tag:lucnormand.com,2005:/blogs/updatesUpdates2060-02-01T00:00:00-05:00Luc Normandfalsetag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/72169732023-05-28T10:09:14-04:002023-08-10T20:16:20-04:00The Whiskey Ghost - Origin Story #2<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391589/2eddd8aa38f4d6c903970b5c153c9fe11324db76/original/the-whiskey-ghost-416x416-no-bkgd.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Its genesis in the cabin fever perpetuated by lockdowns, five artists emerged from the isolation determined to be a beacon for all to once again gather in numbers to celebrate friendship, share the joys of food and drink, and rekindle their love of live music. Prolific and creative, every performance introduces new songs crafted out of a drive to give the mundane an “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://lucnormand.com/track/3312527/intervention" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Intervention</a>”, to play “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/6coeD7EX54U" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Advocate for the Devil</a>”, to bring back memories like a “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://lucnormand.com/track/3297313/chime-in-the-breeze" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Chime in the Breeze</a>”, and to make everyone feel “<a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/fCm4Omihwgo" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">18 Again</a>”.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391589/30e7c2c29bfbf636cf51ee99c3bd0c453fe74ffe/original/twg-cccr-road.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_right border_" /> Providing toe-tapping originals in the stylings of Canada's beloved Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, The Whiskey Ghost conjures up the feel of those perfect soundtracks on summer nights at the cottage with good friends, cold drinks, and great memories. TWG's fresh originals are woven in with covers from bands like The Hip, Blue Rodeo, Tom Petty and The Band in a way that's sure to keep the good times rolling all night long.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Note: </strong>If this story seems a bit mundane <yawn!>, you might want to check out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lucnormand.com/stories/blog/7216861/the-whiskey-ghost-origin-story-1" data-link-type="url">The Whiskey Ghost - Origin Story #1</a></p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/72168612023-05-27T22:15:16-04:002023-06-10T22:30:21-04:00The Whiskey Ghost - Origin Story #1<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391589/6cdd34681d213e89d54b721223f21f9b426486a3/original/chords-cards-watermarked.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Hailing from Canada’s National Capital Region, all five members of The Whiskey Ghost were initially Wednesday night poker players. It wasn’t until one of them (<i>who shall remain nameless, <strong>Ian!</strong></i>) fibbed to his significant other that he was “in a band” instead. This, of course, led to Mrs. Ian sharing this tidbit of information to all the other Mrs. which in turn led them to all exclaim: “Ooo! We’d like to hear you play!” And so, because the rest of them are stand-up guys, they all went out, bought instruments and watched The YouTube to learn basic chords, just to give their Buddy some cover.</p><p dir="ltr">Since this transformative moment in their lives, the boys have come a long way, and recently became the first ever “Certified Canadian Cottage Rock” band. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/391589/30e7c2c29bfbf636cf51ee99c3bd0c453fe74ffe/original/twg-cccr-road.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_left border_" />This prestigious accomplishment came courtesy the Association of Long Term Canadian Outdoor Unabashed Nature Trekking Rebels Yearning for Rock On Canoes and Kayaks (A.L.T. C.O.U.N.T.R.Y. R.O.C.K.) whose entire membership consists of Peter, who, by sheer coincidence, happens to be The Whiskey Ghost’s drummer (<i>but the membership drive is going well and hoping to double by the end of cottage season</i>).</p><p dir="ltr">Providing toe-tapping originals in the stylings of Canada's beloved Tragically Hip and Blue Rodeo, The Whiskey Ghost conjures up the feel of those perfect soundtracks on summer nights at the cottage with good friends, cold drinks, and great memories. TWG's fresh originals are woven in with covers from bands like The Hip, Blue Rodeo, Tom Petty and The Band in a way that's sure to keep the good times rolling all night long.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>Note: </strong>If that story seems a bit of a stretch, you might want to check out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://lucnormand.com/stories/blog/7216973/the-whiskey-ghost-origin-story-2" data-link-type="url">The Whiskey Ghost - Origin Story #2</a></p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/65429842021-02-10T23:00:00-05:002023-02-07T21:31:37-05:0090s European Train Busking Tour<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/9fb237810651d561a1107eadb0c331b9ede1115d/original/derringers.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" />One of the defining moments in my life as an artist was becoming house musician at a pub called "Derringer's". A hole-in-the-wall in a "rough around the edges" part of town; exactly where I belonged, some might say. This was in the early 90s and, over the years there, I got to know the locals, the regulars and the staff pretty well and developed a crazy awesome following made up of university students and rugby players among other rowdy, fun loving types. </p>
<p>Since I was late for everything in life EXCEPT my music gigs, I actually got to know the daytime barkeep pretty well too. She'd usually be toward the tail end of her shift, waiting for her ride, when I walked in. The pub was smack dab downtown Vanier and so Debbie had to be a strong, take-no-bs lady to handle some of the would-be clientele. In stark contrast, she was always sweet and kind to this noob musician and we'd chat while she waited for her Bo to get off work and swoop by to bring her home. </p>
<p>Deb's Bo (at the time), Brian, was (and still is) a soft spoken, even keeled happy sort of fella and, in stark contrast to this story teller, normally very punctual. Well, save for one memorable occasion... but that's the back story for a song called "Fourteen Eighteen Wheelers" which will be the topic of a future post (and release). </p>
<p>The Brian I'm referring to here is none other than <a contents="Brian Dubbeldam" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHy6LjE_4II" target="_blank">Brian Dubbeldam</a>, well respected <a contents="Stringed Instrument Specialist" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Brians-Stringed-Instrument-Workshop-702373993229832/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Stringed Instrument Specialist</a> at, among others, the storied <a contents="Ottawa Folklore Centre" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/ottawafolklorecentre/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank">Ottawa Folklore Centre</a>.</p>
