Halifax-born, California-raised Steve Poltz is a little bit Robin Williams and a little bit James Taylor. With a sweeping repertoire and joyous energy, he takes audiences on a musical rollercoaster from laughter to tears and back. In the music world, Steve Poltz is a live show giant - press release
By Will McGuirk
Steve Poltz is touring with fellow singer/songwriter Danny Michel. They make a stop at Oshawa’s Biltmore Theatre Friday Nov 15 2024. Tickets available here. I’ve seen both of them separately as well as together, and its some fun for the folk. Slowcity.ca had a quick email chat with Steve.
Slowcity.ca: What do you think is the best thing you have learned from Danny Michel?
Steve Poltz: “How to cook beans over a fire by the side of the road out of a can that we split open with a hatchet. He also taught me how to take a shower with a hose in a stranger’s backyard while avoiding crazed Rottweilers. But the best thing he ever taught me was how to sneak into Graceland in Memphis. Wear a chef’s outfit and carry a saucepan and look harried.”
SC: I’ve seen you live a couple of times, always great - it seems to me you could definitely write a chart hit no problem for yourself - you’ve collaborated with some big names so it's possible - I’m curious then about your songwriting practise - do you edit yourself so you don’t stray into pop tropes - do you steer away from the charts - do you care, is there something in that success that doesn't appeal to you? And ultimately how do you stay true to the core of the song?
SP: “I guess I just don’t care that much. I just like having fun. I love to smile. Everything is kinda funny to me. Death, taxes, burritos and records that skip on warped turntables. Success means having no boss or overlord looking over my shoulder telling me what to do. I hate rules. I love bananas. And crackers.”
SC: Halifax born California raised says the PR - two hot beds for melodies - and obv a lot of time in Canada touring playing fest etc - What influence does Halifax have on your music sensibilities and same with California - what has each place given you as a musician?
SP: “The only thing that has an influence on me are cat allergies. If I’m at someone’s house and they have a cat I seem to write songs that are sniffly and scratchy and itchy. Sometimes that’s a good thing because it makes the songs sound urgent. But once the Benadryl kicks in I seem to write melodies that are lonesome and creaky and magnetic. Usually this is a winning combo for somebody buying a lottery ticket in Des Moines, Iowa.”
So there you go, you’re in for a night of lonesome and creaky and magnetic tracks with another kat who can sneak into Graceland. There’s a metaphor there. Yours to discover.