Published: August 31, 2009 1:57 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
Colin Rink
Colin Rink
Colin Rink has a certain style and energy that easily comes across in his music. The Singer/Songwriter grew up in Western and Eastern Canada and many of his influences can be heard in his music. Rink's dedication to his music is his strongest asset. The artist also has a unique voice that perfectly blends nicely with his Folk/Rock/Indie sound. Rink now resides in Vancouver, British Columbia where he continues to gain new fans who are enjoying his music.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Colin: I remember at a young age coming across a blue case in the attic of where we lived of some old vinyl records from the fifties and sixties from what they used to listen to when they were younger. I remember the front cover of Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits with the black and blue silhouette. When I first put it in the record player, I was hooked. I at first thought Dylan was an old man from his music and the sound of his voice, but knew instantly there was something magical about his songs. Old country records like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Roger miller were in there too. I would listen to them constantly; each seemed to have something to say, and a particular way of saying it. My ears were glued to the speakers in the living room.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Colin: When I was five or so, my mother went and took me to piano lessons. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but once I started playing I was addicted. It was very inspirational to create music, even simple, at an early age. From there on, I would play some classical pieces like Beethoven, and then later moved to the guitar when I was about thirteen.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Colin: Not really. Like most teens, I didn't have things figured out. I thought of growing up and end up being something like a fireman or something in the medical field. I was always playing music; old and new songs and musicians that really interested me. When I was about twenty or so it snowballed from there.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Colin: Well a lot of the artists that I would love to work with are larger then life. Present time people like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen would be an mind-blowing experience; artists that had a voice and substance to back it up. If I could have a time machine, I'd work with Robert Johnson, Woody Guthrie, and/or Pete Seager.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Colin: I listen to a lot of different genres of music these days. Currently, I'm really into Nico Vega, Shout Out Louds, and Uncut who are also from Canada. Their style is much like Interpol, another one of my favourite bands. Also, I listen to old country and blues artists, like Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson, and Blind Willie Mctell; artist that seem to light up the simplest things, making them seem powerful at the same time.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Colin: Keep making music, and reaching the audience. I love playing live performances, making songs, and writing and don't ever anticipate stopping. Every time I play, I always seem to reach another person, another fan who likes the style of my music. I always love to challenge myself; I wrote a poem everyday for a year in 2008, and in 2009 for two weeks I wrote a song a day. It keeps the creativity flowing.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Colin: Being a solo artist can be difficult. A few times, I've been passed up in certain venues because they thought I couldn't fill the venue. Other promoters loved to give me the chance and when I performed booked me two or three times after. Point is; there is good and bad in everything. Getting your music out there can also be the biggest challenge; the music industry itself can be a bit of an anomaly. Sometimes you can get the greatest promo from one song, another time, you can't give stuff away. To increase your success rate by 50%, you have to increase your failures by 50% as well. Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Colin: Yes I would. Things can be hard at times, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel for those who try. I've heard some amazing bands, and they simply don't get the drive to get their music out there, or build a relationship with fans. There will always be a winter, but when spring comes, the sun shines.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Colin: If someone doesn't like your music, don't be offended or get the wind taken out of your sail. Pick up the pieces and always keep moving, and keep it going. Not everyone will like your music, what you do, who you are, or what you have to say. Even the best artists have failures in albums, performances and interviews. The drive keeps them going. Sometimes I've played a show, and thought I bombed and gotten great reviews, other times I thought I was on the money, and heard crickets. Always give it everything you've got.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Colin: Folk / Indie rock. Since my influences range from all types of music genres, and I find that some of them all translate though to my music. A lot of my music has been classified as Folk music that is much like that of the sixties. In a recent CD Review of my album, the reviewer compared me to Bob Dylan and said my music had the potential to "inspire a new generation". It gave me chills.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Colin: Currently, my pride and joy is my debut album "Bury Me Deep in the Ground". It was released in June, and already has gotten some great reviews, and for that I am thankful. I have a music video currently in production, which for me is very exciting.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Colin: My website www.colinrinkmusic.com, is always being updated for fans. I have a newsletter there where you can get exclusives to future and secret shows, merch discounts, limited songs and free stuff. It's always in production, and awesome. My debut album "Bury Me Deep in the Ground' is available at many local retailers and online at; iTunes, Amazon, rhapsody, Napster, and CDBaby. I am also on YouTube twitter, Facebook, and MySpace if you want to check me out and listen. I also have podcasts on itunes which have been very successful; Dylan For Virgins, and On The Run, up are on iTunes for free download
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Colin: My family, friends and most important, my fans. Can't thank them enough, so again, thank you.
Isaac: Any last words?
Colin: Keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy the ride.