<p>Every now and then, Deb and Brian donned their superpowers and became a musical duo with a repertoire of songs exclusively about trains. I can't recall exactly how they got wind I was a songwriter (I was pretty shy about it back in those days) but we somehow got on the topic after I slipped them a cassette tape and long story short, they incorporated Nowherebound Train into rotation! I thought that was pretty cool and I locked that memory away as "They played my song once at a festival, cool!" </p>
<p>Fast forward almost 30 years and I reach out to Brian for permission to name-drop (because... ya) and after exchanging pleasantries he informs me that Nowherebound Train was in regular rotation for their Europe Busking Tour! And so, thanks to them, one of my songs hopped the pond long before iTunes was an Apple in anyone's i... eye... er... you get the iDea. </p>
<p>Now, I've never heard their version of this song, though I'd love to! But as I re-recorded it this many decades later, I tried to think what a duet playing a full repertoire exclusively focused on trains might throw in. Since the old Train Whistle had already been done (see: <a contents='"Vie &amp; the Train Whistle"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lucnormand.com/stories/blog/vie-the-train-whistle">"Vie & the Train Whistle"</a>) I figure the next best thing would be to make some of the background vocals emulate a passing train. So, mid way through each verse, the vocals swoon in softly, then louder and change pitch to (hopefully) give a visual that something was passing by.</p>
<p>A little nod to say thanks to Deb and Brian for supporting my writing and for giving me this great story to tell. </p>
<p> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/65426302021-02-06T08:00:00-05:002023-02-07T21:39:08-05:00Vie & the Train Whistle<p>I wrote Nowherebound Train in 1992 and originally recorded and released it on cassette in 1993.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/6a72fc60536cb3af46fd44100448c2514a661faa/original/tinysummersolstice.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" /> I had borrowed my friend Rick Watson's Fostex 4-Track recorder and cranked out 26 songs in one weekend from the comfort of my tiny basement apartment in Hull. My long time friends Johnny & Sylvie and my beautiful Goddaughter Cassie (whose sister, Jess, was not yet among us) lived on the top floor of that same building.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://goo.gl/maps/XnbEyTtJpmR3Jc2u9" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/0d9b10f20dd0bcdcea0c858d0527d16d3392d597/original/23-rue-guertin-hull-quebec-now-called-arthur-guertin.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></a>Vie (Sylvie) came down every now and then to sit in and listen as I tracked song after song. When it came to Nowherebound Train, by the time she popped in, all the music was done and I'd already laid one vocal track. Unbeknownst to her, at the end of that track I had added a light "Woo woo!" because... hey, why not? It was a train song after all, right? </p>
<p>So in walks Vie as I'm about to lay the final vocal track. She sits down, lights a smoke and since I've got headphones on, all she can hear is whatever I'm singing. No music, and certainly not the other vocal part. </p>
<p>But, being among my most dedicated fans, she knows the words and, once she's heard the last verse, she assumes I'm done recording. </p>
<p>That's precisely when, only in my headphones, I hear the "Woo woo!" and I send a high pitched "Woo woo!" back. But Vie thinks the song was done and I was just goofing around so she chimes in with her own... </p>
<p>"Woo woo!" </p>
<p>I burst out laughing and Vie, never one to miss out on a good laugh, bursts out laughing also. In between belly laugh gasps, we trade off a few more train whistles before the final chord is hit and I press stop on the recorder. </p>
<p>"T'avait pas fini!!??!!" ("You hadn't finished!!??!!") she gasped... which, of course, launched us back into another healthy round of belly laughs. </p>
<p>Now, since she'd been sitting on the other side of the room, you can't hear her in the recording. So to someone who doesn't know the back story, it's 100% me possibly coming unhinged. But now you know it's just me reacting to Vie and, well... in my mind at least, it is epic.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/9fd3c1c4cd1c02148bde87a495a475d2df04582a/original/johnny-vie-from-the-wayback-machine.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" />Sylvie sadly left us in 2016 so I wasn't able to relive that moment with her for this newer version. So instead, I've included a dreamy guitar bit at the end as a nod to this story and as a way to say to Vie: "Thanks for the wonderful memories sweet lady."</p>
<p>Note: To hear this goofy rendition off my 1993 Summer Solstice cassette, head on over to my <a contents="Bootlegs" data-link-label="Bootlegs" data-link-type="page" href="/bootlegs">Bootlegs</a> page, and to read the next chapter in this story... take a ride on the <a contents="90s European Train Busking Tour" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lucnormand.com/stories/blog/6542984/90s-european-train-busking-tour">90s European Train Busking Tour</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/64279942020-09-08T12:40:46-04:002021-08-19T00:22:51-04:001st Recess<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/4d6a867c5f597b1479a9c7077353235c6232d49a/original/school-field-watermarked.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="Photo of School & Sports Field" />The hustle & bustle sounds of "1st Recess" just joined the cool not-yet-fall breeze coming through my open windows. The school next door is providing a dose of normalcy even to those in my neighbourhood who may not recognize it as such. For some, it will be absorbed subconsciously. </p>
<p>For me, I hear the peeps and squeals of the playful children's voices in the schoolyard. The same schoolyard my three children once enjoyed recesses in and I am drawn to their resilient joy, wistful release of a partially stolen summer, and unfettered acceptance of "this moment". </p>
<p>Whatever this moment may be. </p>
<p>It will mean different things to different people. </p>
<p>For me, right now, that moment is, simply put, "2020". </p>
<p>While some grown ups are concerned about history being erased through the toppling of pieces of metal from concrete perches, I relax. </p>
<p>I relax because I am, perhaps unexpectedly so, wrapped in the warmth that is this group of voices blending in frenetic disarray from all genders, backgrounds, colours, abilities, faiths and belief structures. </p>
<p>Simply put, a future. </p>
<p>For all. </p>
<p>The troubles that raged through the world will, in more ways than one, become their "history". And as those efforts continue, as rightly they should, I am left wanting to share this feeling that washed over me. It's the same feeling that propels that retired lady to do something crazy like sign up for a two month excursion to help build a school in a third world country. The established professional to quit their job and take a teaching gig. The veteran to check in on their former troop mate. The social worker to answer that after hours text. The same feeling that brings healthcare workers every day to cross the threshold of the emergency room door to serve again. </p>
