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Journal
August 17, 2010
Art work is not the paint on the canvas or the print on the page; it is the moment of creation by the artist and the moment of understanding by the viewer. By Walker Percy
Imagine all the time that goes into articulating an idea. But I agree with Percy above. It is the moment of inspiration that is dynamic Ñ and that moment becomes the same moment for the viewer. ItÕs the moment where I deliberately get up off the couch to find a pencil in order to underline a profound statement in a book. It is the moment our ears are drawn to music. It is the curiosity of seeing a clever sculpture. This is the moment. If only we could plan them more often Ñ I would live in that place of being creative and receiving creativity. But all we can do is live our lives. And as one of my favourite singer-songwriters David Wilcox says, the metaphors jump us when weÕre not looking. I love being jumped by a metaphor as well. This is the moment of understanding Percy refers to above. Can we be more open to being jumped? Are these sparks of creativity around us all the time? Is it simply a matter of being more aware in life? Or do we just need to patiently wait for the precious few moments of artistic connection in a given week. I believe it is a little bit of both.
Feb. 10, 2010
I'm a lousy blogger. What can I say? I stumbled across a really great quote the other day by Henri Nouwen, a famous Catholic writer: "My whole life, I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted until I discovered that my interruptions are my work". I think that is so true. We miss so much of life just trying to get things done and avoiding interruptions when they are in fact our real life. Those are good words to live on.
It's been quiet on the gig front lately. I'm doing some local gigs at hospice gatherings and health care events. It is so fulfilling to play for listening audiences with people of the heart. Life is short, we need reminding of that -- I know I do. There's nothing like music to get us on to that other plain of life. And from there we see vocations, serving others and truly figuring out what we're to do with the talents we have. Well, I think that's enough for today. Stay warm everyone!
October 6, 2009
Hey Everyone, I'm getting lots of reports of "Old Songbird" reaching car stereos and living room radios across the country on the CBC. Glad see to our tax dollars going to good use. Seriously, thanks for the tips....radio is magic. There's nothing else to say. I love radio. Lots of shows up on the concert page. Also a new review of Second Hand by the Folk and Acoustic music review down south. Very warm review. I've pasted it below...thanks for supporting indie music. And drop me a line sometime! - Dale
A review written for the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange by Frank Gutch Jr.
"Dale Nikkel is not your stereotypical Canadian, and yet he is. Canadians are pretty much accepted as nice people, nicer than most anyway, and Nikkel fits the profile. He loves life, loves love and takes things seriously, to a point. He loves to laugh, too (I am conjecturing here, having never met the man), humor sneaking through his songs at the oddest times.
He sings like a soft-edged Brett Dennen, voice directed inward as is subject matter. That subject matter, in fact, is a large part of Nikkel's charm: The simple world of a growing child (Big World, Small Boy), the struggle with Faith (Option A and Lord, Is It the Beer?), the invaluable aspect of time (Grandfather's Clock), the precious intertwining of love and patience (Take the Time You Need). He equates stress of modern life to a road trip with The Speed of Sound and warns of outside influences with Listen To the Voices. He does it all somewhat effortlessly, giving the impression that each song magically appeared in final form and not bothering you with the intense struggle for the emotions and words which seldom come easy.
No, Nikkel's songs are not emotion-laden, though they are emotion based. It is not in him to write angst-ridden tomes of life stripped bare. His view is more akin to that of the second wave of modern era folksingersÑGordon Lightfoot and John Denver and the likeÑwho instead of concentrating on the negative seemed to find a positive side. Others see the Grim Reaper. Nikkel sees a need to appreciate time left. In case you haven't noticed, life is short. In a complicated world, it's that simple.
Two albums preceded Second Hand: Still Learning Tricks (2002) and 2006's Passages. While I have not heard the former, I became well-acquainted with Passages while writing a review of it for FAME (here). There is a growth pattern from that to this, songwriting-wise, but Nikkel and Steve Abma, partners in crime, were smart enough to leave production values alone. Production on Passages, simple as it was, fit the music to a T and they obviously worked hard to make sure it did here, also. The music flows so smoothly from track to track that you hardly realize when background is just acoustic guitar and when it is full band. And clean? The sound is crystal clear.
Dale Nikkel is of course more than just Canadian. Still, when I listen to him, I can't help but think of one-liners. Like, Dale Nikkel is so clean, soap comes to him for a bath. When the definition for Canadian was originated, they wanted to use Dale Nikkel as posterboy but he was too nice, eh? I would include a ba-dump here, but that might conjure up a strip club and I guarantee you that not one of Nikkel's songs would ever be used in one. They wanted to stamp this album 'G', but it didn't qualifyÑthe subject matter wasn't dirty enough.
I would go on, but I think you get the drift, which is that Dale Nikkel is a musician comparable to that comedian who who not only won't but doesn't need to revert to the dark side. His songs stand on their own as slices of life as seen through his eyes and, if you're lucky to have escaped certain demons, yours as well. It is a small breath of fresh air in a polluted world. Let's face it, if we all had his vision, this world would be a better place, guaranteed."
