Who are you?

Lucas Stagg

Why are you involved in music?

I sing, play guitar + harmonica as my life’s trade.

What are some of the childhood memories of music?

Stealing cassette tapes + CDs of bands I liked ‘cause I didn’t have enough money to buy them.

What influences most when writing music?

Living.

What do you most enjoy about being a musician/in a band?

Not having to sit in a cubicle.

List and briefly explain your top five albums?

Wow. Well, right now (it’ll change by this afternoon)…

Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited - because I finally grabbed it on vinyl from Pandemonium.

Rod Stewart: Every Picture Tells A Story - It’s a perfect RNR / Folk album.

The Velvet Undergound: The Velvet Underground - The sweet softness of Lou Reed’s genius.

John Cale: Vintage Violence - His debut after leaving The Velvets is an absolute gem.

The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers - See track listing.

What were you doing in the 90s?

Drugs.

Is fashion important to you? Explain why or why not?

I won’t wear shorts or sandals on stage if that’s what you mean. LOL

Describe your creative process.

Sometimes you live and sometimes you write.

How do you record your music? Any secret gear used?

I record demos on my phone, then perform the songs live a bunch. Work out the kinks and pay for someone else to record me properly.

Do you recall a specific time in your life when you confirmed a closer relationship to writing/making music?

None closer than now. Though it’s taken time and constant effort to build this relationship.

How has writing music changed for you over the years?

I used to push and write non-stop, thinking that’s what I had to do. Now I just let it come. Let it breathe. It’s worth the wait once you’ve built a bit of a catalog and get more comfortable with your own version/handling of the craft. This is all my bullshit opinion, of course.

What creative work are you most proud of? Why?

I suppose my last album, ‘You Don’t Always Get What You Expect’. The songs are strong and we finally got a sound I’m really happy with.

Why do you think live music performance events are important in your life/city?

Live music is essential to creating a thriving cultural experience.

Without it, a life/city is a pretty mundane place to hang around in.

What is your favourite concert that you attended? Explain why.

Kris Kristofferson, solo at Convocation Hall (2006). You could hear a pin drop. From beginning to end he made us listen intently, laugh and cry. Sometimes all in the same song. It was a Master Class in songwriting / performance.

What do you most enjoy about performing?

Putting across a song the way it’s intended. Also, figuring out new ways to perform a song you wouldn’t otherwise find out without doing it at least 100 times in front of an audience.

What do you like people to take away from your music/live performance?

A smile, an album or t-shirt. Preferably all three!

What was the best feedback you’ve ever received about your music?

Usually starts with “You know what you need…” Usually ends with “…a loop pedal.”

Do you enjoy organizing music events? Explain why or why not.

Yes! I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years. It’s actually relationship building. Some of the best people I know I’ve met through event organization. Lifelong friends.

Why do you think a local music scene is important?

A decent local art/music scene is an exponential component in the shared human experience.

List and briefly explain the value and importance of touring/playing shows outside of your city.

If you can tour nationally or internationally by playing music, do it. There are many places to perform just outside of Toronto as well. Those people love music, too.

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