I got the chance to interview one of my childhood heroes, Fred Penner, and I was quite excited. I remember back when I was 5 or 6, I saw him on a float at the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade and it was the highlight of my life to that point. Fred is playing at Canadian Music Week in Toronto on March 12th at the Drake Hotel, so I recommend you go check him out. If you're Canadian, chances are Fred Penner had an impact on your childhood.
SK: How does it feel to be an important part of the childhood of an entire
(or maybe multiple) generation(s) of Canadians?
FP: I am honoured to be a part of the lives of so many. Children learn by observing and imitating, they are sponges and I think that the connection with my music, through CDs and TV at a critical time of their development, is the foundation of our relationship. I believe deeply in the power of music to make a difference in the life of a child, and at this point in my career I am seeing the proof of the philosophy. During a recent Mall Tour in Edmonton, I was singing to the full range of humanity, babies to teenagers to seniors and a beautiful wave of parents who were the 'first generation', rediscovering Fred with their children. The sensation is hard to describe, but it definitely keeps me smiling.
SK: How does it feel to be a member of the Order of Canada?
FP: I received the Order of Canada in the early 90's. When I saw the other Canadians in the lineup I was totally overwhelmed. The incredible contributions that people have made to our country and the world in every discipline made me feel, "What am I doing here?" Humbling, to say the least. My mother attended the ceremony with me and I know that she was very proud of her son. Now that she has passed on, the memory of that day has taken on a deeper meaning.
SK: How long do you think you’ll carry on touring and making new music?
FP: Until I drop. I love what I do. I made the decision to pursue a performing career 40 years ago. I can't believe that it is still nurturing me and the audience. As long as I stay healthy and creative and feel the 'vibe' from the audience, there's no reason to stop.
SK: Do you still enjoy playing songs you’ve been playing for 30 years?
FP: Absolutely! The range of music in my bag of tricks is very eclectic, swing to country to ballad. We get rocking in live performance but when I begin the Em / D / C / B7 chord progression for the Cat Came Back the energy in the house goes through the roof. This trip is all about connecting with the audience and I have made that my personal mandate in every performance. Participation is key and prodding some early memories is the bonus.
SK: Are you looking forward to playing at CMW/have you played at it before?
FP: CMW is going to be incredible. I have not played it before, and I am delighted that Paquin Entertainment asked me to present at the Drake Hotel on March 12th. I will be joined by two of my daughters who live in Toronto as well as my Winnipeg side man Paul O'Neill and a couple of surprise iconic Canadian musicians as well. Come and check it out.
SK: I saw a video where you were performing with Pat LePoidevin and Dan
Mangan (both of whom I’m a fan of), are there any other new Canadian
artists you’re a fan of?
FP: How much space do you have? I am very excited about the great Canadian talent bank. Playing the festival circuit last summer was inspiring, to say the least. Did a gospel workshop with Dan and Pat and The Good Lovelies. Jammed and hung out with Miss Emily Brown and Corwin Fox (Morlove), Royal Wood, Kevin Barr, Kym Gouchie, Shane Koyczan...the list goes on, a lot of talent. I can't wait for the festival season this year, my gigs include Folk on the Rocks (Yellowknife) and Evolve (Antigonish )
SK: It doesn’t seem like there’s really any Canadian children’s artists
nowadays who have achieved the same level of popularity as you or
Sharon Lois & Bram did, why do you think that is?
FP: That really isn't for me to say. I constantly feel inspired by my audience. The e-mail and personal stories that come to me on a regular basis are heartfelt and caring. I think for me, knowing that people feel so deeply about the connection we have gives me the strength to go back 'on the road' even after all this time. I have a legacy and I respect my audience. I will continue to honour that as long as I am able.
SK: What are your opinions on the music industry nowadays and where it’s going?
FP: I am pleased that the major record labels are having to really work for their money now. I know a lot of musicians who were taken for a ride on the corporate train, so in a way there's a little payback now. The retail distribution channel is in constant turmoil because of the ease of downloading product from the net. You don't have to go to a store to buy a CD, and usually only the most popular artists get some decent visibility in the retail market. Musicians now have to bring computer savvy to the table and play the 'quest for popularity' game that way. There's good news and bad news...the good news is that it is relatively inexpensive to record your material and get it out there; the bad news is that it is too easy to record your material and get it out there. Not everything you write is ready for public consumption, I sometimes feel that artists should spend more time in the editing process. Being a musician is a profession and it takes years to develop the skills, it doesn't happen overnight, contrary to the viral videos we see.
SK: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to do what you do?
FP: Why do you want to do this? Build your philosophy and understand the 'true value' that can be attained through the world of communication. Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child. Entertaining children and families is not just a matter of getting on a stage and playing a few songs. There is a deeper meaning which hinges on respect, honesty and human value. Don't do this for the money, do it because you have something inside you that must be said.
SK: What’s the main difference between playing for adults and children?
FP: Oddly, I don't feel a great difference between playing for adults or children. I like to think that my purpose in life is to communicate through the music and often the same songs will work no matter what age. Universal topics. I have been doing a number of early childhood conferences over the years and these become an opportunity for me to get more philosophical, I can give some background to where the songs came from and how they work. Children wouldn't be interested. But, there have been more opportunities lately to play 'adult' venues so I have been writing some material that has a more contemporary feel (whatever that means).
SK: Do you encounter a lot of people who think that you wrote ‘The Cat Came Back’?
FP: Yes! Many people are under that misconception and I thank you to perpetuate the myth as long as possible.
SK: Do you still have that sweater you wore for the intro of Fred Penner’s Place?
FP: I have many Fred Penner's Place sweaters hiding in my closet. I may or may not have the specific one you are thinking of.
SK: A friend of mine wants to know, where’s Word Bird now?
FP: The Word Bird is well. He is hanging out with me in my home in Winnipeg. He doesn't like to travel much any more, but he did come on stage with me this past December for a couple of shows at the West End Community Centre in Winnipeg. Who knows, he may even make an appearance at the Drake....some of his best friends are Drakes.
SK: Finally, are you happy with what you’ve achieved in your career?
FP: I am extremely happy with what I have achieved in my career. I do have to give my wife Odette credit for setting me on the right path. She was inspired to start a childrens dance theatre company in Winnipeg in late 70's. She choreographed pieces for the young audience and I wrote the music. This was the springboard for the the first album The Cat Came back in 1979, which was picked by Raffi's company and led to a 5 year relationship there. The rest is history. I am overwhelmed with how this is turning out. I never knew where this would go in the beginning, I followed this path because it felt right and I guess this was an accurate sensation.
SK: Thank you.
FP: I have been playing the university circuit in recent years, orientation week, pub nights, keynote addresses etc. Mount Royal College in Calgary last year was particularly memorable. As part of the Cat Came Back song, I have added a chorus of 'Crabbucket' by K'os, and at this event K'os came up and performed with me. Oh yeah! These visits have been awesome, to say the least, and I hope to do many more in the future...spread the word.
