Leonard Cohen, Daniel Lanois, Ron Sexsmith, Hawksley Workman, Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams, U2, Matthew Good, Bob Dylan, Milan Kundera, Charles Bukowski, Salman Rushdie, Robertson Davies.
Hailing from St. John's, Newfoundland, the Eastern precipice of Canada, it's no surprise that Ian Foster writes about all things geography. That includes the challenging geography of the country he has traversed multiple times on his own as a touring artist, and also the equally challenging personal geography of many of those he has met along the way.
A 5-time MusicNL nominee (including SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and Male Artist of the Year), ECMA nominee for Pop Recording of the Year (for 2008's Room in the City), and finalist for the International Songwriting Competition, Foster's songs have received acclaim both at home and abroad. His music has been played on radio internationally from Newfoundland to The Netherlands.
To a certain extent though, these things could be achieved "without leaving the house." It's one thing to make a great record and spend money mailing it out to whoever will listen, but it's quite another to stand under a spotlight in the flesh and perform those songs while looking an audience in the eye. Ian has spent a quarter of the last year touring repeatedly throughout Canada, both showcasing at conferences like MusicNL, ECMA, and OCFF (Ontario Council of Folk Festivals), and just plain touring, having recently completed a 27-date cross Canada tour. As an independent artist, it has all been self booked and managed, with Ian solo both in the spotlight and behind the wheel of two Saturn Ions for the journey (the first was unfortunately a causality of an accident while touring in Darmouth, NS last Fall on the way to a gig. Incidentally, he was a little late but still made it to play the show).
Ian's music is a delight for both fans and critics. The music is strong, combining literary prowess with a voice beyond his years to create songs that run the gamut both musically and lyrically. He has been compared favorably over the last few years to a ridiculously broad spectrum of artists including (but not limited to) Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Ryan Adams, David Gray, Josh Ritter, Ron Sexsmith, Conor Oberst and Hayden without actually sounding like any of them. He is the guy who is too folky for rock, yet uses an electric guitar too much for folk; he plays too much blues for pop, but has too much of a pop sensibility for blues.
In keeping with the trend of changing sound and direction, in 2009 Foster released two records: "Found: Music From the Unmade Film," an instrumental record focusing on a variety of styles and atmospherics that would reflect a film soundtrack (though there is no film to date for this music), and "We Begin Here," a 15-track album that properly follows up the acclaimed "Room in the City" album, which was released just one year before this release. "We Begin Here" continues to build Foster's reputation as a "serious songwriter and a seriously good one...a storyteller and character sketch artist" (Fred's Records Review), with songs like "The Pacific's Waters," "Evangeline," "A Long Long Way," and "Orpheus and Eurydice" - songs that have been in Foster's set since just after the release of "Room in the City," which have been capturing the hearts of fans across the country.
Having released 3 albums between May 2008 and June 2009, Foster's prolific streak is turning heads as much as his regular touring schedule does. If one were to go to a live show, they can expect songs from all four of his albums, which flow seamlessly live even though they couldn't be more different on tape - Ian regularly switches between acoustic and electric guitars, tastefully using effects like looping and delays while incorporating harmonica and - when available on the road - piano to give a broad instrumental experience to those listening to his typically one-man show. The sometimes dark subject matter of the songs is offset by in-between-song banter and storytelling, and he is developing a reputation across the country as a witty and engaging storyteller as much as a solid songwriter during his shows.
Check out more at ianfoster.ca or www.myspace.com/ifbmusic
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On the Radio:
CBC Radio, 640 AM, St. John's, NL
Radio Newfoundland, 930 AM, St. John's, NL
97.5 K-Rock, St. John's, NL
CHMR FM, 93.5, St. John's, NL
East Coast Countdown, Various Stations across the country and online (www.eastcoastcountdown.com)
WebRadio, Golden Flash, Beligum (www.goldenflash.be)
Fred's Records, Duckworth Street, St. John's, NL
CDPlus, Avalon Mall, St. John's, NL
HMV, Avalon Mall, St. John's, NL
Spun T-Shirts, Water Street, St. John's, NL
Griffiths Guitar Works, Ropewalk Lane, St. John's, NL
Partytime Sound, Stephenville, NL
Sam the Record Man, Barrington Street, Halifax, NS
The cheque is in the mail....and the anticipation begins. I can't wait to hear your new stuff! You are an amazingly talented guy & a wonderful purveyor of emotions, scenes and senses.
Hey Ian! I love the instrumental "Found" it is a beautiful piece. Don't take offence but I can imagine that song as a part of a movie soundtrack (so many emotions involved). Keep up the fantastic work!
yeah we are based is stephenville as of now. but only until may, that is when school is over. we are students of the college of the north alantic music and recording arts programs.
Hey Ian, awesome tunes you've got posted. it was great seeing you perform at the showcase during the MusicNL weekend, and i'm loving the cd!! :D Cheers!
Hi Ian, Thanks for the add. Really like your songs brother!
Here is the video for our first single CARDBOARD CONDO, which we hope To HELP THE HOMELESS with. Please check out our sites when you have a moment and let us know what you think. Thanks Dave Fitz (& Greg)
Hi Ian, Thanks for adding us! I heard you on the Salt Water Music program last Friday and was pleasantly surprised by the fine marimba work that met my ears... Gotta love marimba! (At least I think it was marimba) Pat