Hey Everyone
June 16, 2009
OK, so I'm not the greatest journal-writer this world has seen...can't believe it is 4 months almost since the new CD is out. We have been touring hard and putting on some awesome shows. The Ontario leg of the tour producer extraordinaire Steve Abma and myself played together, and for 10 prairie dates Saskatoon guitar-wizard Kimbal Siebert joined me. It's always a treat to play with both those gentlemen. Thanks to all of you who came out to shows and bought the new CD. Getting the music out there -- that's what it's all about. Grandfather Clock, Old Songbird and Big World Small Boy are turning out to be the fan favourites although drop me a line with your new favourite -- I'd love to hear from you. Music always has a geographic element to it. I'd love to hear how you associate the CD with. Some people insist on listening to my music while driving through the mountains, pumping it on family camping trips, others have used it as a soundtrack to the final hours of a loved ones life -- heck, a pastor told me this week he composed his last sermon while listening to the new CD. (I hope the sermon was good!) I'm more in more interested in the music finding a place in the hearts of real people. I played a small set at a local hospital for some in-patients -- the response was amazing. Music in its most grassroots form is so powerful. It's so easy to get sidetracked by the business end of things or the hype. (I'm as guilty as anyone) But it's sweet when music finds its way into peoples hearts. That's what it's all about. Well, I think that's it for today...I'll try to update everyone a little more regularly. Check out the concert section for some new dates!
Feb. 24th, 2009
The new CD is finally done. I couldn't be happier with the final project. And now comes the exciting part -- getting the music out there! The first CD release is in Edmonton this coming March 7th at Axis Cafe. The Kitchener CD release will be April 3rd at the Button Factory and a Winnipeg release is to be announced shortly. Go download a free MP3 on the listening page and get a feel for the record.
January 27th, 2009
New CD is coming soon...in the final mixes.
December 10th, 2008
Holiday season is coming fast and so is the next Dale Nikkel CD. Last weekend we spent two days in the studio putting some finishing touches on several tracks. Joel Kroeker laid down some sweet guitar tracks - I can't wait to share them you. It is looking like the album will be ready by February or March. We're madly getting the cover art together too. It's all so exciting. Joel and Steve are experimenting with some beautiful electronic texturing, reminiscent a little of the latest Paul Simon record and Brian Eno. The sounds bring the songs to a whole new level. Anyway, mixing is next month and then it's the craziness of releasing it to the world!
Had a nice trip out to Winnipeg a few weeks ago to play for the teachers of at-risk students. I have the utmost respect for teachers and how professional they are in even the hardest circumstances. Glad to have had the chance to inspire you.
I've recently put up a Face Book page, have a look...I've delayed this moment for a long time, but I guess sometime you need to get with the program. But, I think that's it for now. I'll keep you posted about the new CD Second Hand in the New Year!
September 7, 2008
Well,it's been a while since another Dale Nikkel update. And I have some exciting news. I wanted to let you know that there is a new Dale Nikkel CD right around the corner! Steve Abma (my producer) and I went into the studio early this summer to record most of the tracks. The sessions went wonderfully to say the least. This is our 3rd studio CD we’ve recorded together so we really have developed a wonderful chemistry. To date we have laid down vocal and guitar tracks for 11 songs in total including one instrumental. If you're curious, here is a listing of the tracks that will be on the CD:
Speed of Sound
Take the Time You Need
Old Songbird
Listen to the Voices
Big World, Small Boy
Grandfather Clock
Hush Little Lullaby
Ode to Erdman
Option A
Lord, is it the Beer?
Stone Cold Cathedral
I just returned from another recording session two nights ago where we finished all of my parts. The drum parts are almost all laid down as well which leaves us with bass guitars, electric guitars and a few keyboards left. This stage of collaborating with other musicians is a lot of fun – the songs really come to life as artists and styles intersect. You can expect the sound on the record to be primarly acoustic with some subtle electric elements much like some of my favourite artists like Ron Sexsmith, David Gray, James Taylor and Paul Simon. I couldn't be happier with how it’s going. If you enjoyed Still Learning Tricks and Passages, you will love 'Second Hand' -- the title we've settled on for this CD. Many of the songs have themes of 'time' and 'clocks' and ‘eternity’ etc. so we figured 'Second Hand' was a nice reference. The title also hints at a ‘second hand’ antique store which also plays nicely on the nostalgic feel of many of the themes I write about. We hope to be finished all recording by the end of October, all the mixing by the end of November and mastering by mid-December. This means that the entire CD is scheduled to be back from the manufacturers by January 15th.
I think that's it for now. I'll keep you updated!
