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Bobby Bazini’s music has been steadily taking over Canadian airwaves, and now the soulful singer/songwriter is set to make a splash in the US. GroundSounds caught up with Bazini to talk about how he got started, translating success from one country to another, and his debut album Where I Belong. Check out the interview below, along with the video for “Bubblegum.”
Also, Bobby was nice enough to offer a free download of “Heavy Love”! Email us at jake@groundsounds.com and let us know you want it – we’ll send free download code to the first 30 people.
Tell us about your background and how you got started in music.
I grew up in a very musical environment. My parents were huge Country music fans. My dad played guitar and both my parents sang, so there was a lot of music in my house. On Christmas day, we used to go to my Aunt, my dad would bring his guitar, and my brothers and I used to sing a couple songs. Family parties were always very musical.
Who were the musicians that first inspired you to begin creating music?
When my parents split up, I went to live with my grandma, because I didn’t want to choose between which of my parents I would live with. She was a huge fan of Johnny Cash, she used to listen to him a lot, and I became very inspired by his music. Shortly after I found out about Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and all the Stax and Motown artists. I started writing my songs at around 16 years old, I discovered a way to express my feelings. At 18, I sang at a festival in my hometown and got discovered there. That’s where everything started for me.
What was your goal for the sound/style of Where I Belong and how long was the total writing/recording process?
Most of the writing was done out on the road while I touring my first album in Canada. For the second album, I wanted to go in a Soul direction, because I wanted to use a little more of my vocal range. Soul is so much fun and liberating, and having Booker T. Jones playing on these songs really brought out the soul element and define the soul sound. The only thing is, I have many influences, I like Soul, Motown, Blues, Folk, Country, Jazz.. I can never focus on doing one thing, so for that reason the album is not easy to categorize, but it makes who I am.
“Bubblegum” has a really great ‘throwback’ vibe to it. What inspired the song?
I call it the baby-making track of the record! It’s a very groovy track, inspired by the Motown records. I wrote it during the summer right before going in the studio. I had just got confirmation that I would record my album in California with all these incredible musicians. I was in a very happy mood I guess, and it was expressed through the song.
Tell us about “To Love Somebody” and how that song came together. When did you decide to close the album with it?
I was approached to do a song for a French movie called Les Boys, in Québec. They wanted a duet for a love scene, and they chose “To Love Somebody”. Shortly after we released the song on the radio, and it got good feedback from the fans in Canada so I decided to put it on the album.
What was the experience like recording at Village Studios?
It was great! Larry Klein brought in some amazing musicians: Booker T. Jones, Jack Ashford, Vinnie Colaiuta, and one of my favourite drummer Jay Bellerose! It was a very genuine and organic recording process. Everyday I would drive to the studio – I was staying in Santa Monica – I would play the songs to the musicians once and then we’d go in the other room, sat down and just played. We would play the songs a couple times and when everyone was happy we’d move on to the next one. It was one of the best experience in my life.
How difficult (or easy) has it been translating success in Canada to a new fanbase in the US?
I know that there is still a lot of work to be done. I’m starting from scratch here, just like I did a couple years ago when I released my first album in Canada. But I’m just very happy that my album is out in the states, and that I got to tour here for the first time. That’s what I always wanted, and that’s what drives me to keep working hard. It might take some time but I know it’s worth it. I try not to worry too much about if it’s going to work or not, or where it’s gonna take me, I’m just enjoying the ride.
What are your plans for the rest of 2014 and early next year?
I will be touring in Canada until the end of the year in Ontario and Québec, then early next year I have a couple dates out west. I hope to be back in the states very soon!
Where have you yet to perform or visit that you’d love to go?
Nashville! I mean I’ve been there before, but I have yet to perform there. Look forward to it! Last month, I opened for Lily Kershaw in the states, we played in Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, to name but a few. It was really cool. I got to see a lot of places I’ve always wanted to visit.
As someone who has never been to Quebec, if I were to visit, what are a couple things I should do?
You have to pay a visit to Québec city! It’s one of the oldest city in North America. It has a cool European feel. Also, try the the Maple syrup. It’s amazing!
Where is the best place to stay updated with you online?
My website Bobbybazini.com I’m also very active on Twitter and Facebook.
Bobby Bazini – “Bubblegum (I Can’t Stop This Feeling)”
Want Bobby’s song “Heavy Love”? Email us at jake@groundsounds.com and we’ll send you a free download code!
