Canadian singer-songwriter and musician Geoff Gibbons produces songs that mix a number of genres together, including folk, Americana, the blues and rock. His track Execution Man caught my attention and I really enjoyed it – hopefully our readers did too! If you missed it, you can find another stream after this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled Execution Man, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
I initially produced the song in the studio with a full band, but subsequently stripped it down to its essence, playing guitars, keyboards and programmed drums. I invited Darryl Havers to embellish the track with a Hammond B3 and Wurlitzer, Rob Becker added bass and John Ellis contributed a slide guitar line. The soulful gospel backing vocals are courtesy of Mr. Maph, a UK singer now living in Spain. The song has kind of an ambient thing going on… I wanted to create a vibe for the lonely traveller.
How has the reception been for the track and where can it be purchased?
Folks really seem to be relating to the track – lots of great feedback and video views especially. Purchasing the track would be on iTunes or at CD Baby.
The track has quite a dark feel, in terms of the lyrics and the dark noir vibes of the music. What was the inspiration for the tune?
The theme is a reflection on self-actualization. We face so many obstacles in our lives – physical, emotional, personal, and psychic – we form so much of our identities based on falsehoods.. the warrior in us must face and destroy those falsehoods. Execution Man relates that the death of the false self is necessary in order to discover the true self.
The baritone guitar gives it that ominous feel off the top. I wanted the track to sound more mysterious than anything else.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
Seems like I’m always pulling pieces of this and pieces of that to create a final product. This song went through a lot of changes before it became the song you hear today. It’s a process for me… I keep working it until it’s what I want it to be.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
For sure! Lots more music coming. I’m in a roots rock band called New Yank Yorkies – we have a new single out January 12th. I hope to release another solo single in February.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or EP anytime soon?
Yes, I have been releasing singles and plan to gather them up with some new material and get another album out. It’s a strange business these days – you wonder if putting out a full album is just for personal legacy or if anyone actually ever listens to it. Well, that’s the modern industry.
Your music has a bluesy folk sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Over the years I’ve been drawn to great lyrical/melodic songwriters like Paul Simon, Jesse Winchester, Neil Finn, Ferron, Aimee Mann etc. I’m a big fan of the Beatles and Pink Floyd, of course. We’re all students of theirs.
Lately a little Beck, Bon Iver, old Elton, Post Malone… I’m always changing.
You’re based in Vancouver. What is the local music scene like?
I would say there is not much of a ‘scene’ anymore per se – or if there is, it’s eluding me. It kind of reflects the fragmented nature of making and consuming music in these times. That said, Vancouver has a ton of super talented musicians and songwriters – world class!
Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?
Not that I know of… I would love to do it though, being that my people all come from England and Scotland.
Any last words for the fans?
Don’t fear the Execution Man… Search him out. If you find him, follow – he’ll lead you to the place that is your true self. Peace.