Musician savors culture in Amsterdam

Canadian musician Scott Helman says touring has taught him to be patient and to go with the flow. “I know it’s corny, but whatever happens will happen,” says Helman, 22. “Be on time, pack well, stay hydrated. These are things we can control. Everything else is for the world to decide. My most memorable experiences are when things go wrong while traveling. It’s when you find the kind ones and when whatever is wrong becomes resolved, you can count on them to bring your life more meaning and joy knowing they’re in the world.” Helman currently is on tour to promote his CD “Hotel de Ville” and the single “Ripple Effect.”

An edited version of our conversation follows.

A: I work very closely with Ben Knechtel on most of my music videos. Initially we were planning to head to an abandoned water park between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. To mirror the oddity of the song and the implication of love that went wrong, we wanted to film somewhere that felt abandoned and somewhere that felt like when it was inhabited it was full of life. As a teenager, I was always infatuated with the idea of hitchhiking, squatting and living off the grid. So I took notice of Slab City, and also saw it featured in “Into the Wild.” I’m just so grateful I was able to take a song about a painful experience and turn it into something that I would call a beautiful — and slightly absurd — resolution. A: We don’t ride polar bears.

A: My idea of a vacation is usually somewhere new, so it’s hard to decide on a place I’ve been. Nonetheless, I’d have to say Costa Rica for the nature and Amsterdam for the culture. (Amsterdam) is featured on the cover of “Hotel de Ville.” (Visit) all the museums. So much beauty has come from Amsterdam. One you may not have heard of is the FOAM museum. Great for modern art. Walk around. Enjoy the scenery. Avoid pickpockets. If you’re young and interested in meeting others, stay at a hostel.