<p>But all I have are words. </p>
<p>Words for the teachers and school staff who've made whatever "that" was supposed to be remarkably strike my ears as "this". </p>
<p>Words for the parents who, as we all must do, continually, released the hand of their most precious package into the currents of time. </p>
<p>Words for the near or newest adults "attending" their first post secondary educational "classes". </p>
<p>Words for the wannabe newlyweds who didn't, couldn't, or perhaps just managed to tie the knot and begin wondering about climbing on this path many like me are on the cusp of vacating. </p>
<p>Words for the rest of us who do our little bits to the little cogs that help turn the little wheels of society. The construction workers who construct. The makers who make. The growers, farmers, and my favourite of all... the vineyard worker. </p>
<p>And just as quickly as they appeared, the schoolyard voices are gone. Back inside to have their little sponges filled with whatever the wisdom of the day may be. It will change. It will be looked upon with 20/20 vision (pun not applicable) when these children hit my age. But it is the best we can do and the people standing in front of them right now are the funnels that pass on our collective voices to make every attempt at lodging our hard learned lessons into their momentarily malleable minds. </p>
<p>It is the best we can do right now, just like our predecessors thought best to do what they did for, or to us. Most of us turned out "okay" and set ourselves immediately on the path of making things more "okay" for our children.</p>
<p>But all I have are words.</p>
<p>One word I will not use is "Hope".</p>
<p>This is not hope. Hope is weak. Hope surrenders most of what "it" already is to chance. </p>
<p>Ants don't stop, stare and "hope" their anthill will be as majestic as the one that just got toppled by the screaming rear wheel of an expertly skidded scooter. </p>
<p>They. Just. Do. </p>
<p>The famous Nike swoosh may look like the skid mark from the scooter but the motto "Just. Do. It." is certainly representative of what will have that anthill rebuilt by sundown. </p>
<p>No. This is not hope. </p>
<p>This is doing. </p>
<p>As the silence returns, broken only by the ravens on my roof taunting squirrels, chipmunks and the neighbourhood Yapper, I get back to what I was doing. Hoping to get more of my "doing" done before the next recess snaps me out of whatever rabbit hole my work sent me. </p>
<p>It may have been delayed by 9 months but the new year is finally here.</p>
<p>Welcome back, 2020. I've missed you.</p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/63457932020-06-07T22:53:48-04:002024-02-03T13:15:38-05:00It's not about who matters more. It's about making sure no one matters less. #BlackLivesMatter<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/a19004a2887b7d7458cbc2f7ce20e3568bbc73ea/original/blackscreen.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_center border_" alt="" /></p><figure class="table" style="width:350px;"><table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align:center;">
<span class="text-small" style="color:#e67e22;">Note: The post below is written in the</span><br><span class="text-small" style="color:#e67e22;">context of the #BlackLivesMatter</span><br><span class="text-small" style="color:#e67e22;">movement, not the organisation.</span>
</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p> </p><p>I was too young to know whether or not my parents had purposely escaped Quebec in the midst of bombings, kidnap and murder at the hands of the FLQ or if it was coincidence that my Dad was posted elsewhere. At 6 years old, I wasn't old enough to know things weren't right. I was too young to be concerned with the fact the seven of us lived in a tiny 2 bedroom rental above a pharmacy on a busy downtown Montreal intersection. It was what I knew.</p><p> </p><p>Then, we weren't there any more.</p><p>Instead, we were in a beautiful "northern" Ontario town (anything north of Toronto is "northern" right? Even if we were barely north of Algonquin Park?). There seemed to have been a weight lifted off our family's shoulders but I attributed it to going from the sounds of constant car horns and sirens to songbirds and fresh breezes.</p><p>Over the next 5 years, I suffered daily bullying and abuse by my peers as they beat the French out of me.</p><p>Oh, the irony.</p><p>Going from my Montreal school in a convent, a "house of god", where children were abused, slapped or strapped daily by nuns and priests speaking of earning heaven to actually living in a heaven on earth and being beaten daily for the way I spoke.</p><p>It hurt.</p><p>It built a rage inside of me, one that I feared almost as much, if not more than my aggressors.</p><p>I dreamt the same dreams so many of us dream of having ultimate power and, like Thanos, snapping half of humanity out of existence. Except, it wouldn't be random. It would only be those who hated. Those who purposely hurt people for no other reason than to exert power over them.</p><p>A poster child for the nice, quiet kid who "just snapped" one day.</p><p>I never snapped.</p><p>At least, I don't think I did. But there is a good to fair chance that I’m in a mental home, standing in front of a white wall, right beside <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rR9IaXH1M0" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Jim Jeffries">Jim Jeffries</a>, going, "<i>I hate bullies. I hate bullies. I hate bullies.</i>"</p><p>No. I never snapped and when my family moved to the promisingly diverse nations' capital, Ottawa, surely acceptance and inclusivity would occur.</p><p>Again, no.</p><p>A brand new collection of bullies presented themselves and, for my first year, at least, carried on the tradition as though they'd received direct orders from my former schoolmates "up north".</p><p>It took until a future NHLer (whom everybody idolized, even at that age) in my grade 7 class jogged by and, in passing, let out "<i>Leave him alone. He's cool</i>." for it all to stop. Make no mistake. Nothing about me was cool, so, to this day I'm fairly certain he was talking to somebody else altogether but it didn't matter. I heard it and, more importantly, the bullies heard him and it was like a switch had been flicked off.</p><p>My days being bullied came to an abrupt end.</p><p>Thanks Steve. Love you man... whoever the "cool" kid was.</p><p>Forty some years later, here we are deeply embroiled in #BlackLivesMatter and I've made some of you feel sorry for me, some of you wondering where I'm going with this and others still saying "Suck it up, Buttercup!"</p><p>This was a span of about half a dozen years of being attacked, abused, insulted and demeaned just because of the sound of my voice. I hate to admit it, but it defined who I was. To this day, I carry it with me.</p><p>This was not racism.</p><p>It was discrimination.</p><p>Some of you might say it was "life".</p><p>Some boys (now men) among you might never have experienced anything other than having to "fight the tough guy" in school in order to gain stature. Six minutes, rather than six years. Depending on your upbringing, I'm going to lay a wager that a great majority of those who said "Ya, suck it up, Buttercup!" identify with that.</p><p>And yet, I was privileged.</p><p>Of all the people who could tell me to suck it up, victims of racism certainly should.</p><p>None ever did.</p><p>I repeat... Of all the people who could tell me to suck it up, victims of racism <u>never</u> did.</p><p>So, now that we're here, let's tackle the arguments:</p><ul>
