Duo gets tales behind musical inspiration
Records In My Life show on YouTube digs deep into artists’ creative minds
Do you ever wonder what recordings inspired your favourite musical artists to make the music they make? Wouldn’t it be cool if you could just go and ask them?
That’s what Charles Brownstein and Mark Henning did, and the result is Records In My Life (RIML_ TV on YouTube).
Described as “a cross between Inside the Actors Studio and Behind the Music,” the Vancouver-based duo’s YouTube station is approaching 10,000 subscribers. They tune in to hear in-depth interviews with an impressive cast of subjects selected from across the contemporary music scene. The list of participants is impressive, ranging from Little Steven and Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo to Canadian aces such as Mother Mother and the Arkells plus rising stars like Anna Calvi and Jain.
RIML sessions cover the latest news, artist’s views and those key releases that still excite them year after year.
Host Brownstein is also the editor of Northern Transmissions, an online music website “started for music lovers, by music lovers.” Longtime local music scene player and producer Henning (Combine the Victorious) is behind the camera directing. Brownstein has an easygoing demeanour on camera that sets the interview subjects at ease. The results are high quality and still casual enough that someone like Sleaford Mods’ James Williamson can recommend the Sex Pistols’ debut and Enter the Wu-Tang by Wu-Tang Clan as essential albums for the collection Brownstein is building for his fouryear-old son.
“Records In My Life started in 2014 with a few sporadic interviews, but became really serious in 2015,” said Charles Brownstein. “Because of the contacts I’d made through Northern Transmissions, I could make arrangements in advance to gain access to artists when they came to town. And it turned out to be surprisingly easy with the more indie rock, hip-hop and electronica artists we feature.”
As is the case with a proven product, the more interviews Records In My Life posted, the more acts were willing to be featured. Both creators noted the fact that a band
that enjoys solid cult status in Canada might be an arena act in the U.K. and the same applies to many local bands and artists. RIML succeeds in tapping into both of those markets with its interviews. A case in point is the hilarious interview with U.K. hard rockers the Darkness, who prove to be as funny offstage as on.
“We taped that after their show at the Vogue and it was a super fun interview,” said Mark Henning.
The fact that Brownstein and Henning still get giddy talking about their interview subjects shows the depth of their enduring fandom for new music. The pair have travelled to get their pieces taped, from Boise, Idaho, to Quebec City, where they secured a fine chat with legendary New Zealand pop star Neil Finn. Of course, like everything in these pandemic times RIML is affected by the closing of live concert venues.
Where previous shows were typically taped backstage, there are recent episodes that are shot in the oh-so-familiar split-screen format.
“It’s kind of a blessing for us in that, previously, we were constrained for who we could interview by who was appearing in town,” said Henning.
As to whether either of RIML’s team has a personal favourite interview, neither Brownstein nor Henning can commit.
“I did think getting to talk to Gary Numan was a big thrill, because he was such a big influence,” said Brownstein. “He was so nice, so friendly and so appreciative, and that really meant a lot.”
“Phoebe Bridgers from L.A. was great,” said Henning. “She has it all and I can’t believe she isn’t a big star already.”