August 5, 2008
I just confirmed a really unique event coming up in Cambridge, Ontario. Cambridge artist-in-residence Christopher VanDonkeelar is doing "100 mile art". He paints using only materials found within a 100 mile radius of Cambridge -- we're talking crushing rocks into pigments and mixing it with eggs from local chickens to make paint. His work is fabulous; it is one part geography, one part art, and one part religious studies. He makes icons using real gold. Anyway, I will be getting involved in his project by writing a "100 mile" song. I'll be reading through Christopher's blogs and composing a song that strikes these same themes. I'll be presenting the song at the Cambridge Center for the Arts on September 26th when Christopher unveils his piece of 100 mile art. It will be fabulous...do come down for a look. I'll be playing a short set of original music afterwards as well. Come for the art, the music and a wonderful night of creativity. By the way, the new album is coming along nicely. We're just laying down drums the past week or so...I'll hopefully post something soon to give you a pre-album glimpse! Dale
July 17, 2008
I just got back from Edmonton where I was presenting at the Rural Matters conference focusing on building healthy communities. What a wonderful four days of meeting mayors, councilors, policy makers and educators from across Canada. I met people from across the country and compiled the conversations, keynotes and sessions into a song that I presented at the last session. Thanks for all the warm comments from people. Highlights of the conference for me were Rex Murphy's keynote about the importance of the rural areas and that nature and beauty are a value that run deep in the subliminal of all of us. I have rarely met someone who is so passionate about Canada and someone so in touch with the identity of our land. I was struck also by the diversity of our country. I heard people from Nunavut talk about their challenges with global warming and the threat to their very livelihood and I heard from the prairie farmer. We have a wonderfully diverse country. It was really nice to be back in Edmonton though. I miss that town. In so many ways I had a wonderfully creative stop over there a few years back. A wonderful music scene, great people...and the downtown area is really developing well. I have a report on the latest CD Steve Abma and I have begun recording. We have many of the guitar and vocals done. Eleven songs total will be on the record - still as yet without a name. Next part of the project is the to add sweeteners and such. This is the fun part and the part that I lean on Steve to work his magic. We're thinking the album will be done late 2008 for a 2009 release if things go well. I'll keep you posted. Well, I think that's it for now.
Journal
March 7, 2008
Winter is feeling a little long...more snow. I'm scheming some Fall touring solo...we'll keep you posted.
December 7, 2007
Well, it's been an exciting month of recording with my new project with Steve Abma called The Radio Brothers. Have a look at www.theradiobrothers.com for a peak. We've been demoing songs that kind of fit the Simon and Garfunkel sound. I'm pretty pumped about the project. Steve and I have been singing together for a long time, it's nice to join together for a band project. Hopefully we'll be getting some funding to do more demos and eventually a CD. You can also sample tracks at myspace.com/theradiobrothers. Well...I think that's it for now. Everyone have a great holiday season. I'm looking forward to kicking back and tackling a few books...
October 15, 2007
Hard to believe it's mid-October already. Thanks to all the wonderful teachers and folk I met up in Nunavut. I had a fabulous time hearing stories about the northern life. It's amazing the adventure of the north - stories of polar bears, seals, long flights, snowmobiles. I hope to go back up sometime. I was especially drawn to the artistic community up there. The carving community is alive and well. I ate caribou for the first time, watched miles and miles of tundra through an airplane window and met a lot of teachers from all over Nunavut. Steve Abma and I have started work on a band project. We're still throwing around band names, trying to find a good fit. Expect kind of a Simon and Garfunkel sound with a contemporary feel. I'm pretty excited about the project. With us both living in southern Ontario, it's a little easier to record. Anyway, I think that's it for now. Happy Thanksgiving...
August 24, 2007
Thanks to all the math teachers who gave me such a warm welcome last night at the University of Waterloo. Playing a show for math teachers is a little odd, especially considering my skill in math measures in the minuses. But it was fun. I will aim to record "There's a forest that bares your name" soon. Many of you came up looking for that song on a CD. Sorry, you'll have to be patient. Thanks for the warm response. Last night reminded me again why I sing and play.
Hard to believe the summer is almost over. Musically it was quite productive. I did some music-score work for a film. This was my first experience at doing film-work in my studio. Hopefully I'll do more of it in the future. I wrote about 5 new songs for a new record. My producer, Steve Abma, and I are talking about doing that record together. We're actually quite excited about it. Next step is finding a suitable band name.
I think I was aiming to post a few new songs on Myspace...sorry I haven't gotten to that yet. Maybe I shouldn't make any promises. Stay tuned!
June 24, 2007
Summer is moving in fast. Doing lots of writing the last few months. Got about 7 or 8 new songs nearing completion which has me thinking about a new CD. A lot of tinkering to go yet, but it's always nice to be looking ahead. I'll keep you posted!
May 24, 2007
The tulips are in full bloom here in Ontario. Growing up in Manitoba I can't recall ever seeing one before. Spring has got to be my favourite time of the year. I was in Edmonton a few weeks back doing shows in Red Deer and also Edmonton at the Northern Lights Folk Club. Samantha Schultz and I played together. What an extraordinary talent. She's only 16 and has so much maturity. Watch out for her in the coming years.
