I Am The Mountain is everywhere, from bars and cafes, to caught-in-your-brain as you try and fall asleep. Beginning as a folk project of singer-songwriter Colton O’Reilly, the late-night campfire soul songs that once whispered between the pines in Kananaskis have echoed through almost every music-friendly space in Calgary. The horn-accented songs of I Am The Mountain are the most pleasant and reliable in a city with a maelstrom of eclectic indie. As the band grew into a full ensemble, the heart-on-sleeve earnestness of their early folk songs have morphed into luxurious still-life songs that bring bodies together with smart drumming and scintillating sparkly guitar work.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I am a K-6 music educator for the Calgary Board of Education so I think music education is one of the most important things in life. It is a space for kids, who do not naturally succeed in other subjects, to shine. Seeing the reaction students get from learning new music concepts, learning an instrument, or performing live is amazing and makes teaching one of the most rewarding jobs out there. My interest in music education has led to me and my bandmates leading music theory workshops at a variety of music festivals and events, what a fun time!
What was the best phase in your life?
I struggled through high school and university and really only began to thrive when I was in the Education program at University of Calgary. I met some fantastic people who became some of my best friends at that time. I also attended some of my most memorable music festivals at Pemberton and Squamish in British Columbia. Being at those massive music events is incredibly inspiring and such a good experience. I feel like each phase of my life has been good, which I am incredibly grateful for. Definitely some difficult moments in there, but I'm so lucky to have a supportive family and community.
Your latest track is 'Overthinking Conversations'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
'Overthinking Conversations' is an exploration of getting stuck in your own head while overanalyzing social situations, and the difficulties of being yourself, even with those you care about. It's a reminder that despite intrusive thoughts your friends still accept and like you.
We worked hard on this track for over a year and during the recording process we maxed out the number of audio tracks in the studio, our recording engineer said it was the first time that has happened as we had multiple layers of horns, vocals, guitars, pianos, and sound effects.
During the recording of the music video we were filming a 6 hour time lapse of the city sun-set. During those hours many wild things happened to us including a 20 person scooter gang rolling up and fighting off a zany passerby who was trying to take our camera. We got the shot!
Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?
I see myself still writing songs and jamming with rad humans. I'll still be recording and releasing music with I Am The Mountain and hopefully playing some awesome music festivals around the world!
Do you think that education is important?
As previously mentioned I think education and music education is incredibly important. I met most of my bandmates in the music program at UofC and would not be where I am today without that determination to continue through music school and onto becoming a teacher. I encourage all my students to take music in high school and to consider university as an option for post secondary.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I have many million dollar ideas in my back pocket which I am hesitant to reveal, but I have this idea for a stuffed hash brown food truck that would blow people's minds. Or one idea that is a choose your own adventure night out experience app. Contact me if you are interested in these ideas or would like to discuss more.
How do you structure your week?
I work Mon-Fri and usually try to have a show on the weekend and then band rehearsal on Sundays. I enjoy spending time with my lovely partner and when it's nice out we enjoy a nice chill game of disc golf in the park.
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
I was with my best pal Dave once at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival about 7 years ago and we were on the hillside having the best day listening to one of my favourite artists Ben Howard and he started yelling into his guitar and I remember feeling lost in the music completely. I have definitely had a few magical concert experiences that if written down, could make a decent sized novel. I am also so lucky to live so close to the mountains and I am always grateful for their beauty. Driving through or skiing down, I always take time to appreciate where I live.
What do you think of your generation?
Our generation is progress. There have been so many positive things that have happened in my short life span; from people caring more about the earth, to incredible scientific discoveries, to slowly closing the racial and class divides, to some of the most incredible art that has ever been made. I feel lucky to be alive right now and am always eager for the future. Like Childish Gambino once said "I am a futurist'.
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
I have learned many things over the past few years. One thing that surprised me was how I was actually able to memorize 200+ students names. It is so important to say hi to a kid and use their name. It makes them feel important and cared for, and makes me feel good too.
I’ve also learned how to better manage my anger within my relationships with my family specifically my three brothers, as well as my romantic partnership. Working with kids has taught me extreme patience and understanding and I am so grateful for that. Being calm in life is one of the most important things to me and I am always working on myself and learning every day.