Published: November 21, 2009 2:09 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight December 2009 Edition
Molly Thomason
Artist/Band of the Week November 22, 2009 - November 28, 2009
Molly Thomason photo by EmeryG
Singer/Songwriter Molly Thomason is creating music that is fun, fresh, delightful, and entertaining that is full of colorful and meaningful lyrics laced over soft acoustical vocals provided by Thomason. Another strong point about Thomason's music is her youth which is full of endless energy. Fans will enjoy her music and this recent spotlight clearly shows why the artist is exciting to be a part of the music industry. Enjoy!
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?
Molly: Those two questions kind of go hand in hand for me haha. My mom always says I "came out singing". There's a lot of music in my family and so I was always surrounded by people singing and playing instruments. I guess I discovered music at an early age, but my family helped keep the interest going.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Molly: When I was 7…or maybe younger, I took piano lessons. Haha that was sort of like pulling teeth. The first time I considered the guitar was in grade four or five, but I gave up because it hurt my wrist too much. In grade six, my best friend wanted me to learn the guitar so we could start a band together (he plays drums). I learned Iris by the GooGoo Dolls with the help of my mom and it kind of took off from there.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Molly: Humm…I'm not really sure. I'm still not certain this is what I'll be doing for the rest of my life. I mean, I hope so! But you never know what will happen right? I'm also into psychology and am interested in studying that at university, but we'll see…Even if for some reason music doesn't work out as a career, I'll still be playing it for myself, my family and friends for the rest of my life, that's for sure.
Molly Thomason
Photo by Catherine Fancy
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Molly: Oh my god, there are so many. The two big ones are probably producers T-Bone Burnett and Chris Walla (who is also the guitarist for Death Cab). As for musicians, I'd really like to work with Buck65, a rapper from Halifax, at some point. I think it would so cool to mix my style of music with rap or techno.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Molly: Well, my biggest influence in music was Avril Lavigne. She initially got me interested in doing it as a career because she was a young, Canadian girl who was making a huge impact nationally and internationally and I really respected that. Now days my inspirations are artists like Bob Dylan, Death Cab for Cutie, The Dresden Dolls, Elliott Smith, Pink Floyd, City and Colour. There are almost too many to name. I like a lot of different styles of music. Jazz, rock, indie, singer/songwriter, hip-hop, techno, electronica, screamo, some country…basically anything with good lyrics that grabs my attention.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Molly: Oh jeeze…I think that will change as I get older and more experienced, but as of right now I'd really like to get out across Canada and maybe get the attention of a label at some point. It's not really about fame, but more about "How can I reach as many people as possible and move them with this music? How can I stand out?" Answering those questions is my goal right now.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Molly: Well, my age is a big obstacle at this point. It's frustrating because I can't go into certain venues which sell alcohol or I can't be in them after a certain time. That's a bit limiting as far as expanding my audience and playing in certain places. Also, I had to get used to being rejected. From festivals, venues, competitions, etc. It's hard at first but I've learned not to take it personally and instead keep trying and show that I'm serious about what I'm trying to do.
Molly Thomason
Photo by Catherine Fancy
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Molly: Oh for sure. It is hard, especially if you're a younger artist because people might not take you as seriously, or on the other end of the spectrum, they might try to take advantage of and exploit you. But if you truly care about music and you're focused and down to earth, its so much fun and you'll defiantly benefit from it.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Molly: Stay grounded and focused on what you want. Be patient and take all the opportunities you get.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Molly: I'd say my music is more singer/songwriter. On the CD there's a little pop/rock in there too.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Molly: The CD was a huge accomplishment for me. It's something I've wanted to do since I got Avril Lavigne's Let Go under the Christmas tree a long time ago. It was a joy to work with Tim Feswick, the fabulous producer. We made something we're both very proud to have our names on. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the music industry.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Molly: Yes! You can go to www.mollythomason.ca There's songs, interviews, blogs, a place to buy the CD online and the new music video for the title track of my album Through the Static. You can also find show listings there and contact information. I do have a Facebook group as well called Molly Thomason-Music and I send out dates through that as well. You can also find me on MySpace, SonicBids and Twitter.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Molly: My parents, they always listen to the songs and tell me their honest opinion, Marc and Clare Champoux for being a big part of making this CD possible, Mary Volpe at Scotia Bank for helping me make the CD as well, Amy Parkes for being my muse on many occasions and everyone I've been with for helping me create some of these songs, even though they didn't always know it.
Isaac: Any last words?
Molly: Just thank you very much for including me in your magazine!