It was a wonderful night in Edmonton. Some gigs are a struggle to focus, the lighting isn't right, the sound isn't working properly, no press, no people.etc. Those are the gigs you develop your focus and grow as a performer. But the Edmonton gig was pure joy. Bill Werthmann really knows how to put on a concert. The lighting was good, the sound was great, the audience was there to listen - the mood was perfect. A guy came up to me after the show and told me he heard my song 'Can We Let Each Other Change' on CKUA radio and that he had to come to the show. It's moments like this that keep you going.
That weekend again made me realize the power of music as something to be shared. Music takes us all to a different place. The more music, the more we share, the more we lean on each other and our experiences. Thanks Bill, Samantha and also Dee and Steve in Red Deer. It was nice to play for a new group of people there.
I've been doing a lot of writing lately. Peter North from the Edmonton Journal asked me what the next CD is going to be about. I told him I've been writing about my history a lot. I am from a Mennonite background and my ancestors came to Canada in the early 1900s, fleeing the Stalinist regime. Somehow, the whole process is really intriguing to me. I'm lucky to be in Canada. But today's society presents its own challenges I guess. My great grandfather wasn't thinking about stem-cell research, cloning, internet, identity theft, school shootings - there will always be challenges in society I guess. Makes me wonder what my children will be wrestling with, or my children's children.
Anyway, that's it for now. I'll post a new song or two on myspace in the coming days.
March 5, 2007
Winter is holding on with all its might. I can't believe it. Southern Ontario is supposed to be mild already, but I'm bracing for the coldest days of the year. It has been an extremely busy winter. I'm just cleaning out my gig bag and sorting through the stack of notes, papers and CDs that I seem to gather after a lot of traveling. My favourite part of traveling and singing is meeting so many different people. In Edmonton I met a lady at my show who said she heard me on the radio earlier in the day. She was moved to tears as she drove and decided to come to the concert. Those moments make all the hard work worth it. Earlier in the day I had a chance to teach songwriting to a whole group of teachers. I've got to say that I believe in song writing as an amazing tool to reach children. There is so much pain in so many of their lives and if they have just one way to cope - through a song, they'll be so much richer. Thanks to all those Edmonton teachers for giving me such a nice time. I'm just sorry I didn't have more time!
The Toronto shows at Winterfolk went well also. It's always nice to play in the "Big Smoke" as they say. Toronto is so massive for me still. It was such a pleasure meeting so many new artists. David Ross Macdonald I have to say blew me away. What a wonderful heart, beautiful guitar parts, stunning imagery. He'd take 30-45 seconds just to get into a song kind of like he was taking himself down the river with the music before entering into the song. David Celia was also excellent and I was quite impressed with Jory Nash as well. Made me think there is no shortage of talent in the world of singer- songwriters.
I was watching the Songwriter's Hall of Fame last night. They paid tribute to Joni Mitchell - a stunning artist. She said in closing that everybody says she's so courageous, when in fact she's just following the stars (or something like that). I guess that's what we all do in our own little way, just follow the path laid out before us. Hopefully we can follow our interests, our passions, and if we do the world is a better place. It was nice to see Corb Lund from Edmonton up there with the gang. He seemed to have some trouble pulling off the cover-tune he did. It lacked the usual passion...
Anyway, one last thing. I got this review below at the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange. Reviews like this make it all worthwhile somehow.
" I remember hearing Gordon Lightfoot for the first time and thinking, wow, this guy is something special. There was a warmth there missing in many of the standard folk artists' songs and it reached through the speakers and made a connection. So it is with Dale Nikkel, and before you go blogging your head off, understand that I am not comparing Nikkel to Lightfoot musically, they live in different musical realms, on the whole, but they do both project a common sense of humanity. You can hear it in their voices, you can hear it in their music. So let me say this simply: Dale Nikkel the musician is something special. From the first picked notes of These Are the Glory Days I had the feeling that I knew this guy. A simple folk song about the simplicity and wonder of family life, it reaches out to me. I've sat on that porch and heard guys talk about their families and heard them speak to their wives and children in those tones I did not hear anywhere else. For them, those were the glory days. Nikkel nailed it.
He nailed every song on the album too. He even nailed the one he didn't write, Everybody Knows How to Pet a Dog, written by his producer, one Steve Abma. A semi-talked tribute to dogs, it begins:
"Growing up we had a dog named Moppy My sister said we should call the cat Broomy I was nine years old and that cracked me up Moppy went to heaven and we were all so sad that every dog since then we just named Max Max were fine but Moppy was the best we ever had." I laugh at the picture Nikkel effortlessly paints and wonder how he could not be that nine year old and yet make that song so meaningful. How good is it? It is good enough to stop noise in a crowded bar. I guarantee it.
Worrying's My Way of Loving You echoes the feel of the beginnings of the folk rock movement, a bit of jangly electric guitar driving light rock through the folk vocal. Ditto on Any Day, a song which has that Sunny Goodge Street sound but is unique. Upbeat, it rocks more than most on the CD, but by the time you get to it, you'll be into Nikkel enough to not notice.
e softer folk side is here in Closer To the Flame, Silver and Gold and Listen Close, three ballads ready-made for those moments you might want to reach out to your significant other and squeeze a hand.