<li>"Stick to Making Music" - Great. Sure. If that's on the tip of your tongue right now and you're just itching to get to the comments section to launch that <i>devastating blow </i>at me, let me ask you, what is it you do for a living? Perfect. You stick to that and stop being a racist and I'll go back to making music.<br> </li>
<li>"All Lives Matter" - If you're still pushing back against #BlackLivesMatter with this, ...Hi, how's it going... Don't mind us... We're the millions upon millions of people patiently waiting behind you as you push on the door clearly marked "PULL". We would all love nothing more than be able to say the same things as you with all the conviction in the world. Help us get there. Open the door. The only way to end the #BlackLivesMatter movement is to ensure #AllLivesMatter includes #BlackLivesMatter.<br> </li>
<li>"Black on Black" or "Black on White Violence is Worse" - Except they get arrested. There is little to no doubt "justice" will be served. And, also, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://twitter.com/MarcusTheToken/status/1270378702254137344?s=09" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="this">this 20 second video</a> is worth a watch. The #BLM movement doesn't seek the right to kill anyone. It seeks the most common and basic dignity of knowing their rights will be defended equally.<br> </li>
<li>"But the Looting and Violence..." - Violence and damage has the capacity of occurring at any peaceful event including sports, political rallies, religious or what have you. It is happening, no question. But don't let it distract you from the message because this certainly has all the markings of a "Lather. Rinse. Repeat." process. You want the looting and violence at these peaceful protests to go? Act to end racism.<br> </li>
<li>"Canada is Not Racist" - Yes it sadly is. Follow up claim "...but it's not systemic." - Yes, it is. The plain and simple fact that I personally have heard all these arguments come from people across the country, from all walks of life, is in itself systemic and not "localised". Here is an article that helps right-handed people understand what "systemic" means, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/racism-economics-canada-don-pittis-1.5600629" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="link">read it</a>. If you're a lefty, you know it.<br> </li>
<li>"It's the <i>XYZ</i>-wing's Fault!" - It transcends political affiliation so spare me the left versus right wing rhetoric.<br> </li>
<li>"All [<i>_fill_in_the_blank_</i>] Are Bad" - No. No they're not. Some [<i>_fill_in_the_blank_</i>] might be guilty of the same thing the rest of us are, thinking "If I'm a good person, that's all that's needed, right?" Many [<i>_fill_in_the_blank_</i>] around these parts are actually Black and of other minorities. All of us waking up and realising together that we not only can, but must call out mild to moderate racism and report and punish/banish outright and blatant racism is the only way to ensure that statement no longer has any footing. That being said, anyone claiming "All [<i>_fill_in_the_blank_</i>] Are Bad" are certainly prejudiced, discriminatory, and, depending on how they fill in the blank, racist.<br> </li>
<li>"Ya! So Black People are being Prejudiced by saying All Cops are Bad!" - ... Hey... It sucks to hear hurtful blanket statements about entire cross-sections of society, doesn't it?</li>
</ul><p>Let's sit and reflect on that for a bit. </p><p>....</p><p>"Where do You get off Speaking for Black People?" - Let's be clear. I am not Black. I do not know what it is to be Black. Therefore I cannot, and would not ever think of speaking "for" Black.</p><p>I started by writing about my own painful experience.</p><p>I made it clear what I experienced was not racism, but prejudice. Not the same.</p><p>I was never stopped by the side of the road by a police officer because of my accent.</p><p>I feared walking the streets alone because of a few select individuals, not a majority of people.</p><p>Every now and then, the hurt bubbled up so much that I did explode and I did fight back and, even though I "won" all those fights, it was exhausting and the impact lasted only a short while. Until that one person in a perceived position of authority spoke up.</p><p>And that's exactly what happens to entire cross-sections of our society (yes, I pluralized that because there are others but for now, we're on the topic of #BLM).</p><p>We've seen it in our lifetime and long before as well. Every now and then, the hurt bubbled up in the Black Community so much that they did explode and they did fight back and, even though some may claim they "won" those particular fights, it was exhausting and the impact lasted only a short while. And they keep waiting for that one voice.</p><p>Except that one voice can't be just one future NHL star.</p><p>That one voice needs to be all our voices speaking together as one.</p><p>#BlackLivesMatter</p><p>Peace.</p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/61724942020-01-25T13:04:42-05:002020-01-25T13:04:42-05:00Busking for Hearts...<p>It was 1980 something and I was downtown Ottawa near the corner of Rideau & King Edward waiting for my brother to get off shift. Had my guitar and so I pulled it out and started playing. Before long, a man came along, motioned to my guitar case and said "Open it." That's when I noticed he had a dollar bill in his hand (the Loonie was still a few years away). I smiled, shook my head no, and continued singing. He got flustered, took a step, and in a moment of defiance, flipped open my case and put the money in. I thanked him, kicked the lid back down and it took two more similar interactions for me to become embarrassed and put my guitar away. A billion years later, I know that me wanting to play for free did not supersede another's generosity and I should have dealt with the strange guilt by smiling, accepting and then simply paying it forward. </p>
<p>As I build a new website for my music, I have the ability to include a "Donate" button and the emotions of that day nearly 4 decades ago strangely come flooding back. </p>
<p>To this day, the greatest currency you hold are your smiles, your ears, and your hearts. In this photo, my case is open and, though it may look empty, it is overflowing with those three items of yours and, as a result, I am rich beyond compare. </p>
<p>Thanks for listening. ♥ </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/d7505416b68f97abb7f96be91d881a5a9b79af30/original/open-case-watermarked.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><br>Il était 1980-quelques. Centre-ville, Ottawa. Je me trouvait à quelques pas de la rue Rideau & King Edward ou j'attendait la sortie de travail de mon frêre. Ayant ma guitare, j'ai décidé de lui donner un peut d'air. Peut après, un messieur étendit la main vers mon étui qui était resté fermé. J'ai vu qu'il pincait un billet d'un dollar (nous étions encore à quelques années du "Loonie"). Sans arrêter ma chanson, je lui ai envoyé un p'tit signe de "Non merci" tout en souriant. Clairement énervé, il a pris un pas, mais, surmonté d'un esprit combatif, se baissa pour ouvrir mon étui et y déposer l'argent.</p>
