If you read my music review for Magnolia Buckskin, you might be interested in this little interview! Here’s what Magnolia Buckskin member Natasha Platt had to say:
Who are the members of the band, and how did you meet them?
The band members are myself (Natasha), Kathy, Emily and Corry. Kathy teaches Grade 5/6, I teach elementary music, Corry is a piano teacher and Emily works in health and safety. Although we had known each other vaguely from the Calgary music scene, it was Marti (a girl who is no longer with Magnolia Buckskin) who brought us all together for the first time. She and Emily had been in a group together before. Marti left the band when she had her baby and has now started a new group with her husband Mel. They have a beautiful CD and their band name is the Milkwood Dreamers. We are all still great friends. When Marti left about 3 years ago we found Corry and now it’s the four of us!
What is the origin of your band name?
Our friend Marti who used to be in the band was working at a horse magazine so she suggested the name Magnolia Buckskin (it may have been the name of a horse) and we just liked it and have used it ever since.
Where have you performed?
We have performed at several local venues, folk clubs and did our CD release at the Ironwood Stage and Grill in Inglewood. We have also performed at festivals such as the East Coulee Spring Festival, the Water Valley Celtic Festival, the Mountainview Music Festival and most recently at the Beaumont Blues Festival. We also like to do some community work like playing for fundraisers such as the MS Walk, the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, just played at a Lymphoma/Leukemia fundraiser this past weekend and will be playing the Music for the Wild Concert Series for the Alberta Wilderness Association this October.
What kind of instruments do all of you play?
We are all multi-instrumentalists. With this band I usually play guitar and accordion, Kathy plays mandolin and guitar, Emily plays bass and guitar and Corry plays banjo and guitar. Our favorites vary according to what sounds good on a particular song and what instruments the songs call for. Sometimes we try different instruments before settling on an arrangement.
Where does your inspiration stem from? What kind of musical genre would you consider yourself to be?
Our inspirations vary as much as we do as individuals, but we have noticed a theme emerging about living life to the fullest and being positive. Many of our songs also have themes from nature. We all have different musical backgrounds, but we call our style a grassroots, folk and pop blend with big harmonies!
How are your rehearsals? Do the usually run smoothly, or are they hectic and always last minute before show time?
Our rehearsals are a lot of fun! We usually visit for a bit (because we are friends as well as band mates), then we decide what we need to rehearse. Sometimes we just jam for fun. For me the most fun is when one of us brings a new song or even just an idea to the table and we all make suggestions and try different things. Our creative process has just kind of evolved. It wasn’t something we decided in advance.
Does Magnolia Buckskin have a record agreement?
We do not have a record agreement. We recorded our first CD with a grant from Rawlco Radio and will be paying for our next recording out of funds that we have saved from CD sales and gigs. We are considered an “indie” (independent) band.
Anything else you would like to add? Are you disappointed that summer is over?
I can’t answer for the others, but I love the beginning of the school year! I love the excitement and feel honored that I get to teach music to 400 amazing young people. I teach at a school that has Kindergarten to Grade 4 students and I am astounded at what these kids can do. I do a lot of drumming because we all have a heartbeat and everyone can do it. The kids learn new rhythms with great ease. Unlike most adults, I see kids as having less brain clutter – they are able to get right into the music. The same goes for singing. Although I’m the only Mom currently in the band (I have 6 and 8 year old daughters), I know the others love playing music for young people. We all see music as something positive that connects people.
I have a children’s album called Big Bad Bantam Rooster by Tasha Platt (I use Tasha for my kids music and Natasha for my ‘grown up’ bands) that you might enjoy checking out (it’s at most Calgary libraries and also online).
All the best,
Natasha