October 16, 2019

Meet October Artist Discovery: Leif Vollebekk

Leif Vollebekk. Photo by Vanessa Hines

Introduction

Meet Leif Vollebekk, our October 2019 Artist Discovery feature! Leif is a Montreal singer-songwriter, and writes incredible lush, intricate songs about “tenderness and violence, sex and rebirth” and this rings true on his new album New Ways. We’re so excited to be able to offer this album to our members on this beautiful, galaxy-like grey vinyl!

We asked Leif a few music and touring-related questions to help our members get to know him. Read his answers to the right!

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Q & A

What was the first album you ever owned on vinyl?

I stole Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits from my parents. But I believe the first one I bought was Songs of Leonard Cohen. Still have it.

What have you been listening to lately?

“Salt” by Angie McMahon, “Evening Machines” by Gregory Alan Isakov and Sign O’ the Times and Piano and a Microphone by Prince.

Who is the first artist you remember listening to?

The Beatles. I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Help! and Ticket to Ride. For some reason their voices together sounded even better when I was 6 or 7. I couldn’t separate their voices like I do now. I just heard this wall of sound. It’s still the warmest sound I’ve ever heard. The Beach Boys are like that. That harmony just washes over you. It takes you somewhere.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Any place where I can swim and the air is clean. Be it Northern Ontarian lakes, or geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik, or this little spring-fed pool in Austin, Texas which shall remain nameless for fear of it being overrun next time I’m there. I also like hanging out in my friends’ kitchens.

What is the best live show you’ve seen?

Without question it would be Prince. March 21st, 2016 in Montreal. I saw the most effortless, sublime performance that I’ve ever seen. It went beyond what I thought was humanly possible and into a realm that I’ve been searching for ever since. Solo. Unbelievable. 

What are some things you have to have on the road with you?

The dream is to stop caring about gear but I don’t know if that will ever happen. No gig feels complete with my Wurlitzer and my Mustang and my Harmony. But really, I don’t need anything other than clean clothes and this rather beautiful leather shaving case. For years I resisted it. It seemed so luxurious. Most guys just carry their things around in some ragged bag.

What album do you play on repeat?

Of all the records I listen to. The most listened might be Valtari by Sigur Ros. It’s not necessarily my favourite but it does something to me. It’s just like meditation. It just takes me away. Often if I’m restless or looking for peace. In a busy place, you put on that record and it’s almost like it creates silence.

Also… Desert Island Discs:

Miles Davis – Porgy and Bess, Blood on the Tracks – Dylan, Prince – Sign O the Times

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