Glen Foster | Christmas in Vancouver - Exclusive Interview
Where are you from and could you tell us a little about your upbringing?
Hi I'm Glen Foster and I was born and raised in Southern Ontario, Canada. I grew up on a farm and being a child of the 60's I took lessons on Spanish Guitar and Hawaiian Steel guitar.
Whats your favorite genre of music to make and what inspires you to create?
I'm an artist who admittedly is hard to pigeon hole. I have released 10 full length albums of my own compositions and genres range from country and folk through rock and pop, with shades of jazz, classical and experimental music. I place a lot of emphasis on harmony vocals and strong rhythm guitar which is evident in my live performances.
People, places, beauty, art and happenings inspire me to compose music and pen lyrics. Success itself can be a tremendous motivator and inspiration for me to be the very best I can be.
Could you tell us about your latest project?
Currently I'm promoting my album The Spirit Of Christmas which features a song with the same title. It was released in 2021 and being a holiday favorite it gains momentum every year. The song itself was first released as a 45 rpm single on Red Vinyl in 1986 and received strong acceptance in Canada where it was mainly promoted. Re-released in 2011 for its 25 year anniversary, it gained more momentum and gets a little boost every year.
Who are some of your favorite musical influences?
Vocal groups - Beach Boys, Four Seasons, CSNY. Guitar heroes - Hendrix, Clapton, Setzer, Chet Atkins. Songwriters - Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty.
Are there any notable people that helped you along the way?
When I started playing professionally I was lead guitarist and singer with Ray Materick who had hit records in the 1970s. I worked with Daniel Lanois on my first album 'Walk Into The Mirror', and Bob Doidge producer/engineer for Gordon Lightfoot and many others in Hamilton, Ontario.
In promotions I've had great help and support from Eric Alper, Darryl Sterdan and Sandy Graham.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas to me means Family & Loved Ones, Peace and Kindness, Giving & Sharing, Music, and Beginning a new year.
What is your favorite holiday movie?
Scrooged with Bill Murray, and a close second is A Christmas Story.
Besides music what are your hobbies and fun things you like to do?
Living in Canada we love the outdoors. Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayak paddling in Summer...skiing, toboggans, shovelling snow in Winter. I'm also an avid reader and love watching great movies.
Are there any changes you would like to see in the music industry?
Where do I start? You have to accept progress but when that starts to look like going backwards you gotta wonder. There is so much more that can be done at Legislative levels to support fair royalty payments for artists, and larger shares for music creators - I'd like to see that!
What can we expect from you in the near future?
This year I released my 10th album 'Unnatural Tendencies' and I am still playing concerts and promoting that project. So next year you'll see more live performances, short tours and festival appearances. I also plan to make a few music videos for some of my back catalogue. I may release another single or two next year and have also started writing a science fiction novel that I'm very excited about.
Any last remarks
I hope everyone enjoys my Christmas music and I'd like to thank the fine folks at Flyah Music Magazine for giving me, and other artists an opportunity to be heard. Please support Live Music and the Musicians who deliver it. Tell your friends how much they mean to you and have a Merry Christmas.
Glen