Hi Kindle, Thanks for allowing us to do an interview with you for The Celtic Cafe Canada.

First off, why the change of band name?  Where did the new name come from?

Well, the change in the band name was brought about by a number of reasons. First, there has been alot of confusion lately surrounding our former name with another band from P.E.I., so close that it only differs with two letters.  Second, having 'celtic' in the name really limited us to our music style. For us 'KINDLE' says high energy, fire, excitement and that's exactly what we plan to bring to our fans.

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

We describe our music as a blend of traditional music with a modern day mix of rock, funk and a style of the two worlds that hasn't been heard before.

What musical background do each of the members have?  Do you all have formal training?

All members of Kindle are the seventh generation of musicians in the Chaisson family of P.E.I. We all had formal training on the fiddle, and I'm pretty sure that's how far it goes. Every other instrument was picked on our own and developed in our style.

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

There are plenty of musicians in the Chaisson family. Most people don't believe us when we tell them that there are 70 first cousins and ninty percent of them play some musical instrument, step dance, or sing.  As far as our parents, Kevin Chaisson, Kurt & Brent's father, is a well known piano player throughout the Maritimes, as well as composer. His brother Kenny is a accomplished fiddler (Darla's father). Both of Elmer's parents are musical. J.J.'s two grandfathers' also played the fiddle. So there is plenty of musical history within the family.

What instruments does the band play?

Well, we've got Darla on piano, J.J. on fiddle, guitar and lead vocals, Elmer on mandolin, Brent on drums, and Kurt on guitar.

Are you working on a new CD at the moment?

There is serious talks about doing a traditional album near the end of the summer. It will be recorded live

and available late fall. Come spring we hope to go all out and do the most amazing celtic rock CD anyone has ever heard. So watch out for both.

How do you choose the tunes you're going to record?

Well, there are so many fiddle tunes out there and every one of them has its own mood and feel so we generally pick the ones that would suit us and the mood of the set. There are also many composers within our family. On our debut CD, there are six or seven original compositions.

What's your take on why Celtic Music, especially Canadian, is so popular these days in other parts of the world?  Do you think shows like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance had something to do with it?

Celtic music appeals to so many different age groups, because of mood, or tempo and many other factors. It's such a happy upbeat style of music that it's hard not to like it.  Big productions like Riverdance have certainly brought back interest in the music. But we also have to keep in mind the smaller productions and festivals, even kitchen parties, that have kept the tradition alive.  Right of hand I can think of the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival which is entering its 25th year of promoting the music.

What's the Celtic Music Scene on Prince Edward Island like?

The Celtic music scene on PEI is a pretty interesting one. In the western part of the island, you'll find a more Acadian style of traditional music. On the eastern end where we are from, you'll find a more Scottish, Irish, style of playing. Overall, the Celtic music scene has been taking off the last 10 years, with alot of compositions coming in the last two.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Well, I think the biggest influence we all have is our own family. They have given us nothing but support ever since we started out.  Every time we get together at gatherings...it's quite a party!!

What do you enjoy to do when you're off the road?

All of us play soccer or basketball....alot of sports. We like movies, fun stuff I guess.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

I think the biggest highlight of our career so far was being nominated for an East Coast Music Award. It was quite an honour!  When we released our debut CD, that was a stepping stone for sure. We love to play live at different festivals, and venues and think everyone is a highlight.

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

In five years, we hope we are full time musicians touring around and surprising fans everytime we play for them.  In ten years, I hope we're doing the same thing...Releasing new funky stuff, modern day celtic sounds and having a great time doing it.

Where have you toured locally, nationally, internationally?

We have toured Eastern Canada under our old name and just finished a few dates in Ontario. We've toured eastern U.S., and are heading back the in August. We have an upcoming show with Shooglenifty in Halifax at the Marquee and it's sure to be pretty wild!!

Is there a place that you have yet to tour that you would like to visit?

I think we all agree when we say Europe. Although there are so many places in the world where people

can't get enough of celtic music. That's where we want to be.

Now for some more entertaining questions!

What's your favourite movie / tv show?

I think for the guys in the group, I'd have to say "The Fast and the Furious" and I can't speak for Darla

but I know she likes alot of different movies. Trivia tv shows are popular among the group also.

Who are your favourite singers/instrumentalists?

I think we can all agree on Natalie MacMaster. She's just amazing. We all really enjoy Gordie Sampson as well. On the road, those CD's are usually going all the time!

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

There are so many artists in the world that we would love to perform with. I don't think we could really

pick one.

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

Thank you Kimberley!!

 

Brent Chiasson
Kindle