The Baker's Dozen #27 Justin Rutledge

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge has released a string of excellent, and very well received, albums over the years and his latest ‘Islands’ is no exception. RGM caught up with Justin recently for a brief chat and he was very open about how the music business has changed over recent years and the impact of streaming and the pandemic on many artists, himself included. He also delved a little into his influences and the artists he admires - highlighting another side of David Bowie - and that he might not have caught the reality TV bug.

1. What is your earliest musical memory?

Church music. My parents were Catholic and my sister and I were dragged to church every week, but I got to hear some very elegant hymns.

2. Do you remember the name of your first band?

Dead Vinyl.

3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?

I am always amazed by Nils Frahm.

4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?

I do not intentionally sit down to write a song. I never really have, ever. I am always humming melodies to myself: some are terrible and some stick around. I usually start with a vocal melody and build the song from there.

5. Big venue or small venue - what’s your favourite to play?

Big venue. Anyone who tells you that they like to play small venues is lying.

6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?

Leonard Cohen.

7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?

David Bowie. He was perhaps the most innovative artist I’ve ever encountered. My wife is a massive Bowie fan. We read David Bowie children’s books to our son every day. Bowie is quite an inspiration, and a brave songwriter.

8. The musical landscape could change markedly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. How has the situation affected you and what do you feel will be its impact on the music business/live performance going forward?

This is a big question, and I can only speak to my experience in response to the halting of live music. I’ve taken the time to learn and practice, write and record, and go back to school for a degree. As a songwriter, streaming had already decimated my royalties, and now Covid has decimated my earnings from live performances. Essentially it is not a good time to be an artist in the music business these days.

9. Should music be free?

Hah. Sure. I don’t mind working for no pay. I love it, actually. Who needs to be rightfully compensated for their intellectual property, right?

10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?

The first CD I ever bought with my own money was Counting Crows, August and Everything After. The last album I bought was Glass Gallery by Nick Schofield.

11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?

Puff the Magic Dragon.

12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?

I watched an episode of The Bachelor last month for the first time and I could not tear my eyes away. Riveting.

13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?

A picture of my grandmother. She was my favourite person in the world. I miss her every day.