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Fantastics
craig stickland
interview by james nixon photos by mckenzie james
craig stickland soundBITES
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velvet voiced Craig Stickland
writes and performs finely crafted
soul-tinged ballads and bluesy-countrified
pop parables on his debut EP
Leave Me to the Wild.
With a Cat Stevens meets Wilco vibe
that ultimately is all his own,
Stickland offers up a collection
of sharp, sweet, sad and sexy songs
that perfectly compliment
his handsome and graceful vocals.
Lately on tour with big breakthrough
artist and fellow Canuck Alessia Cara,
Stickland’s potent and poised
performances of his smart
lyric-centric compositions are
electrifying.
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styling. James N
VINTAGE COURTESY OF OLIVIER NORMAN
AT TRIBE TRADING
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FANTASTICS: When do you remember music first having
an impact on you?
craig stickland: When I was about 10 years old, I had
a babysitter who came over with Nirvana’s Nevermind,
Oasis’ (What’s The Story) Morning Glory, and Silverchair’s
Frogstomp. My mind was blown.
How did you get your start?
I was in a band throughout high school, and then another
band immediately after that which taught me what it
meant to create and play music. When I became a solo
artist, and met my manager is when I really noticed it
transitioning from a hobby to a career.
As we think the ‘brand’ concept is a bit squirm inducing when discussing music just tell us how you hear the
music of Craig Stickland. What should an audience
know about it before they walk into a venue to hear it?
I’d want them to not judge a book by its cover, and to have
the music do the explaining once they’re in.
What’s the quality you most strive for in your work?
When I first started writing songs, the first thing I wrote was
often what stuck. Nowadays, I strive for perfection, never
settling until I’m satisfied. Whether that means months working on the same song, or re writing lyrics over and over, I do
whatever it takes.
How do you maintain creative inspiration?
By never getting too comfortable.
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We’re impressed by the way you hold sway onstage.
Do you view yourself as singer-songwriter or performer?
Is there a difference between the two?
I’d consider myself a singer songwriter because without the songs
there is no performance. There is definitely a difference between
the two. There are many incredible performers who have never
written a song in their lives. I strive to be the best I can be at both.
You strike us as both poet-troubadour AND rock star. How
does that sit with you? Does one sound more appealing than
the other?
In my case I’m not sure I could be one without the other.
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I’d want them to not judge
a book by its cover, and to have the music
do the explaining...
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After being part of a few bands what are the – we
could be diplomatic and say challenges but let’s
just go with downsides – what are the downsides to
performing as a solo? What’s the best part of doing it
yourself?
Being a solo artist is a bit of a double-edged sword. I’ve
been in bands before, and traditionally there’s at least one
member of the group that lets you down in one way or
another. A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link, so by
eliminating all other links, how strong you are is completely
dependent on you and your efforts.
The downside is not necessarily having a close group of
people to share in the ups and downs. Being by yourself
can be a bit lonesome at times.
How much bravado does it take to stand in front of
people and perform your words and sounds?
I think you either have it or you don’t. I don’t think it takes that
much bravado, but a lot of people would think otherwise.
What goes through your mind before you step out on a
stage?
It definitely varies per show, but I always get nervous. I do
my best to relax and to wash away as many thoughts from
my mind as I can before going on. I’m normally reviewing
tempos and chord changes in my mind to make sure I
don’t fuck it up.
Speaking of performance – I was reading Chrissie
Hynde’s bio and she talks about seeing Mitch Ryder
perform at the Akron fairgrounds when she was 14 years
old, “It was the most exciting thing I’d ever seen in my
life.” Have you experienced an epiphany like that?
When I flew to see The Strokes in Vegas after their hiatus.
That blew my mind. I had never seen them and I was a
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huge fan. Julian Casablancas is such a rock star. Being
invited to be a part of Radiohead’s ‘entourage’ when they
headlined Coachella was insane too. Just to see how
those guys live made me feel like I needed to get there no
matter what it takes.
What have you been listening to lately?
Right now I’m listening to Chris Stapleton, Tom Misch, Jack
Garratt, Caribou and Jamie XX
In the battle of the songwriters if you need to take a
stand are you a Lennon or a McCartney?
I know I’d be shot in many places for saying this, but I’m a
McCartney.
What’s one great lyric that you wish you had written?
Any lyric from Five Years by Bowie –
Cried so much his face was wet
then I knew he was not lying
And all the nobody people, and all the somebody people
I never thought I’d need so many people
Do you have a songwriting process or is it something
too ephemeral to define or breakdown into a series of
steps?
When I’m at home, I just try to write every single day,
regardless of what comes out. No real steps, its different
every time.
If you could have any musical skill instantly what would
it be?
I’m always striving to be a better guitar player. I spend so
much time writing that I wish the many hours of necessary
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I don’t think it takes that much bravado, but
a lot of people would think otherwise
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woodshedding would just enter my body without effort.
Sounds and style historically go together. Being a part
of both, speak to the worlds of fashion and music. Do
they naturally mesh? Are they uneasy allies or simply
opposites that attract each other?
They most definitely go together. Take the Stones or Zeppelin.
They were the most stylish, fashionable dudes going.
Swanky or rock-and-roll? What’s your natural habitat?
I get down with a little bit of both
Tell me about Leave Me to the Wild.
Songwriting definitely takes the focus. Most of these songs
were written surrounding a relationship that wasn’t very good
for me. Production is full and rich with a nod to how they
used to record back in the 60’s and 70’s. Very Organic.
What was the most difficult part of getting this
wrangled?
Having to work as a bartender to be able to afford to do it,
recording part time in between shifts, as oppose to taking a
ton of time all at once to make it happen.
What’s your favorite part of the achievement?
Finally having something out into the world. Leaving my mark.
The fact that for the last few years I’ve been able to sustain
myself professionally without having to do any other menial
jobs. I wake up every day grateful, loving life.
What makes you happy?
Playing music and sharing it with the world.
What has music taught you?
That there’s still a lot of love and good people in this world n
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