He's not all vocals, either. Westminster Morning is an unpretentious acoustic duet with Kimbal Siebert adding resonator guitar: short but sweet.
Steve Abma needs be mentioned here, as his production job is exceptional. From openings strains to the end, there is a cohesiveness that must be Abma-fueled at the least. The musicianship is perfectly matched to the project and all involved, Nikkel, Abma, Joel Kroeker, Kimbal Siebert, Murray Pulver, Daniel Roy and Gilles Fournier, are now on my list of musicians-to-be-watched. Add the beautiful packaging, including lyrics and info booklet, and this CD is a folk fanatic's dream. You can quote me."
January 1, 2007
Well, the new year is upon us. What a year it was at Dale Nikkel Productions here. We started the year by releasing Passages the new CD and the response has been terrific. The Toronto Star, Edmonton Journal, Performing Songwriter and a whole host of others gave some outstanding reviews. It was also a lot of fun traveling and meeting so many interesting people and talking about music, art and wellness. Seems like they are all tied together so well.
The World Congress of Psychiatric Nursing was a lot of fun. It has struck me over and over again how powerful music is to translate feelings, frustrations and joys. I look forward to the new year of putting out new music, writing new songs for different groups and meeting more people out on the road. In the spirit of the new year, here are a few of my top 5 lists. My book list is a little old - I'm just getting around to reading some of the greats.
Top 5 CDs of 2006
1. Bruce Cockburn Life Short Call Now
2. Paul Simon Surprise
3. Ron Sexsmith Time Being
4. Steve Abma Doing Just Fine
5. Steve Schellenberg Run Away
Honorable Mention (Josh Ritter The Animal Years)
Top 5 Reads of 2006
1. Carol Shields Larry's Party
2. Miriam Toews Swing Low
3. Marilynne Robinson Gilead
4. Carol Shields Republic of Love
5. Yann Martel Life of Pi
Have a great new year everyone!
August 16
I'm listening to the new Bruce Cockburn Life Short Call Now. I'm blown away by it.The album has the feel of an old sage giving his last wisdom to the world. I hope that's not the end. I kind of felt his last record was a little bit preachy. I mean, I agree with most of the things he's preaching about, but I feel like to do political subjects well you need to be clever. This is the reason why so many activists are never heard. If you communicate in a fresh way, somehow people listen. Preaching seems to create only animosity. The song Beautiful Creatures brings tears to my eyes. It's amazing. And there is nothing like and orchestra to bring power to a song. It's amazing.
I'm finally reading Douglas Coupland's newest book 'Eleanor Rigby'. I guess it's about loneliness. He is one of those writers who I find a little awkward. His imagination is a little unwieldy somehow. The story lines can be ride the line between real and bizarre. Excellent characters though. I'll post my responses when I'm done. I'm hoping to finally get down to reading 'Life of Pi' this summer. It's sitting on my desk.
I've been quite engaged by the HIV/AIDS conference in Toronto this last week. I know some people are a little turned off by the 'star-power of the Bills (Clinton and Gates) but I guess the disease needs some star power. It's horrifying what is actually going. I wonder what it actually will take for us to take it seriously here in North America. I'm thinking thousands of years ago we had no idea what went on in other parts of the world. This is the magic of living in 2006. We can truly help each other out across the globe. We've seen endless examples of this over the last few years with world tragedies.
Anyway, the summer's winding down. I'm still hoping to find some time to go camping.
June 20 "Carol Shields"
I just finished reading "Larry's Party" by Carol Shields. I can't get enough Carol Shields right now. I am reading through her whole collection. What strikes me most about her writing is her soft perspective on the journey of life. The characters wade through every season and somehow find their way. Larry survives two marriages, 3 cities and a career that follows a faint dream to make garden mazes. I love the way her characters reinvent themselves and follow opportunity. Somehow transitions come that are so exciting, but they almost never are what you intended.
I used to live in Winnipeg and I will never forget the day Carol Shields died. I was walking in Assiniboine Park and on one edge of the park there is a row of statues that act as a sort of Winnipeg 'Walk of Fame'. I happened to see a statue in the distance with a red string of flowers on it. I walked closer and there was a statue of Carol Shields. Below it was a card with child-like writing saying something like "Dear Grandma, I will miss you.I love you." I guess her grandchild brought the flowers and wrote a message to her dear grandma. I wonder how those children were affected by their grandma's profound work.
Anyway, can't help but wonder what affect one is having on the future generations.I'm starting her last novel "Unless" today.
June 2
Well, the Edmonton Oilers made the Stanley Cup Finals. I am a huge hockey nut and more than that, the Hurricanes will join them. I have 3 Hurricanes in the hockey pool so I've got a shot. I spent 4 years in Edmonton after living in Winnipeg. Winnipeg of course lost the Jets a few years before so I became a natural Oilers fan. Although as a child I can still remember hating the Oilers with all my heart. Paul Coffey, Messier, Anderson, Kurri and Gretzky, the deck was always stacked. They were always so talented and the Jets could never compete. Even with Dale Hawerchuk - my childhood hero.
