Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Mr. NoTears
From an early age, Mr. NoTears found his calling in the rhythms and soulful narratives of reggae music. Influenced by legends like King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Barrington Levy, and Steel Pulse, he began to explore his own musical identity. This journey led him to become a skilled songwriter and singer, committed to creating a unique sound that resonated with his multicultural background. Who’s Gonna Save Us Now? Driven by a relentless pursuit of artistic growth and inspiration, he made a pivotal decision to leave Toronto. He set his sights on the Mexican Caribbean a land rich in cultural and musical heritage. This bold move marked a new chapter in his life, promising to infuse his music with fresh influences and experiences, and to continue his evolution as an artist deeply connected to his roots and open to the world\’s melodies.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
That would be a combination of hearing my mother and father singing, hearing my brother practicing violin for hours in his bedroom and listening to records of The Beatles and other various artists in the morning. Music was a constant.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I had been playing music in school for years. I started off with the violin and branched into percussion and baritone sax. I wrote my first song at 17 and that would be where my passion for songwriting began.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
“Had Enough” was a previously recorded project which was not previously released. I basically found it in the archives and thought I it was time to release it. It was recorded in a wooden cabin about 3 hours north of Toronto. I wrote the song on a digital four track at home. Just guitar and vocals. The song, for me, represents perseverance after tough times in life. It’s honest expression of feeling during those tough times.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would say versatile. Even though the music is rhythmically reggae, what happens on top of the rhythm is different from song to song.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I think I’ve definitely grown as a songwriter but I would say that the thing that has changed the most would be patience and attention to detail. Before, I would write a song and do one two takes of vocals and would listen to the complete recording only a few times and be happy with it. Now, I will listen to a song 100+ times. Not just because I like the song, but because I’m listening for opportunities to enhance the production of the song. Whether it be with adding arrangements, taking away elements, adding harmonies and ensure that the intonation in pitch perfect (or almost). A lot more attention to detail. I would say this is a must if you intend on sharing you songs with the world. You pretty much have to turn into a producer once you played down all of the tracks for your song.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
That would really depend on the song but the essentials would be mainly guitar, vocals, various percussive instruments and the virtual instruments provided by Garage Band. I make it a priority to use as many real instrument as possible. I also have a network of wonderful musicians I can call upon to add horns, bass, etc…. But, as I said before, it depends on the song. Each song is a new experience.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
My favourite era in music is the 70s. For me, that was a time when the rhythm section really drove the songs. I love rhythm. You get a solid groove down and throw on a nice melody then the arrangements help create the story of the song.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
It’s hard to explain how because when I’m in the process of writing a song, I let the feelings and expressions just flow through me without thinking where they come from but I would imagine they feelings that are stored in me and when I write, they are set free and take on a life of its own. I never go into the process with any specific idea or message that I want to express in a song. I let the melody and the elements of the song guide me.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Authenticity. I want listeners to feel the emotions that come out of the music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The songs I have written are not mine. I am just a vessel and once you open up, you feel every note, every beat flow through you like a river. It’ not about me. It’s about the music.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I would love to play at Massey Hall in Toronto or Albert’s Hall in London. A place with wonderful acoustics and that feels magical where I can take people on a journey. I want people to have an experience when they go to the shows or evening when they are listening to the music.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
This is a very good question. Now, I have collaborated with many great artists and I’ve learned a lot from them. That’s key and that’s why I love collaborating. It’s part of the development, it’s part of the process but having said that, I would love have loved to collaborate with George Harrison just because he seemed like such a down to earth human being. No ego. I loved his real and simple lyrics. Really spoke to me.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://mrnotears.bandcamp.com/music
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I would love to collaborate with as many artists as possible, would love to get into movie soundtracks and really get into the producer role.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners will discover the versatility in the music I create and the music I create with others. Every song is a different experience. I want to keep things interesting.
