INTERVIEW – Erik Mongrain

Published on June 28, 2010 by Karl Sellers · 2 Comments

Born in Montreal April 12, 1980, Erik Mongrain started playing the guitar at 14 years old. At the time he was into Nirvana, Metallica and Jimi Hendrix and he learnt his favourite songs by ear. At the age of 18 he discovered Don Ross, and not long after he discovered the late Michael Hedges and this was a turning point in his life.

He started off by busking in the streets and was discovered in Spain. He has since done an extensive world tour and on Friday 6th November 2009, Erik appeared on Later… with Jools Holland to perform Airtap! You can sample his work on his YouTube page

So far Erik has released two studio albums, Fates and Equilibrium.

Being influenced by the likes of the late great Michael Hedges, does it make you more determined as an artist to push the boundaries of what you can do with an acoustic guitar?

“For sure. I approach the guitar the way he did, or the way I assume he did. Why stay unidimensional when there are endless possibilities out there ? If he did it I think that anyone who digs deep enough and isn’t satisfied too easily will find nodes of creativity from within.”

When you first uploaded Airtap! onto YouTube did you have any idea that you were going to become an instant internet sensation?

“Not really. Youtube came out and we decided to put a bunch of videos on it and it just had a snowball effect. It wasn’t planned.”

After already releasing two studio albums (Fates and Equilibrium), do you have plans to release a live album or DVD?

“Not really. I think live albums are meant to be released when your career is really set in stone and when you have 3-4 albums out there at least. Before that I think it would be making money just to make money! Everything in it’s own time. The 3rd album will be original songs again but there is a good chance it will be a CD-DVD. Just not live.”

Do you prefer the composing side or going out on the road and performing your music live?

“Composing, all the way. We only live once and I would like to get out as much as I can before I check out. Practicing songs you’ve composed for live gigs can be fun and gigs can be really exciting and full of adrenaline rushes sometimes but still, in the end, I think most musicians do music to create in the first place.”

I was lucky enough to see you in Poulton Le Fylde (UK) last November. If you remember there were issues in sound and lighting. Does this deter you or does it make you more determined to go out and do it again?

“Not really. That’s just part of the live part of living from music. Some shows are better than others as far as gear go. You just try to avoid going to those places again if possible.”

When you performed on Jools Holland last year why did you choose to play Airtap! Was it your decision or was it a request?

“A request. I would’ve played something else.”

Considering you are alone on stage and have to retune your guitar for various tracks – Do you get nervous talking to the crowd? Or are you a natural born entertainer?

“Experience comes in time ! At first it wasn’t easy and some crowds are still thougher than others. I don’t think I am a natural born entertainer but I have no problems talking to a crowd if they’re responding and I feel the connection.”

Have you ever considered touring, or collaborating in the studio with another artist? If you did, who would you like to work with?

“Well Michael Manring did 2 tracks on my 2nd album and for my 3rd I might have cello tracks played by Dave Eggar. As far as touring goes though it’s much more complex to organize and I guess I am just not there yet. It would be really cool to have Jonsi, Dave Matthews or Bjork on any of my tunes though One can dream!”

Do you have any plans to record music on a 12-string guitar, or a classical, or will you ever go back down the electric guitar route?

“I have no plans to do so whatsoever. Who knows the future though?”

Just one last question Erik and thanks for your time. What do you wish to accomplish other than world domination? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

“Happiness is a way of living, not a destination and I try to go by that. I would like to do film music and such, less gigs, more creation, more time to compose and not practice as much. Time will tell!