Artist Name: Edouard Landry
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’ve just launched my first English-language album called “Be Here Now”, on June 4, 2021. The album explores themes associated with living in the moment. Aside from that, I recently put the final touches on my next French-language album, to be released either by the end of this year, or early next year.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I’ve been surrounded by musicians my entire life. I’m from a large French-Canadian family where pretty much everyone plays a musical instrument. But my first thoughts of joining a band happened in high school. We had music and performance classes, and from there several bands were formed. I joined a few bands and saved my early gig money to buy gear. Started writing around that time and I never really stopped. So, I’ve had the bug since 🙂
I stepped aside for a few years for school, family, career, and that’s when I knew I really wanted to get ‘back into it’. I missed it quite a bit, even though I was in the odd band and/or musical project. I finally decided to refocus on my own music in around 2013/14.
We’ve got a rich and diverse musical scene in Sudbury, and in Franco-Ontario in particular. A lot of support from the get go, and a lot of folks to look up to and get inspiration from.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I’ve got a Masters degree in Urban Planning and have been a professional planner for close to 15 years. I carve time away from my evenings, weekends, vacation and lunch hours to work on both the business and musical aspects of my career. It’s been non-stop since 2013.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I like to write music! But when I need to get away from it, I like to spend time with my family and our two fox terriers, read, go camping, travel, watch films. Painting is something I dabble in – something I’d like to more of over the next few years.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
At the moment, I’d have to say Kacey Musgraves. I love her albums, her songwriting and her style. I think she’ll be around for quite some time. Looking forward to her next album!
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
The Montreal Canadiens. I was raised to be a Habs fan! As I’m writing this, they’re about to play their first game in the third round of the NHL Playoffs. There’s a lot of excitement in the air!
I’m also a Toronto Blue Jays fan, and of baseball in general. Through my travels, I’ve been able to get to many of the major league baseball stadiums. I’m always planning to get to the next stadiums on my list 😉
What is the last movie that you watched?
The last movie I watched was Tenet. I love Christopher Nolan movies, so I had been waiting to watch this one for a while. I must admit I had to rewind a few parts to really understand what was going on. All in all, a good movie that forces you put your phone down to really watch and listen. A great soundtrack too!
What is the last album you listened to?
Shout out to fellow Sudbury musician Julie Katrinette and her album ‘Let’s Not Complicate Things (With Our Minds)’. Her album isn’t out yet, but it’s on my turntable and is the last album I listened to. It’s out across all streaming platforms on July 1 – or on vinyl from her Bandcamp page. A lot of country and folk flavours that I’m sure your readers would enjoy.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Definitely The Beatles’ White Album. It’s got a range of styles, brilliant songwriting and production. It’s the first Beatles album I got into when I was a teen. I knew the ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ albums in general (and the radio hits), but the White Album really changed how I listened to and approached music. I don’t think I’ve ever recovered from my first White Album experiences! Haha
What is the greatest country song of all time?
My immediate reaction to this is ‘Crazy’ by Patsy Cline. Her delivery, the emotion, the musical choices, are truly heartfelt and spot on. The song’s now been around for 60 years, so it’s got a lot of community memory, feelings, associations and and experiences wrapped around in it. Plus, I’m a huge Willie Nelson fan and I think it’s one of the best songs he’s ever written.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
If travel for album/songwriting research counts, then San Francisco. Pre-pandemic, we had the opportunity to visit friends and take in the sights. Fell in love with the golden California light, the streets, the hills, museums, the parks, the Bay, the food, the ocean, the fog…just about everything. It directly inspired “Be Here Now” as well as the next English-language album.
What is your favorite meal?
I do love a medium-rare steak with asparagus and potatoes on the barbecue, with red wine or a hoppy beer.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Tough question! Male: My first reaction to this is Paul Simon. I’ve been obsessed with his solo albums for the past 5-6 years now. Plus, he’s been in a duo before. What can go wrong? 😉
Female: Kacey Musgraves. Celebrity crush aside, I think it would be a great experience!
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Robert Plant. I’ve had the opportunity to see him twice in concert, most recently at Toronto’s Massey Hall with the Space Shifters. I highly recommend listening to his podcast. So many stories and interesting perspectives. Plus, he keeps pushing and exploring new musical territory. I hear he’s got another album coming soon with Alison Krauss! I think it would be a blast to be on tour with him.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
My goal thus far has been to have a sustainable music career. If I can keep making and getting music out there, and on my own terms, then I believe I will have succeeded.