Tag: vancouver

Buy a Record, Make a Difference 28: Katherine Penfold

Buy a Record, Make a Difference is a new series we have created to help local musicians generate income during COVID-19. It is based on the principle that we should support and reward the hard work local artists have already put into recordings, as it is an immensely difficult undertaking to be creating new material under current circumstances. There is currently a lot of emphasis on livestreaming and innovation in our industry, and while those things absolutely have their place, we think it’s also important to boost projects that have already been completed.

In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask them to talk about other local musicians whose work they admire. It’s our hope that you’ll take the time to listen to & purchase the work of local artists, or at the very least share their work with others.

KATHERINE PENFOLD

 

Photo by Lindyn Williams

 

1. Who are you?

I’m Katherine Penfold – an artist, songwriter, and producer who loves everything soul/R&B, jazz, and LoFi (plus a secret country music lover, but that’s another story). I was born in Nova Scotia, raised in Manitoba, and made the move to Vancouver in 2010.

Music, for me, is what gets me through the toughest times. My biggest goal is to create tunes and grooves that others can resonate with. I’m also a video producer, and my favourite thing is to create videos for my tunes so I can share another aspect of my music with my listeners. Most mornings when I wake up I can’t decide whether to reach for an instrument, mic, or a camera.

2. Describe your music as best you can.

My music blends soul and jazz with modern LoFi, creating a unique, neo-soul sound. I love the stories I can create within my songs, especially when the magic musicians I get to perform/record with do the same. I hope it elevates anyone who listens to it.

3. What’s your latest recording (or a recording you’d like to promote)? Where can people get it?

Last fall I released an album called Sweetest Thing that I’m so proud of. I co-produced it next to David Sikula (such a fantastic human being), and it’s been such an incredible trip promoting and releasing it. Then, on top of that, I had the opportunity this summer to remix one of my favourite tunes (“”) from the album, co-written with Chin Injeti and Shallom Johnson. It’s called the “Spaceship Remix” and you can find it (and the original album) on Spotify or your other fave listening platforms!

4. Is there another local musician whose work you’d like to give a shout out to? 

There are so many incredible musicians I could list, but my big faves right now are Krystle Dos Santos (her latest album is one of my favourites, plus the amazing video for “Buried Alive” is life changing), Leathan Milne (this guy will transport you to a different, beautiful planet), and Joey Stylez (Joey’s work is so powerful on so many levels). This is such an inspiring community to live in, and it’s even more inspiring to be able to still connect with so many artists during COVID-19 thanks to social media and live streaming platforms. I hugely recommend everyone finding new local musicians and local sounds to listen to because there are so many out there!

Buy a Record, Make a Difference 27: Sara Kim

Buy a Record, Make a Difference is a new series we have created to help local musicians generate income during COVID-19. It is based on the principle that we should support and reward the hard work local artists have already put into recordings, as it is an immensely difficult undertaking to be creating new material under current circumstances. There is currently a lot of emphasis on livestreaming and innovation in our industry, and while those things absolutely have their place, we think it’s also important to boost projects that have already been completed.

In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask them to talk about other local musicians whose work they admire. It’s our hope that you’ll take the time to listen to & purchase the work of local artists, or at the very least share their work with others.

SARA KIM

The-Watermill-Project-02-22-2020
1. Who are you?

My name is Sara – I was born in Korea (my Korean name is also Sara but pronounced more like ‘Sah-Rah’.) I grew up in Vancouver, B.C. and studied jazz at Capilano University. For the past few years, I have been singing, writing, and performing music in Vancouver.

2. Describe your music as best you can.

As a singer, I think I always try to explore my voice and use it in a diverse way. I was first drawn to jazz after hearing Ella Fitzgerald’s scatting, and fell in love with improvising. Therefore, I like improvising and use different “colors” of the voice. More recently, I am in awe of traditional P’ansori singers and traditional Korean music. There is a “wave” in every sound they make and I find it very beautiful and raw. Most importantly, I always wish to sound honest and natural, and I try to do that in my music too.