<p>Je l'ai remercié gentiment tout en refermant l'étui d'un p'tit coup de pied.</p>
<p>Cela a pris deux autres telles intéractions avant que je me sente embarrassé au point de ranger ma guitare.</p>
<p>Une vie plus tard, je comprends maintenant que mon désir de jouer gratuitement ne peut mettre à l'écart la générosité des autres et que j'aurais du abordé mes sentiments de culpabilité tout simplement en souriant, acceptant leur don, et de "payer au suivant".</p>
<p>Aujourd'hui, lorsque je m'apprête à dévoiler un nouveau site web, j'ai l'abilité d'y inclure un bouton de "Donation" et tout ces sentiments, paradoxalement à quelques pas de leurs quarantaine, me reviennent.</p>
<p>À ce jour, la plus grande devise que vous détenez est vos sourrires, votre écoute, et vos coeurs. Dans cette photo, mon étui est ouvert et, même s'il a l'air vide, il déborde de ces trois éléments et, grâce à vous, j'en suis riche.</p>
<p>Merci. ♥</p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729772019-11-13T19:00:00-05:002021-08-19T00:34:31-04:00The Evergreens are covered in snow...<p><img src="https://lucnormand.com/files/1059286/all-i-want-for-christmas.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="All I Want for Christmas (by www.JohnKenward.com)" height="200" width="200" />I know I'm a rough-around-the-edges, scruffy and scrappy looking guy but there's nothing, and I really do mean nothing, that softens my heart like the time that spans Thanksgiving to the New Year. I am, time and again, a wilful participant in all that is Christmas. From the first cinnamon scented candle lit, right through to the last serving of leftover "Turkey on Toast", the entire season is like walking through a box-store department sized duvet emporium with free samples freshly out of the dryer.</p>
<p>Ya. You know it. ;)</p>
<p>"But Luc," you'll gently interject, "what of your lovely three children? Do they not warm your heart at least on this same scale?"</p>
<p>Thanks for asking.</p>
<p>Yes; of course they do. They are the underpinning to the whole feeling of Christmas. Just like the dream of one day having them was the source of that feeling during the days I wondered if ever I would be a Dad.</p>
<p>If we don't have numerous friends or large families, this season is one of hopes and dreams. If we do, it's a season of thankfulness and sharing. If we once did, it is one of remembrance. No matter the situation, there's a warm emotional duvet waiting for you.</p>
<p>My song, "A Christmas Wish", was written in my 'hopes & dreams' phase and captures the magical blend of those mixed with the youthful joy of the season and the truth that it all starts with two.</p>
<p>If you enjoy watching videos with your music, I've pieced together one for this song using images from gorgeous barn-board paintings created by the very talented John Kenward. Head on over to <a contents="LucTube" data-link-label="LucTube" data-link-type="page" href="https://youtu.be/AO89g0e6RyM" target="_blank">LucTube</a> for the video or to his for more beautiful artwork (link below).</p>
<p>Oh... and one last thing...</p>
<p>I wish you and yours the very merriest of Christmases whether or not you believe, practise, or are of any particular faith. The only Christmas I celebrate is the one that is wholly inclusive, welcoming, and spreads kindness to all.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas ♥</p>
<p>- - - - - - - - - - - -</p>
<p>And, hey, if you haven't got all your shopping done yet, here's where you can find <a data-imported="1" href="http://www.JohnKenward.com" target="_blank" title="www.JohnKenward.com">Mr. Kenward</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729802019-09-29T20:00:00-04:002021-08-19T00:39:16-04:00LOST LYRICS: "Better Learn to Climb"<p>As I dust off the old studio equipment to begin recording new works, it stands to reason I'd come across old scribbled notes in amongst the technical plots, charts and templates. Like cookie crumbs leading me back through a forgotten trail, I can't help but walk back down the path in wonder.</p>
<p>Coming across old hand-written lyric sheets, particularly for songs I've long ago released, is exactly what happened to me tonight. The songs have been played a thousand times; whether in the studio, during practise, or live on stage. So when snippets that fell on the editing floor resurface, they can really send my mind reeling.</p>
<p>These are from "<a data-imported="1" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vqWfPRPrvY&feature=emb_logo" target="_blank" title="Better Learn to Climb (YouTube)">Better Learn to Climb</a>" and would have been the second verse and a bridge landing right where the solo now is:</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Years go by but the words hold true<br>Cross a dope and a slope, make a fool outa you.<br>Jack & Jill rambled up that hill<br>With an itty-bitty bucket they just had to fill.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>(The grand ol' Duke had you play his game...<br>...if you were one of his men he'd likely drive you insane!)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>And there's only three things<br>can bring this rock to its knees...</em><br><em>An earth quake, a volcano,<br>or a bull-headed youthful dream."</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And, of course, all these years later I wonder if I could fit them back in. ;)</p>
<p> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729762019-08-23T20:00:00-04:002021-08-19T00:40:30-04:00Free album download<p>First come, first served! To redeem this single-use promo code, cdBaby (the best independent music store on the web) will require you to create an account but will *not* ask for credit card info or anything other than a name and eMail address. (More free codes to come. "Like" the page on <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.facebook.com/lucnormand/" target="_blank" title="Luc on Facebook">Facebook</a> or follow on <a data-imported="1" href="https://twitter.com/LucSidewalker" target="_blank" title="Luc on Twitter">Twitter</a> and <a data-imported="1" href="https://www.instagram.com/luc.normand/" target="_blank" title="Luc on Instagram">Instagram</a> to up your chances of claiming the next one if someone nabbed this one before you.)</p>
<p>Here's the single-use download code: <strong>I3D6HM-NUI8IJ</strong></p>
<p>Here's where to redeem it: <a data-imported="1" href="https://store.cdbaby.com/redeem" target="_blank" title="CDbaby.com/redeem">cdbaby.com/redeem</a></p>
<p>If you feel so compelled, post a comment below to <strong>(a)</strong> let everyone know you claimed it, <strong>(b)</strong> write a review of what you thought, or <strong>(c)</strong> jot down that awesome Leek & Potato Soup recipe you've been dyin' to share for years.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/1e8d479a7f096a760833777f50d861a7c2490d0e/original/ouch-cds-007.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729752019-07-27T20:00:00-04:002021-08-19T00:43:04-04:00Intervention<p>After a nearly 10 year sabbatical, I've gradually brought my fingers and vocals back to half-decent shape (nothing I can do about the face - made for radio). Here's my latest creation from Big Fan Studios (aka my living room).</p>