I picked up the new Ron Sexsmith record 'Time Being' this week - a strong record as always. I'm always amazed at how simple he can make a lyric and a melody. It doesn't take much to bring a subtle truth across. It's nice to see Mitchell Froom producing again, I loved the old Ron records where he was producing. There is such a sweetness to everything. Apparently Ron is on the new Bruce Cockburn record to be released in July.
So the dust is settling from the latest tour. A lot less boxes of CDs are sitting in my office floor at Dale Nikkel Productions headquarters. Seriously, the sales are going quite well. Independently released CDs of course have different bench marks than the bigger labels. I only realize in hindsight what an exhausting undertaking it is putting out a CD. It's incredibly fulfilling, but in the meantime the anticipation of people's reaction is heartwrenching. In the end, you want people to connect with the songs, even though they are very specific to my experiences.
It's tough to know the future of music. It seems like live concerts will never die. CDs seem to be dieing a pretty slow death. People seem to want to have something. Although more and more, I'm buying from iTunes. The last records I've bought: David Gray, Ron Sexsmith, Coldplay, Sexsmith and Kerr, have all been downloads. This has more to do with the amount of times I move. I'm tired of lugging boxes of CDs around. I have enough of my own!
Looking forward to summer.slowing down, doing some more writing and believe it or not, I'm thinking about doing another record. This always is years in the making, but Steve Abma and I are talking about doing an album kind of like Lennon and McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel. If we could only decide who's name comes first. Nikkel and Abma, or Abma and Nikkel.
May 20
Well, it's been a busy stretch of music and touring here. I'm on an airplane heading home from Calgary. I finished doing a keynote concert for the World Congress of Psychiatric Nurses. It is always inspiring to meet new people who are doing their part in the world. Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) was the keynote just before me and she was quite inspiring. I guess we all have a journey that we're on. She has had her fair share of trial, but what was most inspiring in listening to her was her passion for mental health and her courage and facing her challenges with dignity. She spoke a lot about the pharmaceutical industry and how they are the number two industry in the states. Ahead of oil. She spoke of the incredible pressure that comes from that industry for drugs. She did not condemn drugs but advocated nutrition as the essential part of wellness and finding good health. It's amazing how diet and nutrition has slipped in our society over the years. The amount of chemicals in our foods, the instant nature...makes you wonder what kind of affect it is having on us on the long term. I wrote a song for their nurses that I'll post on the site in the coming days. It was so great to meet so many nurses who work so hard. They are truly the unsung heroes.
Funny, doing conferences. I can't help but think to the miners that Woody Guthrie wrote about in the mid 1900s. People lack a way to express their collective feelings of frustration, discouragement, joy and victory. I guess a song still has a place in the lives of people. It's a way to communicate that never grows old. Thanks for treating me so well all you nurses out there. Cheers to you.
I always stumble on to inspiring stories that make me smile. I met a woman in High River, Alberta after a show who told me she heard my CD on the CKUA radio and through a friend bought my record. Radio never ceases to amaze me. You just never know who is listening at a given time. It feels like the ultimate moment of fate somehow. I'm finishing up this first leg of promotion for the record. We did 10 dates in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan. We met so many people. It is always great to be joined by both Steve Abma and Kimbal Siebert.
I can't say enough about these guys. Amazing players. Also, if you are ever in Saskatoon you need to check out this place called the Refinery. Probably the most beautiful room I've played in. Thanks to Cynthia there and the gang who hosted the show. Nice to see so many old friends and meet new ones.
Anyways, also some great reviews coming in for the record.
April 11
I just got back from a quick jaunt out to Winnipeg, Regina and the tiny southern Manitoba town of Winkler. There's a little venue on the side of town that is perfect for a night of listening to stories and song. It was really quite a magical night of music. Some fine folks named Orlando and Grace run this little place and if you're ever looking for a nice day trip from Winnipeg, head out there for some Gelati and a cup of coffee. Kimbal Siebert backed me up on guitar for the entire trip. It is always a treat to play with him. Kimbal might be one of the best finger-style players on the prairies. He plays Michael Hedges, Phil Keaggy and Bruce Cockburn effortlessly and has a fine CD as well. Visit his website if you get a chance (www.kimbalsiebert.com). I also had a chance to open a show in Regina for 'Nathan' from Winnipeg. They were nominated for a Juno in 2005 and they played tracks from their upcoming CD - Wow! They have a brand new song called 'Trans-Am' that is just stunning. They are such fine folks. Nice to meet up with some people in Winnipeg as well, chatted with Jeff Robson on his radio show, went to Carlos and Murphy's, the Nook for a breakfast and tried to catch up on what's new in Winnipeg. It was nice to be back at the West End Cultural Centre for a show in Winnipeg. It takes me back to when I was a teenager playing a few shows there with my first band Jigsaw - almost 15 years ago. They took down the old Winnipeg Arena - that was new. That is kind of sad, I will never forget going to see the Winnipeg Jets there when I was 10 years old. Dale Hawerchuk, Paul MacLean, Morris Lukowich - the memories are sweet. Anyways, hope to see many of you in May when I roll through Alberta and Saskatchewan.
