Stephen Vance, Staff
Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz is returning to Meaford Hall for a performance on Friday, October 18, at 8 p.m., and if you are unfamiliar with Poltz and his work, to understand what to expect at his performance, his answers to interview questions offer up a hint.
Q: It’s been three years since we last talked, so I suppose the first question might be, how have the last three years treated you?
Poltz: I got three years older. So that was a drag. That means I now have three less years left in my life. But then again, it also means I didn’t die so I guess that’s pretty cool. Unless I wanted to be dead then it’s a bummer. So I guess I wanted to be alive so I’m pretty ok with the way things have turned out. Life can be hard. But it’s also beautiful especially if I concentrate on love. Sometimes I don’t do that and then I can get negative. I’m trying really hard to meditate on love. It takes work.
Q: When we talked last time we had discussed my Canadian singer-songwriter Danny Michel, who you had done some shows with. The two of you are both storytellers and very good ones – how do you create such interesting stories within the confines of a song? Do you have a process that you follow, or does it flow naturally?
Poltz: I guess for me it just means letting my mind flow free with no holds barred. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. It’s all a mystery to me. It’s magic. I love it when I’m on a roll. I’m still searching for that perfect song and perfect show. Sometimes I get on the scent like a hound dog and I get it in my sights. I’ll probably never get there but I’m still trying. I want to make a perfect record. I’m swinging for the fences. I love Danny Michaels I mean Danny Michelle I mean Danny Mikels oops I mean DANNY MICHEL. He’s amazing. I need to move in with him for a few months and create create create. I love him so much. He’s good for me. If I didn’t have a girlfriend I’d marry him. He has nice legs. Oops, did I say that out loud?
Q: When it comes to music, do you feel that storytelling has become a bit of a lost art?
Poltz: No. Nothing is a lost art. You can find anything you want. You just need to look. The art today is fantastic. Kendrick Lamar is a great storyteller. Keep your grapes peeled and look around. Look at the parking lot with new eyes. There’s so much beauty out there. It’s easy to be an armchair critic. It’s much more fun to create your own art. Learn to paint. Write a short story. Make up a poem. Paint a card for someone and send it snail mail. You’ll feel better. More playful. We gotta remember to play. If we’re not playin we’re payin’.
Q: How do you continue to remain inspired and driven to make new music? Do you ever have times when you’d like a break from music?
Poltz: Hopefully I’ll be inspired till the day I die. I don’t want to do anything else. I am completely out of balance and I don’t care. I don’t want to do anything but work on my music. I love movies because they inspire me. I also love books. I love hugging people who voted for Trump. I want to love them. I’m not a fan of this President Trump. But I don’t want to be angry. I will conquer the world with love. And a smile. You watch. I will end up ruling the world. I will bring us all together. Or not. At least I’ll have fun creating weird art. I can do whatever I want on stage. Do you know how cool that is? I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I invite all Trumpers to my shows. I’ll have ’em arm in arm with all my weirdo friends and we will remember that love is the most important thing.
Q: As for your upcoming show in Meaford, what can those who attend expect?
Poltz: Lots of stories and smiles and a feeling of a community where everyone is welcome. A recharge of your human batteries. A better night’s sleep. A healthier sex life. Stronger knees. A cure for migraines and free hugs.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Poltz: I love vanilla ice cream.
As you might imagine, an evening with Steve Poltz will be a fun evening indeed.
For tickets contact the Meaford Hall box office www.meafordhall.ca
Photo: Laura Partain