<p><a data-imported="1" href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10217258622512118&id=1068452497&comment_id=10217264096408962&notif_id=1564436379196437&notif_t=feed_comment" target="_blank" title="Intervention">Facebook Link</a></p>
<p><a data-imported="1" href="https://youtu.be/PY-3nntweBw" target="_blank" title="Intervention">YouTube Link</a></p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/62250962019-05-18T19:50:00-04:002021-08-19T00:51:14-04:00DOGS > gods<p>"If any of these gods people talk about displayed even a fraction of this type of love, I'd sign up. Instead, they're a pack of capricious pricks." - Me (ya, I said that... in fact I <a contents="Tweeted" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/lucsidewalker/status/1129896494713266177" target="_blank">Tweeted</a> it and some guy named "Guisus Khrist" liked it. So there!)</p>
<p> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/65304642018-11-20T20:05:00-05:002021-08-19T00:58:21-04:00What Was, What Is, and What May Be<h4>Was:</h4>
<ul> <li>Drummer</li> <li>Exuberant teenager</li> <li>Lead singer</li> <li>Front man</li> <li>Dreamer</li> <li>3x new father</li>
</ul>
<h4>Is:</h4>
<ul> <li>Curator of nearly 1,000 songs extracted from the days that tied all those experiences together.</li> <li>Father of 3 highly unique and thoroughly enjoyable human beings.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Likely will be:</h4>
<ul> <li>Creator of many more songs</li> <li>Producer / Co-producer</li> <li>Shadow writer</li>
</ul>
<h4>Accomplished Bucket List:<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/d57e53a524a6ea81469142587cbb2ec853093fa7/original/climbez-vous-ch-que-list.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></h4>
<ul> <li>Put smiles on faces.</li> <li>Help those less fortunate.</li> <li>Meet ridiculously wonderful people.</li> <li>Witness how music helps people either deal with or forget their woes even for a short while.</li> <li>Be the soundtrack as two lovers share the deepest gaze and the most meaningful of moments.</li> <li>Hear own song on radio.</li> <li>Experience the beauty of the stringed instrument, the passion of the human voice and just how intoxicating the two are together.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Remaining Bucket List:</h4>
<ul> <li>All the above, just more (<em>Well... 'xcept maybe the making kids part!</em>).</li> <li>Travel.</li>
</ul>
<p>You comin’?</p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729742018-07-13T20:00:00-04:002021-08-19T00:59:17-04:00Blast from the Past<p>Came across this old video while setting up my new studio. This was many moons ago (2000 I think) at a United Way benefit held at the Palladium (as it was called back then). Friends drew the highest bid (a whopping $25) to get me to go up and do Joe Walsh's Rocky Mountain Way.</p>
<p>It was goofy fun but the band was outstanding (apologies, I don't know their name but recognized more than a few of their faces as gents who worked at Steve's Music downtown Ottawa). Quite the unexpected thrill to share the stage with such talent.</p>
<p>Apologies for the length of the video. Skip to the 4 minute mark to get to the song:</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/251cbf490f60a2bd07df480edef8b7854cd1710c/original/2000-01-14-rocky-mtn-way.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/61991922018-01-27T15:30:00-05:002020-01-31T21:27:25-05:00Not about Cheesecake... much.<p>Quite possibly one of the greatest foods ever invented is cheesecake. I've lost at least 25% of you with just that opening sentence. This isn't about cheesecake... much... I promise. </p>
<p>On with the cheesecake. </p>
<p>Possibly one of my top 5 favourite foods is a thing called "Cherry Cheesecake" where the cheesecake is bathed in a thick preserve complete with deliciously plump cherries. This isn't about cherry cheesecake either... I promise. </p>
<p>Back to the cheesecake. </p>
<p>Earlier today, I just happened to land here <a contents="@Hunter's Public House" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://hunterspublichouse.ca/" target="_blank">@Hunter's Public House</a>. </p>
<p>Some plans had changed and I figured I wouldn't have anything other than perhaps a quick coffee but the place was cozy, very inviting and exuded just enough of that quirky touch to make it "not a chain" pub. For example their chairs... yes, their chairs (told you this wasn't about cheesecake) their chairs (yes I just said that three times) that either weigh a thousand pounds or are magnetized to massive metal plates below the distressed hardwood floor. </p>
<p>"Who wants chairs that heavy?" you ask. Well, consider this. Have you got any practical jokers in your circle of friends? Oh come on, everyone does (if you don't, it's you!). Anyway, imagine you're about to sit down for cheesecake at <a contents="Hunter's Public House" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://hunterspublichouse.ca/" target="_blank">Hunter's Public House</a> and your practical joker friend sneaks up behind you to pull the chair out from under you just as you sit down. </p>
<p>Joke's on him (or her)! They'll likely pull their back out before they're able to land you on the aforementioned distressed hardwood! And instead of your butt hitting the floor, the answer will hit you "Ah! That's who wants chairs that heavy!" See? Now you can enjoy your cheesecake fearlessly. </p>
<p>Back to the cheesecake. </p>
<p>The menu said it came with a choice of 3 toppings but didn't specify which. So I asked the server (a friendly early 30's young man, very well spoken and attentive) what the toppings were (and waited with baited breath for the word "cherry" to hit my ears). </p>
<p>"We have raspberry, butterscotch and chocolate. Or," he added quickly "...you can have any combination of the three." </p>
<p>I'm a "make do" kinda guy but I have my standards. In stark contrast to where I hold cheesecake, butterscotch has to fall completely at the other end of the yum spectrum... or the "spectryum" as I like to refer to it (actually, I just made that up, ...but I now like to refer to it that way). </p>
<p>Back to the cheesecake. </p>
<p>Chocolate is a wonderful thing, am I right sisters? Oh yeah, but, as good as chocolate is, it does not belong in cheesecake. There's only one worst thing to do to cheesecake than make it a chocolate cheesecake and that is to drizzle butterscotch on it. However, there is something to be said about the blissful combination of raspberries and chocolate... very high on the spectryum with that one. </p>
<p>So I turned to my patiently waiting server and asked for a combination of raspberry and chocolate with a side of coffee. </p>
<p>Now, I braced myself because afternoon coffee at non-coffee venues has a tendency to be boiled down so severely as to almost taste like burnt butterscotch. Blech! My server came back within a minute with my coffee. I quickly surveyed the dozen or so patrons and only saw standard pub refreshments being consumed. </p>
<p>Ya, I know what you're thinking. "Only you, Luc, would order a coffee in a pub at 3:30pm!" Well, it's not 11 o'clock somewhere in the world. </p>
