line up. I respect their work so much.

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?

Just be yourself, appreciate your uniqueness and others will too. Some advice I would give a younger me is to not wait on anyone one or thing when chasing dreams, just go for it.

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

They all do. These are all pages in my life journey, we'll see where the next chapter takes me.

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

I like playing Memories, Late Night and recently The Journey pt.2. When I'm performing these songs I'm exactly where I was when I wrote them. Most requested song is probably Big Dreamer. It's an energetic feel good song with some heavy bars.

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

Just having good conversations, being observant of things going on around me in the moment and reflecting on the past. From there it all eventually comes together in the form of a song.

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

My message is never give up on yourself no matter how difficult life gets you never know who your inspiring or who looks up to you.

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

Just to stay consistent with making music and continuously growing and evolving from my last body of work.

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

Follow me on Instagram (Shoutoutlenbowen), Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Twitter and Spotify. Also subscribe to my YouTube channel. Or for the one stop shop go to www.lenbowen.com