After making music for many years, many artists get numb to the reality of the art that they create. Songs have different meanings to different people. It is the artist’s responsibility to keep creating music to connect with the listeners. Now more than ever the fans want to connect with the artists that they follow. Our friend Tia McGraff, who we wrote about before, sat down with us and let us more into her world. Enjoy the interview here:
Tell us about the music scene in Port Rowan. Is there much of scene, or is it mostly in Toronto?
Port Rowan is a wee little lakeside community with an amazing, growing arts presence. In our Norfolk County, we have Fred Eaglesmith, Rick Danko (from The Band) went to the same high school I attended, Rory Dodd from Meatloaf, etc. However, it’s very easy to get oversaturated here. I love to perform here once or twice a year then head on the road for our main tours. It’s always nice to come home and be “us.”
Who are you listening to these days?
I’ve been trying to still my mind and heart more these days. Yesterday, had a classical music station from the UK streaming on my speakers.
If you could tour with one artist, opening shows, whom would that be?
Dolly Parton
Why is “Stubborn In My Blood” an important music release? Why should new listeners give it a chance?
This album is bigger than me or Tommy. We never imagined this album would be so timely as it is. With all the conversation of diversity, immigration, the “me too” movement…. it’s all here in the messages in our album. We never wrote these songs with any pretentious plans of “hitting the nail on the head,”. We just followed our hearts on this one.
If you could perform in your dream venue, where would that be, and why?
My grandmother’s church in Transylvania. It was built in 1210 and she sang there before moving to Canada in 1930.
Your favorite song on “Stubborn In My Blood” is? Why is that?
“Pilot of Change”. Tommy and I wrote this together after being inspired by a painting by First Nations’ artist, Shelley Niro. The lyric and melody are just beautifully married together and there are tiny nuggets of magic in each of the lyrical lines. I truly love this song and the production.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope that Tommy and I are still out making music. Touring less but to bigger audiences. That we are making a difference in the world and reaching beyond barriers with our music and messages of hope and diversity.
Any music video plans for the new album?
The anniversary of the end of WW1 is coming up in Nov. We are releasing a lyric video with hauntingly beautiful images to commemorate the anniversary to the track, “One Tin Soldier”.
Who is your dream collaboration? and why?
Dolly Parton. She is just an incredible artist, business person, and woman, and I would love to write and perform something that we could use to raise money for her Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Foundation.
Where do you discover new music?
Tommy. He always has a bead on what’s out there. I’m an old fuddy duddy who tends to read a book or watch a movie rather than listen to the top 40 radio.
Any final thoughts, shout outs, lessons or advice for our readers?
It takes a village to make an artist. Thank you to Michael Stover from MTS Management for putting us together today and providing the opportunity and support to get my music out there to share with the world. He rocks!
Thanks!
Keep up with the music and career of Tia McGraff HERE.
