INTERVIEW WITH TIMBER MASTERSON
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I would have to give credit to my good old mom. I'd always see her playing this beautiful old baby grand Steinway we still have to this day – was always very intriguing and mysterious to me. My Uncle was also instrumental in getting me to bang around on his drum set, I have photos, must have been like, 9 or 10!
What would I be doing today if music wasn't in my life? Wow, I can't imagine not having that outlet, because it touches all that I am...probably be in a place where I would have a lot of feelings stuffed down somewhere, I don't know what I would be do.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I write the occasional articles for magazines, and am working on my second book, also writing a lot of crazy love letters to my new muse and love inspiration, that keeps me busy creating all those words! This, of course, helps with me thinking my grandiose thoughts of being a talented worldly poet are wildly important! I also teach tennis and occasionally show up in the odd commercial or TV show.
How long have you been making music?
I've been making music since I was just a wee little guy, composing what were probably horrible songs on the old piano and making my family listen to them – so, for about 40 years...yes, I'm getting up there!
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I'm originally a Toronto boy, though at present I find myself in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, a transplant of sorts, where I look after my mom, when I'm not creating monster hits! I'd like to think all the places I've lived (New York and California) and traveled to all influence my perspective.
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
I think my music lends itself to an intimate setting, like the audience is in my living room – have never considered playing in too huge a venue – an artist has to consider the songs they've created, what is the best arena/avenue to present them in?
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I would like to open for an artist I respect at the new Massey Hall, I'd like to think that's possible in the not-so-distant future!
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I'd like to do an intimate unplugged show with Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley. I would play a couple of their tunes and they would play mine! Hey, one can dream, right?! I'm curating that show and putting together the songs to be performed as we speak!
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?
That your musical journey is a lifelong one – with no final arrival. Also, you do it because you have a passion, first and foremost. You feel you have something to sincerely share..it's never about the financial awards, it just shouldn't be. If you're in the game to be famous or want adoration from fans (though this is wonderful if it happens!) thats something else entirely, but for me, it's always been and will remain staying true to self.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Wow, that's a tough one. If you'd ask me a few months back, the place I was writing from, I would have to say, “JENNI'S SONG (EVERYTIME)”, as that kind of encapsulated that whole 2 – 3 years of longing, missing something, someone. These days, I would say the song, “THE WHISTLE SONG” means a huge amount to me, because it represents my feelings of a new relationship, and has been the first of many songs written from more of a place of thankfulness. (Did I mention its up on APPLE / SPOTIFY / YOUTUBE?!)
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
“YOU OVERWHELM ME” is one of my faves to play as it's right in my range to sing, I love the chords and people connect to it.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
I start pretty much with my chords, much of the time anyway. I seem to have a few kind of “GO-TO” chords, usually minor nines and suspended, whether its on piano or guitar. Once I'm digging how those two or three chords fit together, then the words seem to kind of show up and reveal themselves to suit the sounds. The joy of a new love inspires me to write and also exploring grief and loss; which is horrible when it happens but it can sure make for some pretty melodies.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
The message is allow yourself to feel it...lose yourself in it.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Composing, keeping the momentum up that I seem to have discovered, work with new musicians when I can, studio work for sure, building a network and a platform so I can share the work with the world. Creating the art is one thing, getting it to the people so they can feel it is the next important step, right?!
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?
You can enjoy my lengthy catalogue (not THAT lengthy!) on SPOTIFY. That's the best place right now.