Sparkle. It’s exactly what Civil Wray does on her brand-new single, appropriately entitled "Sparkle." Civil Wray is the pseudonym of Toronto singer-songwriter Andrea de Boer. She collaborated with producer Matt DeMatteo (Danko Jones, Big Wreck, Ashley MacIsaac) to create an ethereal, dreampop song that may remind listeners of artists such as Fiona Apple, David Bowie, and Tame Impala. It’s a song about existential loss and the redemptive power of love. "Sparkle" is the first release from Civil Wray’s upcoming 5-song EP.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Civil Wray, super nice to have the chance to chat with you.
Thanks Kamil! It’s super nice to chat with you too!
What first got you into music?
Oh! My parents were both music lovers. My dad played piano and did a bit of composition. My mum was a fan of music. They took me to see classical and jazz concerts when I was little.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
Lol. Balance, being equal is not possible. I try to juggle only the balls in the air that are super important. I meditate everyday now which helps me find the clarity to know what I need to focus on. Trial and Error, Rinse and repeat. And I’m trying to create systems that can help keep my mind uncluttered.
Your latest song is 'Sparkle'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I was already working on songs with my producer and co-writer Matt DeMatteo when tragically a friend of mine passed away suddenly, a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The morning after I found out, I started to write the general verse and chords and “Lacking some Sparkle” came out. The next day I was in the studio. We wrote the song over a couple of years. The song kept expanding to include not just my friend but all of us.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
When I first started, I thought I just needed to make the best music possible and have great shows and wait for “the team” to find me. And what i’ve learned is that you need to study business. And work on your mindset and not take things personally.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Ummm…no idea.
How do you know when a work is finished?
Hmm…depends who is producing.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Meditation, exercise, art galleries, walks in nature, learning in general.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
The raw emotion woven with the unexpected melody.
Who is your favourite musician?
Only one??? Right now it is Yebba, before Sun Ra, David Bowie, Oumou Sangare, John Coltrane, The Who, Stravinsky, Bessie Smith, Tame Impala etc.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep releasing singles and finish up some demos from the same project to make an album. Tour!