I‘ve been making music mostly with two groups. One is my Watermill Project (물레방아 프로젝트) that explores traditional Korean music and folk songs in a jazz quartet. From this project, a duo was formed between Mili Hong (the drummer of the band; she’s an incredible drummer and a dear friend of mine) and I, and we’ve been having fun exploring traditional Korean art form called P’ansori together. Lastly, I write and sing in Omianan, a collective group that plays original music and tends to end up going anywhere and everywhere.

3. What’s your latest recording (or a recording you’d like to promote)? Where can people get it?

We haven’t done a proper recording/album from the Watermill Project yet. But, you can check out some of the music here.

Omianan put out a demo/EP in 2019, and you can check it out here. 

4. Is there another local musician whose work you’d like to give a shout out to? 

Honestly, there are so many wonderful music and musicians out there, but since it’s the summer and that reminds me of the Jazz Festival season, I want to say Waxwing (Peggy Lee, Tony Wilson, Jon Bentley) who I heard for the very first time two years ago at the Roundhouse. It was truly coincidental and I am so glad that I was there at that place at that time. You can check them out here. 

Buy a Record, Make a Difference 26: Jodi Proznick

Buy a Record, Make a Difference is a new series we have created to help local musicians generate income during COVID-19. It is based on the principle that we should support and reward the hard work local artists have already put into recordings, as it is an immensely difficult undertaking to be creating new material under current circumstances. There is currently a lot of emphasis on livestreaming and innovation in our industry, and while those things absolutely have their place, we think it’s also important to boost projects that have already been completed.

In each post, we’ll ask a local artist a series of the same questions, give them the opportunity to talk about recordings they’re proud of, and ask them to talk about other local musicians whose work they admire. It’s our hope that you’ll take the time to listen to & purchase the work of local artists, or at the very least share their work with others.

JODI PROZNICK

Photo by Michele Mateus

 

1. Who are you?

I am a 2x JUNO-nominated bassist, composer, producer and educator who lives in Port Coquitlam B.C. with my husband and son. I was raised in South Surrey and studied music at McGill University in Montreal. In 2007, I completed my M.Ed. in Arts Education at SFU. I have previously been a faculty member at Capilano University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University but I am currently working as the Jazz Department Chair at the VSO School of Music where I have been helping to develop programs such as the Summer Jazz Workshop, Girls’ Jazz Day, Da Capo Program from Seniors, the VSO SoM Honour Jazz Combo, the Songwriting Workshop, the Performance Prep Program and all of the year long jazz course and lesson offerings.

In 2007 and 2008, I was awarded the National Jazz Award for Bassist of the Year and in 2019 the Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. I just finished an interim position as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Manager of Education and Community Outreach during the 2019/2020 season.

2. Describe your music as best you can.

I am a jazz bassist by training who loves to collaborate with musicians from all backgrounds. My music is firmly rooted in the jazz tradition but I love incorporating new colours and perspectives from other genres. Recent collaborations include Triology with Miles Black and Bill Coon, the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, Chor Leoni, the Fusion Ensemble with Mohammed Assani/Itamar Erez/Hamin Honari, and the Sisters Jazz Orchestra.

I love playing with other joyful and openhearted musicians and I think the music reflects that.

3. What’s your latest recording (or a recording you’d like to promote)? Where can people get it?

My latest album is called Sun Songs and it features wonderful local players Tilden Webb on piano, Jesse Cahill on drums and Steve Kaldestad on saxophone as well as Canadian treasure, Laila Biali on vocals. You can find it in the store on my website where you will receive a hard copy, a handmade thank you note and the digital download.

You can also find it on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and all of the other digital platforms.

Please feel free to sign up for my mailing list to stay in touch!

4. Is there another local musician whose work you’d like to give a shout out to? 

There are three local musicians I would like to give a shout out to—Vocalist Dawn Pemberton, guitarist Tristan Paxton and trumpet player Chris Davis.

These three are unbelievably talented creators and collaborators, wonderful people and deserving of our love and support.