<p>Anyway, it seemed obvious the coffee would likely not be fresh brewed. I said "seemed". Wait for it... </p>
<p>Back to the cheesecake. </p>
<p>My server placed the plate in front of me displaying a respectably sized portion of what looked to be a perfectly chosen pre-made cheesecake artfully drizzled with my raspberry/chocolate combo. </p>
<p>I dug in. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/9c892302eb1da4f8702becd8d544de8e74f6d34e/original/img-20190914-hunters-cheesecake.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>The first thing to hit my mouth was the raspberry/chocolate taste. True to form, did not disappoint, but then... the firm yet fluffy texture of the cheese supported by the soft buttery graham cracker crust was exquisite. </p>
<p>The suspense is killing you. I can tell. Fine... </p>
<p>By then, the aroma of my coffee had joined in and taunted a sip to wash down the dreamy first bite. </p>
<p>I should frame this quickly by declaring that I am neither a flavoured coffee fan, nor a starbux type. I am exclusively a Columbian coffee lover. </p>
<p>Not only was the coffee excellent, it complimented my dessert perfectly. </p>
<p>Ya, I know what you're thinking. "Only you, Luc, would write about pairing coffee and desserts like pairing a well aged Sangiovese with a medium-rare Filet Mignon." </p>
<p>Well... uhm... I have no retort. You're right. </p>
<p>Back to the cheesecake. </p>
<p>As I slowly enjoyed a few more bites, my server came back offering to generously refill my coffee. I kindly turned him down (otherwise I'd be up to all hours and this post would require chapters). </p>
<p>Chapter 4: "Are you enjoying the Cheesecake?" </p>
<p>My server then asked "Are you enjoying the cheesecake?" and I was unable to hold back a positive reflex grunt before exclaiming "It's so good!" with my eyes half closed (half open to the optimists among you). He then smiled and said "My sister makes it for us." </p>
<p>Jaw. Drop. </p>
<p>I nearly fell off my thousand pound chair but thanks to its stability was able to avoid what would likely have been an embarrassing, if not awkward moment (chalk up another reason to have thousand pound chairs... whoever the owner is is sooo forward thinking!). </p>
<p>I said "You're kidding! No way!" and he didn't bat an eye, smiled knowingly (he's tasted it for sure) and said "Yes, she makes all our bla bla bla..." and his voice drifted off as I came to grips with the fact that the maker of perhaps the most exquisite cheesecake I've ever tasted (and that's without the cherry on top... can you imagine?) lived here. </p>
<p>In. This. Town. </p>
<p>Ya, I know what you're thinking. "Luc! I gotta go there right now! Do I need a reservation?" To which I'll say "Get a reservation anyway cause they have this thing that they do while you're on the phone with them making your reservation you get this 'ping!' text confirming your reservation before you've even hung up with the person you're speaking with and then it'll 'ping!' you to remind you of your reservation as the date approaches with one-word text responses you can use to make changes if necessary. </p>
<p>Ya, I know what you're thinking. "Luc! Top of the spectryum cheesecake, forward-thinking furniture selection AND tech-savvy too?" </p>
<p>Ya. Ya. And... Ya. </p>
<p>That's also when I realised I wasn't talking to a server. All this time, I'd been talking to the owner. We chatted a bit longer and he told me how they opened last year. Great guy. Never got his name. </p>
<p>When you go, tell him the bald guy with the goatie sent ya.</p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/61991942018-01-27T14:30:00-05:002021-08-19T01:09:34-04:00Spectryum<p><span data-mce-mark="1" style="font-family: Molengo, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span data-dobid="hdw" data-mce-mark="1">spec·tryum</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph"><span data-mce-mark="1" style="font-family: Molengo, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ˈspektryəm/</span></div>
<div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h"><span style="font-family: Molengo, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>noun</em></span></div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1"> </div>
<span style="font-family: Molengo, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong style="font-size: large;">1</strong>. used to classify the expression of pleasure in eating, or the prospect of eating, a particular food, or to suggest that its consumption can be classified, in terms of its position on a pleasure scale between two extreme or opposite points, e.g. <em style="font-family: 'courier new', courier, monospace;">"at the very top or the very bottom of the spectryum".</em></span>
</div>
<div class="vmod"><div><div class="_Jig">
<div class="vk_gy"> </div>
<div class="vk_gy"> </div>
<div class="vk_gy"><span style="font-family: Molengo, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Origin: See <a href="https://lucnormand.com/updates/blog/not-about-cheesecake-much/" title="Birth of the Spectryum">2018-01-27 blog post</a></span></div>
</div></div></div>
</div>
<p> </p>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729712015-03-31T20:00:00-04:002021-08-19T01:07:15-04:00Better Learn to Climb in @CBCMusic #Searchlight Competition<p>Here are the answers to the questions asked along with <a data-imported="1" href="http://music.cbc.ca/cbcsearchlight/?id=57034" target="_blank">my song submission</a>:<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/68d270523f6c7e1a366ea02af3a63219a15c63dd/original/better-learn-to-climb-life.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<div>
<strong>- Tell us something about you that would surprise us!</strong> When I was 14, I wrote my first song, slipped it into "that girl's" locker, swore I'd never wear a tie or work for the government. It won't surprise you that none of those things worked out except for the songwriting... I stopped counting at 700. Perhaps the most surprising part of that is my daughter wrote 50 of her own before her 14th birthday. <em><strong>She</strong></em> should be in this comp.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong>- What do you do when you’re not playing music? </strong>Drive my three kids to and from arenas in the winter and playing fields in the summer. What is "<em>playing music</em>"...?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong>- When did you start performing - and what made you want to pursue it? </strong>Writing that first song made me want to pursue more. A lot of quiet campfires that were missing something, I mean, campfires are great but this was the late 70s, early 80s and I don't think Smores had been invented yet so it got pretty boring once the truth or dare ran out. Couldn't bring my drum set out in the boonies for fear they'd wind up as kindling so I learned to pluck out a few chords on guitar and, although I never believed in myself, that guitar still hangs in my studio never once coming close to becoming a source of heat. Only those on the other side of the fire believed in me. They wanted me to pursue it a lot more than I did.</div>
