Published: January 11, 2010 7:54 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight January 2010 Edition
Doug Folkins
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Doug Folkins
Canadian Singer/Songwriter Doug Folkins has been described by some as Tom Petty meets The Pogues. Our Webzine tends to agree as this talented artist is making fantastic Celtic Rock music that sets him apart from others within the music industry. In this recent spotlight with our E-Zine, Doug Folkins expounds on his music, his influences, and the main reason why he wants to entertain others. Enjoy!
Isaac: Elaborate on how you first got started in the music business.
Doug: I got started at University where I began writing songs and performing at open stages and coffee houses. I also joined my first band at this time. A rag tag acoustic punk band called "The Chaotic Cesspools Of Sin". Without a doubt, the best thing about the band was the name...
Isaac: Who were your influences?
Doug: My songwriting influences are Stan Rogers, The Pogues, Great Big Sea, Spirit of The West and early Dylan.
Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
Doug: My high points probably have been securing 2 publishing deals for my tunes in 2009. All of 2009 has been a highlight with the release of my "Another Last Call" CD. The single "Calico Girl" was on the European Country Music Association Top 100 Charts for 5 straight weeks peaking at #71.
The lowest point for me was a gig early in my career where I was asked during the break if I could put some canned music on in lieu of getting back on stage. Now that was low...
Isaac: Damn!
Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.
Doug: I grew up in New Brunswick in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. My music style follows much of the traditions of east coast Irish and Celtic music in that sense but with a mix of Americana, Rock and Country. Some have described my music as Tom Petty meets The Pogues. I am not sure if that is totally accurate but I like them both so that is all good.
Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?
Doug: Where I am at it, it is tough to get shows doing totally original material so I play in a band that does a combo of covers and original material. We have lots of work. Festivals are lots of fun and I am always working to get more festival slots.
Isaac: What do you think of the state of Rock music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?
Doug: Rock music seems to be very confused to me. Most people I know are going to concerts of classic rock bands like ACDC and Motley crew and not spending their money on emerging bands. Lots of rock bands seem to be cross over into pop bands with lots of keyboards and synth sounds. I like The Dropkick Murphies, Flogging Molly and The White Stripes.
I listen to satellite radio mostly where I have control of what I want to hear for the most part.
The Internet has helped my music grow for the most part so I am biased. More people here my stuff all over the world so the exposure is good. It saddens me that so many people steal music and generally put no value on its creation. That part of the Internet's effect on music and songwriting bothers me but in general I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives.
Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?
Doug: Wow... great question. Shane McGowan on vocals, Neil Young on lead guitar, Tom Petty on rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, Vince Ditrich on drums and the rest of The Cheiftons as backup!
Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?
Black and Brown
Signs Along The Way
Touchstone
Roots
Another Last Call
All five of my CDs are available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and other legal online stores.
My newest CD "Another Last Call" is also available from CD Baby
Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?
Doug: For me, it is about creating fun and interesting music that is lively and filled with energy. My live shows and songwriting are focused on people having a good time through music. I am constantly improving and working on new project and adventures. Thank you for listening!