March 17 The Magic of Radio
St. Patrick's Day...I'm not wearing green...I love the curious happenings in life...I got an email from someone in Alberta who was on their way to mail me their order form for my new CD - Passages. On the way to the mailbox they heard my song 'Any Day' on CBC radio. What timing! The magic of radio is an amazing thing. I can't even start to fathom how a song is played on one CD player and is beamed to the homes of thousands of people. I have gotten reports from radio play in Toronto, Alberta, Saskatchewan already...'Any Day' seems to be the number one track they are playing. Anyways...
Feb. 21/2006 Winter Blues
I can't help but feel a little weary of winter this morning. It's not even minus 40.just a measly minus 10. But somehow.the February blues have crept in. I can't help but think of the Weakerthans song on 'Reconstruction Site' that references the winter blahs... "February always finds me folding.to the faces" - something to that affect. (check www.weakerthans.org) for the real one. I guess that's what winter is all about - frozen life. Flowers are frozen, the plants, and our weary lives. I don't mean to sound so sentimental.but I guess I've always liked seasons. The anticipation of the seasons keeps life fun I guess. Just around the corner is hope. Just around the corner is relief, change, and a new circumstance.
I seem to find most inspiration in writing about the seasons. I think of Passages alone and I think I reference all the seasons at one point or another. I'm not sure if I'd be doing any writing if I lived in a one-season place - like Texas or Florida. I guess in my experience, it's the conflict and friction in life that produces inspiration.it's the dread of winter, the hope of summer and mourning of fall, the confusion of thunder in lightning in winter! I guess anyone in a cold place tries to convince themselves that they're building up character. This is of course the argument for why Winnipeg seems to produce so much great art - Carol Shields, Guy Maddin, The Weakerthans, Neil Young, The Guess Who.It can't be just harsh climate can it?
Anyways.enough with the seasonal rant.The Juno nomination list came out a few days ago. It's nice to see that Ron Sexsmith is finally getting some recognition. Sexmith and Kerr are up for Outstanding Roots Recording and Ron for Outstanding Songwriter again. I can't think of a more deserving artist. The Duhks are also amazing and Corb Lund's new record is one of my favourites of the year. Anyways.3-4 more weeks of winter.
Feb. 17/2006
It's funny, it's the middle of winter and it's raining here in Ontario. Not just your average rain either -- thunder and lightning! I grew up on the prairies in Winnipeg and this kind of weather is weird. My 3 year old daughter asked me what thunder was. "God is bowling" didn't quite cut it for her. I never was very sharp in the science department...I switched the subject before I had to give the "Bill Nye The Science Guy" answer. I guess In the morning the streets are going to be a skating rink. It's very interesting to be in a new climate and experience new seasons for the first time. Anyway...enough about the weather. The new CD is here. I've been busy sending out packages and making sure distribution is set up and all these things...it has been painful waiting for the CD to actually make it out there. The songs have been around for 2-3 years, and they've been recorded for 6 months. I'm looking forward to hearing the reports from accross the land...Well...there's some more lightning...and the thunder...6 seconds later. I can't remember what that means -- 6 miles away? Anyways, it's February, lightning is flashing, and I'm going to sleep.
Jan. 1/2006
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone on the Dale
Nikkel community email list a Happy New Year! I won't bore you with the annual
New Year's Resolutions -- I never quit! I'm spending New Year's at a Toddler
New Year's Party. We'll celebrate at 7:00pm and head home by 8:00. My 3 year
old will be wired by then, and my 1 year old will be barely standing. I hope
your night is a little livelier than mine. There will be plenty of
fireworks...needless-to-say!
I am really looking forward to 2006. I am excited about the upcoming release of
my new CD -- Dale Nikkel Passages. It is being mastered this week and the
artwork is already done. I am so happy with it. I can't wait to share it with
you all. I'll keep you posted early in the new year with regards to its
arrival and tour dates to follow. Thanks again for all your support and
encouragement over the year. It's been great meeting so many of you for the
first time, and reconnecting with others again. I hope you've had a great
holiday season.
Happy New Year Everyone!
Nov. 2
Hello Everybody, hope things are well for everybody on the Dale Nikkel list.
For those of you new on the list, this is the sporadic newsletter for
singer-songwriter Dale Nikkel. Lots has happened. I just checked my records,
and I was shocked to see that I haven't written since last Spring. Not so
shocking.Summer festivals are long gone. I didn't have a chance to report back
from them.briefly, I had a great time on Vancouver Island and Harrison. For
those unfamiliar with Eliza Gilkyson and David Wilcox.you need to pick up their
music. I had the honor of sharing the stage with both of them. It's so nice to
be reminded about the music.and how important it is to the soul. I'm working
on some more festival dates for next summer. I'll keep you posted.