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<strong>- What inspired the song you submitted to Searchlight? </strong>The struggle. Everyone's got that proverbial mountain. Some choose to set up their video games in the foothills, others freeze to death 10 feet beyond base camp. I chose to head back to the Ski Lodge and write about climbing while sipping my favourite Cab Sauv. Now, I'm not saying any of those are better than the other but at least I can still feel my fingertips, eh?</div>
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<br><strong>- Is it based on something from your life? </strong>I was driving home from my above-mentioned Government job lamenting to my passenger how much work I had... in fact "a mountain of work" were my exact words and they simply shot back "Better learn to climb!". I knew right then that I wanted to figure out a way to immortalise that phrase. But the songs I write that are born out of one-liners have kind of anticlimactic back stories because I just take off in a figurative direction that has nothing to do with the source, or real life for that matter. Case in point, I don't ski (so I didn't write it in a ski lodge) and I've spent most of my life in the Ottawa *Valley*.</div>
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<strong>- Is there a surprising story behind how you recorded this track? </strong>I'm not sure it's all that surprising but I'm no virtuoso, and honestly, the guitar playing and solo are by no means intricate, but I've yet to find a guitarist who can replicate it exactly. Possibly the fact I'm self-taught and use unorthodox progressions? I don't know, but the result is I play everything on this track except the first instrument I ever played, the drums.</div>
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<strong>- How did you hear about Searchlight? </strong>You sent me a very touching, personal eMail. (I framed it)</div>
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<strong>- Do you have any local shows coming up? </strong>None. I retired for one (1) year in 2010 and my three kids decided to make all their competitive teams. Nuff said.</div>
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<strong>- How do you pronounce your name? </strong>Luc (as in Luke from Star Wars) Normand as if you're English</div>
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<strong> - phonetically: </strong>[look <em>nör</em>-muh nd]</div>
<div><strong> - what it rhymes with:</strong></div>
<div> - Luke the Puke (brings back fond schoolyard memories)</div>
<div> - Norm (like the guy from Cheers)</div>
<div> - and (like the "and" at the end of "England")</div>
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<div><strong>_________________________</strong></div>
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<strong>You can participate by voting here: </strong><a data-imported="1" href="http://music.cbc.ca/cbcsearchlight/?id=57034" target="_blank">http://music.cbc.ca/cbcsearchlight/?id=57034</a>
</div>Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729732011-04-14T20:00:00-04:002021-08-14T12:05:59-04:0020th Anniversary of "The Easter Bunny Song"<p><a data-imported="1" href="https://youtu.be/Jo40qdgYz8U" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/b16dab2f65310a0a4d894bacb9041bd26f696fdc/original/easterbunnyalert.gif/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTk4eDQ2Il0%3D.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="ALERT! Has anyone seen the Easter Bunny?" height="46" width="198" /> </a></p>
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<p>It was Sunday evening and a convoy of cars were returning from a cottage up in Otter Lake after a fun weekend away. I was riding shotgun in the trailing vehicle enjoying what amounted to be a peaceful ride along the countryside. Suddenly, out from some bushes to the left of the lead car came a rabbit. Not the Easter Bunny kids... just a plain, old, run-of-the-mill rabbit who darted across the oncoming lane and very nearly made it across our lane when the little furry fellow met his untimely demise. It was quick, unquestionable, and although I'm sure his dispatch was as painless as it was swift, it still exuded a guttural and collective "Oooooooh!" from all within our vehicle.</p>
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<p>Onward went the convoy without so much as a hiccup and we made it home safely, securely and still with plenty of daylight. Daylight that would prove handy for all of us to inspect the lead vehicle whose driver adamantly denied ever coming close to Elmer Fudding good ol' Bugs.</p>
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<p>Alas, with little effort we found our proof. There, firmly nestled on the rear fender was an oh-so-soft tuft of rabbit fur... proving, without a doubt, what all five passengers of our car had been claiming.</p>
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<p>One of those passengers just happened to be the young son of the driver of the lead car and, without stopping to think of the possible repercussions and how deeply I might scar this 11 year old boy, (I know, I know... cut me some slack, eh? I was still nearly a decade away from having kids of my own, so... who knew?) anyway, I leaned over... nudged him... and let slip "Psst! Your Mommy killed the Easter Bunny!"</p>
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<p>He laughed 'til he almost cried and proceeded to jump up and down repeating over and over "My Mommy killed the Easter Bunny! My Mommy killed the Easter Bunny!"</p>
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<p>My good friend Johnny Lowrey, the driver of our vehicle and quite possibly my most loyal fan, said to me "Luc, you've got to write a song about that one!" ...By breakfast the next morning, I had written this little ditty aptly named... "<a data-imported="1" href="https://lucnormand.com/single/6839/the-easter-bunny-song-20th-anniversary-edition" target="_blank" title="20th Anniversary version of The Easter Bunny Song">The Easter Bunny Song</a>"...</p>4:56Luc Normandtag:lucnormand.com,2005:Post/60729722005-11-29T19:00:00-05:002021-03-03T22:46:01-05:00You are the One (Live at the Museum of Civilisation Theatre)<p><a data-imported="1" href="https://youtu.be/0IBL6ySs_TM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/391589/580ca78968d6124065b6e6b9c7237625d59be87f/original/cap005.png/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6MTYweDEyMCJd.png" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="Luc Normand singing You are the One at the Museum of Civilisation Theatre" height="120" width="160" /> </a>These yearly benefit concerts went on for years and years. Mucho dineros were raised and a ton of fun was had in the process, not to mention <a data-imported="1" data-link-type="page" href="http://www.LoneBrethren.com" target="_blank" title="Lone Brethren... a band born out of benefit concerts to the benefit of ears everywhere...">many great friendships forged</a>. On this particular occasion, 2005 if I recall, we were fortunate to have had the CBC cameras rolling that day and even more thankful to have been given a copy of our performances. Here's my performance of "<a data-imported="1" href="https://youtu.be/0IBL6ySs_TM" target="_blank" title="You are the One (Live)">You are the One</a>"...</p>Luc Normand