As far as Quebec pop musician Ian Kelly is concerned, things couldn’t be better.
Performing as the support act for New Brunswick’s Danny Boudreau at the Capitol Theatre next Wednesday night, Kelly comes to Moncton with a brand new record in tow, All These Lines. Released last November, the album reflects the songwriting maturity of an artist now on his fourth studio effort but also with the benefit of a Gold-selling album (2008’s Speak Your Mind) on his resume.
“As uncool as it might be to some, I can’t complain about anything. Everything is going well,” Ian says. “I am excited to be starting my tour and really can’t wait to play these songs on stage. I am convinced that All These Lines is my best album yet but hopefully not as good as the next album. Time will tell.”
Ian acknowledges that the record is a little more uplifting than some of his previous works. And while the typical influences of life and life as a touring musician played into the making of the record, Ian also attributes having taken some time off as a big motivator.
“In the two years between records, I did a lot of touring through Europe and Canada but I also made a point of taking some time off. I just wanted to live a normal life for a little while. I wanted to hang out with my kids and bring them to school and be involved. I didn’t bring kids to the planet to not spend time with them.
“A lot of those experiences are reflected in the subjects and lyrics of this new record. The album reflects my life of the last eight years of being a father but I also wanted to shine a light on the importance of doing things for myself as well.”
Music is, naturally one of those things that Ian does for himself. “Do You Love The Rain”, the first single from All These Lines has been steadily picking up momentum at radio right across Canada in the time since its release. And though the initial reaction to the song outside of his home province has been encouraging, Ian knows that he isn’t able to let his foot off the gas for a moment at this point in his career.
“I am definitely optimistic but am also realistic. I know that building a success story takes time. It is nothing that is just going to happen after a couple of months. Different people have different goals when it comes to the music business but I am fully aware that I just can’t kick my feet up at this point. I am not willing to say that my body of work is all I have done and that it’s absolutely perfect. I am striving to constantly make myself a better songwriter and a better musician.
“I am simply going to make the best of whatever comes my way. Ultimately, I want to bring my music to as many people as I can. The hardest part of my career right now is trying to reach new people and play in new territories. While I could focus on what I have and be content with that, the little boy inside of me is still dreaming of many more people knowing who I am, not necessarily being famous,” Ian says.
What: Ian Kelly, special guest of Danny Boudreau
When: Wednesday Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Capitol Theatre, 811 Main St., Moncton
Tickets start at $25 (plus service charges). Advance tickets are available at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, by phone at (506) 856-4379 and online at www.capitol.nb.ca
Article published in the February 21, 2014 edition of the Times & Transcript