Steve Abma and I have been hard at work on the new CD - Passages. Mostly Steve
at this point, he's doing a masterful job again. It is really taking shape. It
will have 11 songs, including guest appearances from Kimbal Siebert from
Saskatoon (who played all those tasty tracks off of Still Learning Tricks) ,
Joel Kroeker from Vancouver (Who played the cool opening riff on Postcards From
Home) and Karla Anderson from Edmonton. The sound is stunning. I am really
happy. We are doing a final mix in December when I'm back in Alberta for a few
days. We're hoping for a release sometime in winter. Keep your ears peeled.
Just out of interest, the 11 track titles are.
These Are The Glory Days
Worrying's My Way Of Loving You
Easy To Drift (Josh's Song)
Heathrow
Any Day
Everybody Knows How To Pet A Dog
Silver and Gold
Westminster Morning
Closer To The Flame
Listen
Here We Go Again
The artwork is also in the process of being finalized. Patrick Neufeld has
done some beautiful prints for the record. He is a master at printmaking.
The style is very different than Still Learning Tricks, for those familiar
with the CD. Still Learning Tricks was rich colours, while these pieces are
black and white. I think you'll find them very intriguing.
As for touring, I am so lucky to be able to travel around as much as I do. I
was in Montreal recently writing a song for the National Workplace Wellness
Conference. It was great to meet so many people from across the country. I'm
always amazed at the human spirit - it's the same journey we're all on. I'll
be doing a concert for the guidance counselors of Alberta in November and then
I am home for a few months before this new CD is hopefully ready. I'm hoping
to be out in the Prairies again for some shows in the coming winter.
Stay warm across the country, and we'll be in touch soon! All the best! - Dale
June 22, 2005
Well summer is almost here. I'm pleased to report that my week in the studio in May went very well. Steve Abma (Producer) and I laid down the bed tracks (initial tracks) for most of the record. The sound is awesome. We're starting to talk about other players on the record. It looks like Joel Kroeker will be laying down a few tracks for me in July. More recording in the summer. We're still hoping for a Winter 2006 release. Other than that, I'm really looking forward to coming out to Vancouver Island for their Musicfest. One of my favourite songwriters 'David Wilcox' (the American one, there's another Canadian blues singer by that name as well) Check out www.davidwilcox.com for a listen. I'm also in Harrison for the Festival of the Arts on the Monday night following (July 11) I also was commissioned to write a song for the National Emergency Nurses conference. The song is posted on the MP3 page for those nurses and the curious as well. I had a great time in Kelowna! I'll keep everyone posted on the new record and maybe post a few tunes in the coming weeks.
May 14, 2005
Hello Everyone...hard to believe it is May already. It has been a busy winter. I'm sitting in a lounge in Kelowna getting caught up on a few things. It's been a lot of travelling this winter and spring. Next week, I begin doing some recording on the new record. I'll be working again with Steve Abma, who worked on Still Learning Tricks. It's a great batch of songs, that I can't wait to get in his hands. A couple of folk festivals this summer, check the concert page. I'm also excited to be doing some more recording on my own, I have been doing a lot of doodling with Garage Band lately. Anyways, stay tuned.
Feb 6, 2005
Sorry Everyone in Winkler! As The Venue, Announced, the Dale Nikkel Winkler show has been postponed to Saturday Feb. 12. There was white-out conditions on the highway and was forced to turn back. Hopefully the Manitoba weather will cooperate next week!
Feb 1, 2005
Well, it has been a busy few months. I went back into the studio and recorded a brand new demo in October thanks to Manitoba Film and Sound. Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies and Doc Walker) produced the brand new songs and they sound great. Daniel Roy (Nathan) and Gilles Fournier joined us, with Murray playing additional mandolin and guitars. The sound is really fresh, as I haven't played with a full band for a while. I have posted one of the tunes "Any Day" on the site, please have a listen and send me a mail about what you think. I took the new demo down to Calgary In Sept. for Western Canadian Music Week to do some groundwork for the next record, tentatively titled "Dale Nikkel Passages". I will be going back into the studio this spring to record 3 more tunes, this time thanks to FACTOR. (Can. Government Arts Org.) In Ontario I traveled out east for the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in Guelph and did some additional shows in Oshawa, Kitchener, and Toronto. It was nice to be out east and attend an amazing conference where art and integrity find a central place in the music industry. Nice to meet so many new people. Also did some shows in White Rock, BC, Edmonton, and Calgary along the way. Sorry I was not more on the ball to send out some emails, or post the dates on my site. In addition to concert shows, as usual, I am presenting at conferences. The new year will be exciting as my itinary is filling up, including a trip up to Nunavut for the first time for a conference. Many more around the country. I will keep you posted on upcoming info. Check back to the site often and don't forget to sign the guestbook!
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