Bud Rice Shelter in Place In a Piece of Heaven
Bud Rice is a singer-songwriter hailing from Montreal Canada. His music ranges from blues to rock. His voice and guitar create a style all his own. I enjoyed catching up with Bud and talked to him about having a musical family, playing music at 15 years of age and his new Album Belfast.
LMC: What is it like to grow up in a musical family? How do you think that impacted you as a musician?
Bud Rice plays with his band in high school.
Bud: I feel very fortunate to have grown up in the environment I did. Constantly being surrounded by the bright, energetic and curious sounds allowed me to question and be present within music. It carried out into adolescence; I was very lucky to have a creative outlet as early on as I did in my formative years. Seeing my family maintain careers playing music made it seem possible for me as well, and made it easier for me to digest the determination and work ethic required in order to sustain this lifestyle. I thank them everyday for giving me the upbringing they did.
Watch Bud Rice play the SIP Music Series!
LMC: Did music come naturally for you or did you have to work at it?
Bud: Music has always come naturally, but I knew that natural talent would only go so far. I worked as any professional works on their craft to get better, and I continue to work on it everyday.
LMC: What is it like to be a musician at the age of 15? What challenges did you face? How did you manage school and music?
Dad and I at the first record launch. Photo: Steve Gerrard
Bud: Working in the bar environment that young I definitely faced learning curves, however I had the help of my father who is a seasoned veteran when it comes to professional entertainment guiding me through. In Montreal, it’s not uncommon to have 16 year olds at bars, however being amidst the musicians’ scene was different than just hanging with buds, I grew a thick skin early on. School was during the day so I never had difficulty balancing that as I only played at night. I think the need to split up my time without drawing myself too thin helped later on as well coming out of the educational system, balancing writing and business along with performing and allowing creativity to flourish.
LMC: Your father is a celtic musician, how has this influenced your music? Did you learn anything unique that you apply to your own performance or musicianship?
Bud: My mother was born in Ireland so Irish music has always been in our home along with Dad playing it for so many years. I think the prominent aspect of Irish music that has resonated with me is the story telling part of it. That has always been the take away for me and I think it has been the compelling feature in my songwriting.
LMC: Piece of Heaven is your fourth album. Tell me about the sound of the album.
Bud Rice plays Monkland Street Fest. Photo: Steve Walsh
Bud: Though I have released a couple EPs and singles I look at Piece of Heaven as only my second record. With this album I had been listening to a wide variety of songwriter-type of music. Mellow and moody had seemed to be the leading vibes I was digging, so I wanted the record to reflect that. I also wanted to steer away from the larger production that was Belfast and strip the songs down to a more concise result. These were lyrically deeply personal songs and I felt that the music should enhance that personal feeling.
LMC: How have you been staying a float during the pandemic. Has this been a financial hit for you? How have you coped with it?
Bud: The main impact of the pandemic has been an emotional one. I miss playing for crowds, I miss interacting with them and feeling their energy, I miss the closeness of my friends and the chemistry I feel with my bandmates.
Bud Rice hangs backstage at Monkland Street Fest, Montreal, Canada. Photo: Steve Walsh
That being said, despite these trying times, the influx of community, and not specific to Montreal but globally, with our brave voices and loud efforts has been truly uplifting. This year has demonstrated how powerful we can be if we come together with love and that to me is worth the lonely moments.
LMC: Any advice for musicians right now?
Bud: Keep writing, keep playing, keep reading, stay active creatively as best you can, it’s ok to have days where you do nothing, be responsible, educate yourselves, listen to music, listen to each other and stay strong.
Great ending words for our time. Check out Piece of Heaven on all streaming platforms at https://www.budricemusic.com/music
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About the Interviewer: Victoria Boyington
Victoria is a singer-songwriter, Women’s Advocate, Special Education Educator, and Non-Profit Founder of California Women’s Music Festival, the only non-profit women’s music festival in California that features an all-women staff, crew and line up. She has a Masters Degree in Education, CSU, Stanislaus.
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