Introduce yourself… (Where are you from, what band do you play in etc..)

My name is Ceilidh Michelle, and I’m from Yarmouth Nova Scotia. I play in the band Gentle Mystic, which is kind of a solo project with members who come in from time to time.

Why do you play music?

Music is such a visceral and tangible way to get things out of me, and it makes me feel like I’m contributing to this transcendent thing. And it also makes me feel cool.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?

When I was a kid I listened to a lot of Karen Carpenter and Allison Kraus and Lauren Hill and Grace Jones. When I was a teen it was Nirvana of course and Neil Young. Now Opal, specifically Kendra Smith, and Mazzy Star and Spacemen 3 are my anytime go-to’s. Also Imaad Wasif is super cool, Amen Dunes, Purling Hiss. I also like some of John Frusciante’s stuff.

What's your ideal festival line-up?

If I could see anyone live at a festival, like a dream lineup, I think it’d be cool to have a festival with Erykah Badu, Curtis Mayfield, Prince, The Shangri Las, Solange and I guess Lightnin’ Hopkins. I just think that’d be the coolest festival lineup ever.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I definitely prefer recording, mostly because I have agoraphobia and hate being stared at by large groups of people. It’s really kind of terrifying to perform most of the time honestly. But I guess that comes with the territory. I really love recording though because I can turn on some cool lights, cuddle my dog, put on my slippers, and have as many emotional freak outs as I want. It’s awesome.

What would be a dream collaboration?

Zoe Keating, because she does a lot of textural loops and beats and crazy soundscaping with a cello. She’s incredible and symphonic, and that would just make for some very enjoyable jams.

Describe a favourite album.

I keep coming back to Taking Drugs to Make Music to Take Drugs to by Spacemen 3 because it’s just one of those things you can smoke a big joint to, then turn out all the lights, lay back in the dark, and let it take you right out.

What's your favourite local haunt?

In the winter I don’t leave my house. I’m like a rare bird you barely see. But when it’s warm or the bands are good, or my friends are out, or I feel alright, I like L’Escogriffe a lot because they’re so good to musicians and just a real rock n’ roll staple. I used to go to the Pound and the Cock N’ Bull and Cagibi but those places are no more.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?

Once I needed a bass player and drummer so I recruited two of my ex-boyfriends. Both of them were bums but they could kinda play. It was a strained performance, but they did in a pinch. I’ve moved on, thankfully.

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?

All of the aspects of being a musician in Montreal are great. Cheap rent, a great community of artists, bars that actually pay you and give you beers (Toronto could really learn a thing or two from Montreal about respecting musicians, especially touring ones). Even the miserable long winters here have a silver lining because they force you to woodshed.

If you weren’t playing music in Montreal where would you be ?

I probably wouldn’t be in Canada. I couldn’t afford the rent.

Any sage advice for young musicians?

-Don’t get duped by trends and fads in music. Make music that sounds like you.

-If anyone tries to make you feel uncool, ignore them. In that same vein, sincerity is the best look and sound.

-Technical skill doesn’t make you an artist.

-Girls, stick together.

Pleased To Meet Me: Ceilidh Michelle