Hi Cynthia,

Thanks for allowing us to do an interview with you for The Canadian Celtic Music Website.

You haven't been performing the fiddle for as long as some might think with the success you have had. What got you started playing the fiddle? Having played piano already, did this help in learning to play the fiddle?

When I was really little, my parents and I would occasionally listen to old, home-made records of my great-great uncles Peter and Murdock Beaton playing the fiddle and the pipes. That was the only exposure I had to fiddle music, so I'm almost positive that's what inspired me to learn how to play the fiddle. And yes, I believe having taken piano lessons since I was six years old helped me in learning how to play another instrument. I didn't have to learn everything all at once, because I already knew how to read music and I knew scales and how things should sound. I could focus on the fiddle itself.

For someone who is new to your music, how would you describe it?

My CD definitely has the traditional feel to it. I didn't bother with too much percussion, just snare and djembe here and there, and of course a bit of bodhran. The tunes that I play have been influenced quite a bit through listening to fiddlers from eastern PEI and Cape Breton, but I still have my own way of playing them, as does everyone.

Do you have any other musicians in your family?  Are your parents musical?  Other Siblings?

My dad stepdanced when he was a kid. He won a lot of competitions... we still have the old books, ribbons and papers giving him his marks. He danced on the Don Messer show a few times, as well. Since I've started playing the fiddle, he has started dancing again. (Just for fun!). My sister and I started playing the piano at the same time, and she has also played saxophone (alto, tenor, bari) in school bands up until she graduated.

You have a great selection of tunes on your debut CD "Head Over Heels", including many PEI compositions. What fiddlers/musicians do you look up to? Who have been some of your influences?

As far as fiddlers go, I've always looked up to Richard Wood, as he is from PEI. He has encouraged me so much since I first met him a few years ago. I love Howie MacDonald's style, as well. I'd have to say though, the musicians that I look up to the most and the people who have influenced me have been piano players. Kevin Chaisson, from Bear River, PEI, has always supported me. He has made small suggestions about my playing that has helped me improve in many ways. Another influence has been Jeff Matheson, from Hampton, NB. I only met him a year ago, but in that short time he has really opened up my eyes about music and the way I play.

How did you choose the tunes you recorded on your CD? What was the first tune you learned? What's your favourite tune?

I chose the tunes and the way they're put together by just sitting down and playing, whether it be in front of an audience or in my basement. Some of the tunes, people requested, but they're mostly tunes that I play a lot and the crowd loves. The first actual tune that I learned was Morag of Dunvegan, as far as I remember. And I used to have favorite tunes, but I don't anymore. There are some I like more than others, but no favorites.

Do you find that PEI has its own fiddle sound, like Cape Breton does?

PEI has a bunch of different fiddle sounds. There's Acadian, Irish, Scottish, Old-time... I think it's a good blend. You can expect to hear a certain style in a certain area.

What do you enjoy to do when you're not playing the fiddle?

In the summer, if I'm not playing the fiddle, I'm driving to or from a gig, or relaxing! It takes up a lot of my time in the summer, but I love it so I don't mind. I hang out with my friends though, or catch concerts or square dances.

You were chosen in 2001 to compete at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Contest in Ottawa. What was that that experience like for you?

It was definitely a different one. It was a lot of fun because I got to meet different people from across the country, and I heard a lot of different fiddle styles. I'm not much for competing though, I'd rather just sit down with a bunch of people and play tunes.

Many Maritimers got the chance to hear you perform live this year at the East Coast Music Awards in Saint John in February 2002 as part of the 76 Hour Jam Session. What did the ECMA experience teach you? What this your first time attending the ECMA's?

I had such a blast at this year's ECMA's. They were in Charlottetown in 2001, but I didn't really get involved. This year definitely showed me how friendly all the musicians were. I was a bit shy about talking to some of them, but it opened me up more and now I don't mind it at all.

Although your fiddle career hasn't been that long, what have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

One of the most recent highlights was last week when I opened for Wayne Rostad. Something that also sticks in my mind is the live recording session I had in February of this year in Charlottetown. That was where the live set for my album was recorded. Also, having been given the opportunity to join a band (Fiddlers' Sons) has been good for my career as well. We played at Myron's Cabaret in Charlottetown on St. Patty's weekend this year, the first night opening for Kindle and the second night opening for Rawlin's Cross (a reunion). In June of this year, also, Canadian Learning Television (based in Edmonton) filmed sort of a documentary on myself and my music career. That was quite an experience as well. I was also part of the Festival of Lights this year in Charlottetown. I performed there on Canada Day with Gordon Belsher, so there were a lot of people there.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  10 years?

To tell you the truth, I'm not quite sure yet. I'll definitely still be playing music, but whether it will be full-time or part-time is more than I know right now. We'll see what happens when I graduate from high school next June.

Where have you performed?

I've performed at the College of Piping in Summerside, PEI; at the Kings Playhouse in Georgetown, PEI; Myron's Cabaret in Charlottetown, PEI; Tapp's Brewpub in St. John, NB; Victoria Park and Confederation Landing in Charlottetown, PEI; plus many other venues.

Is there a place that you would like to visit?

I would love to go to Australia.

What are you favourite movies / TV shows?

This may disappoint some people, but I'm not really a TV person, so I don't have a favorite show. As for movies, I don't watch that many to begin with. It's kind of like my favorite fiddle tune, really. There are some I like more than others, but no favorites.

Who are your favourite singers/instrumentalists?

My favorite singers would have to be Jimmy Rankin, Bruce Guthro, and Eddy Quinn. Instrumentalists... I'm a big fan of Slainte Mhath, Howie MacDonald, Troy MacGillivray, Glenn Graham... the list goes on.

If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

It would be an honour to perform with Natalie MacMaster, because she has always been one of my favorite fiddlers. It blows me away when she performs.

Best of luck with your career in the months and years to come!

Cynthia MacLeod