Vancouver Fashion

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Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, we love your style

August 20th, 2010 | Published in Music Style

Interview by Kathy Nguyen. Above photo by Christopher Troy Dowse. Click here for full version.

Bursting with musical talent and hailing from Calgary, AB is the lovable Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. He states simply that he just plays music, but it’s obvious when listening to his songs that he is much more than just someone who “plays music”. He is also a great songwriter and performer, and has been doing the latter since 2005, which has given him an ever increasing number of fans across his home country. Michael is also a very stylish young man and wears his jeans, glasses, and loafers very well–in that nonchalant, fashion-isn’t-everything kind of way.

Currently making its rounds on facebook and YouTube is Michael’s refreshing new way of promotion: a set of videos each with a song declaring his love for a range of things: from a different Canadian city to the Internet. Watch his “Vancouver, I love you” video in our interview with him a couple of scrolls down.

A voice with an attractive flare and lyrics to music with an optimistic spirit, one can be sure that this talent’s sound is worth giving a listen to. And for someone who says he loves openly, one can expect to love him right back.

What is the idea behind the your “MBF Loves…” videos?

(Laughs) There’s not really much thinking involved. I had a lot of fun filming them, and I figured people would enjoy them as well.

What is the best part about touring in your home country?

I’m proud of Canada and its people. There are a lot of great cities to hit. Any band will tell you, though, that the best part of touring Canada is everything between Winnipeg and Toronto. All 25 hours of it.

If you could play a show anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Hollywood Bowl. Or really any outdoor, seated venue. I love playing outside.

Have you always been musical from a young age?

Not really, I got my first guitar probably around 10. I have been a performer though since birth, I am sure.

Who were some of your musical influences growing up?

My mom used to dance with me in the living room with Paul Simon blasting through the speakers. That is my favorite musical memory, and since then I have been a genre loaner.

Any particular artist out there you would do anything to collaborate with?

There are too many to list. I don’t know if I would ‘do anything’ for the collab though. If someone asked me to do something gross, violent, or overly strenuous to be rewarded with a collaboration I am not sure that I would do it. Though I would love to write a song with the Funk Brothers, the minds behind every Motown song.

What are you working on right now?

A new disc!

Who is your favourite band?

This changes daily, though my favourite Vancouver band is Hey Ocean!

Where do you get inspiration from to do your song writing?

Agriculture.

You’re going on tour in the fall what can your fans look forward to at your upcoming shows?

They can look forward to us having a great time together!

Tell us about your best show. What was that like?

Best show? I’m thankful for all of the shows–I always have a great time. This summer my favourite show was in Yellowknife for Folk on the Rocks. The people were fantastic, and I had a great weekend playing. The festival food was tasty as well.

What 5 songs can’t you stop listening to right now?

Obvious Child by Paul Simon, You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon, Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen, Boyfriend by the Bird and the Bee, and Back to the Start by Lily Allen.

Describe your sound in 3 words.

ag. ri. culture.

For information on his upcoming tour dates click here.
Follow Michael on twitter and friend him on facebook.

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