The 10 questions that follow attempt to pull back the curtain on the public persona to get a glimpse at the real person behind that microphone - we call this The 10 Question Challenge. This week, we ask them of duo Madison Violet.
When Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac decided to combine talents and produce their first album as Madison Violet in 2004, the sound and record production of Worry the Jury had a pop feel. There was also less collaboration when it came to writing.
Now, after 12 years, four albums and countless gigs, MacEachern and MacIsaac’s writing has matured into a wonderfully crafted mix of roots/alt country and bluegrass, and they tend to write as a true songwriting team. In 2009, they were the first Canadians to earn the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
The Good in Goodbye is Madison Violet’s most recent release, and has been described as an open diary of MacEachern’s and MacIsaac’s personal and professional experiences. They are currently headlining a massive international tour before returning to North America in mid-May. Watch out for them at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in July
Check out Madison Violet’s Drive session for “The Good in Goodbye,” recorded in CBC Toronto’s Studio 211:
While The Good in Goodbye is a kind of musical tell-all of sorts, there is more you should know about this talented pair.
Brenley MacEachern
1. Best grade school teacher?
Madame Perala – I saw her for the first time in about 20 years, a while back. I didn't know she was sick and she passed away a few months later. I was devastated and wished so much that I had told her how much I appreciated her as a teacher and as a friend.
2. Lennon or McCartney, and why?
Makes me feel mean to say my preference out loud so I'll be Switzerland and say I like Lennon-McCartney. But I secretly love Lennon songs a bit more.
3. Favourite lyric or quote?
“Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.” – Oscar Wilde
4. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Couple days ago before taking the stage at the Black Sheep Inn. I seem to get more nervous before the sold-out shows.
5. What is the most unusual object in your purse right now?
Let me look. Two Saran Wrapped apples from the United Airlines lounge. Why wrap fruit?
6. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?
Dolly Parton.
7. If not yourself, who would you be?
Jaime Sommers: The Bionic Woman.
8. What was the most interesting object that you touched within the last year?
A leatherback turtle on the beach in Grenada.
9. Do you have a secret indulgence?
Theatre popcorn. Sometimes I go to the theatre, buy popcorn and bring it home. Butter in the middle and butter on top.
10. What is the most important piece of advice your parents or grandparents gave you?
My mom always told me if I don't have anything good to say, don't say anything and my dad told me to never tell a lie. Gandi was a good friend of theirs.
Lisa MacIsaac
1. Best grade school teacher?
Probably Margie Pace. She made me laugh. Made me think. And made class interesting. Especially for advanced calculus.
2. Lennon or McCartney, and why?
I'm a libra. I waffle from day to day. Today, Lennon.
3. Favourite lyric or quote?
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” – Gandhi
4. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
I actually have them right now. I'm thinking about packing to go on tour on Thursday and I get incredibly nervous at the prospect of forgetting something. Or remembering what I've forgotten, on a plane.
5. What is the most unusual object in your purse right now?
A tube of toothpaste with no lid on it, and a purple bra, which I didn't know was in there until right now.
6. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?
Michael Jackson.
7. If not yourself, who would you be?
Probably somebody else.
8. What was the most interesting object that you touched within the last year?
I wouldn't call her an object. That's rude.
9. Do you have a secret indulgence?
The Biggest Loser. Nearly every week, I either yell or cry at the television for two straight hours.
10. What is the most important piece of advice your parents or grandparents gave you?
My dad always said, “If you're gonna play the fiddle, get mad at it or don't play it at all.” That about sums up where my head is when I play music.
Related links:
Juno Songwriters Circle Part One
Who is your favourite songwriting team ?
