If you know Nolan Hubbard (web link), I don’t need to tell you that his feather-voiced delivery and tightly wrapped acoustic guitar playing gets you every time. His style is one that comes off effortlessly. He interprets great songs that make you turn your head to say, “Wait, I know this”, but it sounds different. It sounds like Nolan. And what a sweet dude. Can’t put it any other way. Easy, relaxed, cruisy and focussed. Like a Californian surfer. Come and enjoy the ride on Thursday when he plays The Cove 5-8 pm: web link

Q: Since I have known you, you have really exhibited your own personality on stage. Your ability to take a song and make it your own is fun to hear! Was there someone along the line that inspired you interpret songs the way you do?

Nolan Hubbard: I’ve been very fortunate to have music as a source of income for a lot of my life, and as part of that I’ve definitely had to open myself to learning a lot of cover music for weddings, longer shows, specific kinds of events, etc. More or less being able to fit the ticket for a wide array of gigs. For the sake of keeping the creativity alive while recreating a performance of someone else’s song and honestly to keep myself entertained night after night, I’ve always had a lot of fun putting my own spin on artists songs, or challenging myself to arrange them in a way that inspires me.

Q: I remember guitar phenom Logan Brown referring us to you for your ability to perform with such a grand sound, an escape. Your guitar playing is also exceptional and I know you like to employ looping on stage. I know that in a lot of ways, you are self taught but where did that angle of performance come from?

Nolan: That means a lot to hear! I’d have to say it’s another byproduct of the path I took making music over the years. I played with bands a lot more earlier on, back in high school through to when I put out my first album and the year of touring after that. Most of my career of playing shows since then has been solo though. I kinda missed the wall of sound that harmonies, countermelodies, a tight rhythm section etc could create when I started playing alone. That said, I love playing solo. Never been much of a gear guy but the looper felt intuitive and let me explore being my own rhythm/lead player and vice versa. Percussive and dynamic playing have always been inspiring to me too. I think I put that all together in an effort to recreate the feeling of hearing a band even when playing alone since I knew I’d be out there on stage alone most nights. I think it’s just the way I write too. My process has always just been myself and an acoustic, and I’ve always challenged myself that I’d like to be able to play a full acoustic version of the song that feels like it’s produced before ever even getting there. With that, the aim is always to give it some kind of dynamic arc in the guitar and vocal arrangement, hopefully one that makes me feel something. Perhaps a little backwards almost, it’s like I’m trying to recreate a fully produced song on one guitar without knowing what it’s going to sound like produced yet, and I’d say that’s where that sound comes from. Makes for an interesting process as a producer too, but that’s another story.

Q: Touring is fun but taxing and you have done a lot of it, locally and nationally. Where are some of your favourite spots to play and where do you hope to play someday?

Nolan: Loved every minute of it, but definitely like anything, it has its limitations. I’ve actually taken a lot of the last 2 years to explore some other opportunities in life after a pretty rigorous schedule of shows most nights from age 20-25. The step back was needed but I’m feeling excited to get back to a more frequent touring schedule in the next few years. I love playing in PEC, especially in the summer. Of course, it’s bias but I really do love the Cove and that neck of the woods. We’re lucky here in Canada. Anywhere by the water frankly haha. Lot of touring of west Canada early on, so I’d say I’d like to spend some more time towards the east coast in the next year or so. Then I’d like to go on an adventure outside of Canada. Perhaps to the UK, Australia or a road trip of the States. Will see where the road takes me!

Q: I have been impressed with the production of your records! I know you had the opportunity to work with some great musicians and a a great producer in Nashville. Can you tell us what lead you to that scenario?

Nolan: I got to work with Douglas Romanow, actually a Toronto based record producer, artist and all around amazing musician/person on my first record “Luminosity” in 2017. We took a trip down to Nashville early in the process and tracked a lot of the parts for the record with incredible session players down there. A invaluable experience I wouldn’t trade for the world, and was really happy with the sound of that first record. Since then I’ve produced the majority of my own stuff. Everything I do on my own I aspire to the quality and creativity of what I learned with those Nashville guys though.

Q: I know you are a busy guy but music seems like is a real part of you that will never escape you. Where do you see your next phase of artistry heading?

Nolan: Like I mentioned, I’ve taken some time in the last few years to work on other parts of life, but undoubtedly, I would be lost without music as a part of my program. I’ll be getting back to a more regular local touring schedule, but I will also work on some new projects. I’ll let you know I do actually have a collaborative project with a group of musician friends that will be coming early 2025. That’s been so much fun and I’m really excited to share more when the time comes. Personally, I’m going to continue producing and releasing a lot more of my own music as well. I’ve found a sound I’m really resonating with and is pulling some inspiring music out of me. I’ve always had trouble holding onto songs. When they’re finished, the urge to put them out right away is strong but I’ve been stockpiling songs so the next time I release music I can keep some momentum going. That is new for me and I think will be a fun way to do it! Posted: May 15, 2024 Originally Published: May 14, 2024