Logan Richard talks Character Traits, authenticity, and his journey so far
Logan Richard
Logan Richard is a blues-blooded Canadian singer-songwriter from Prince Edward Island.
After cutting his teeth as a young musician playing the blues, Logan Richard moved rapidly through different genres on the way to developing his own signature style. He released his eponymous debut album independently in 2021 off the back of several successful single releases. Last year, Logan signed with Outside Music, a decision culminating in today’s release of sophomore album, Character Traits. The record is a personal one, a study in introspection and self-exploration after a career that was, for so long, built as a session musician for other artists. It’s testimony to Logan’s belief in his own ability that, as an indie musician hailing from Canada’s smallest province, his persistence in releasing relatable, authentic music has taken him to this point.
Following several cross-Canadian collaborations, Logan Richard has recently played venues in the UK and Germany, and now has his eyes set on breaking through internationally. We spoke to him about his new album, his developing musical style, and his plans for the future.
FAULT: Thanks for taking time out of your tour to do this! How’s it going so far?
Logan Richard: Going well! I’m in Charlottetown airport right now, waiting for my flight to Toronto for some album release related press and a show. Exciting times!
Your new album, Character Traits, focuses on self-exploration: it comes across almost as a very candid introduction to you as an individual rather than just as an artist. In an age where it’s commonplace for people to hide behind curated digital personas, handles and avatars, how important is it for singer-songwriters to demonstrate sincerity?
I think that it is a hard, intimidating thing to do, and I am still working on getting better at being authentic. That said, I think audiences resonate more with authenticity. If you write a song about something real and personal, the chances of it resonating are higher. People appreciate authenticity, and like you said, it can be hard to come by in the modern age, so I think people find it refreshing.
Up until ‘Feels This Way’ dropped on Outside Music last year, you released all your music independently. What have been the biggest changes that have come from signing with the label? How significantly has it changed your approach to writing, recording, releasing, or performing?
Working with Outside has been amazing, and has given me more time to focus on being creative. I really appreciate having a team of people behind me, people who can keep me on track and focused. It’s also given me a sense of accountability. People counting on me to make the best art I can and to perform the best I can; that’s really helped keep me focused.
You cut your teeth as a blues musician. Your music has elements of lots of different styles but would you say blues is the genre you’d most naturally associate with yourself?
I don’t think the music I make necessarily reflects my blues background, but if you see a live show, I can assure you it will come across. I started off playing the blues, but also spent years playing rock, pop, folk and jazz. All those different styles helped shape me into the musician I am today, and different aspects of all of them come across in my music in different areas.
What are the biggest differences between Character Traits and your eponymous debut in 2021? How has your songwriting evolved over the past few years?
I think that Character Traits is a lot more developed, cohesive and thoughtful. With my self-titled debut in 2021, I was so excited to record music, I didn’t put much thought into the album as a whole, rather, I just focused on the songs. I’m still proud of that project, but I think Character Traits is a more mature release. Songwriting is like anything, the more you do it, the better you get at it. I think my songwriting chops have developed since 2021, and continue to develop.
You were in London, UK at the start of the year to perform as part of UK Americana Music Week, and you’ve performed at various venues in Hamburg, Germany in the past. Outside of Canada, is there anywhere else you can see your approach to music resonating particularly well?
I do look forward to spending more time in the UK and in Germany, but I’m also excited to get to Australia to play some shows there. I love the culture down there, and it’s a place where a lot of artists from Prince Edward Island seem to do well. Hopefully I can time it so I can escape the Canadian winter to get to the warmth of Australia…
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
My nieces and nephews. The outdoors. John Mayer. Theo Katzman. May Erlewine. Field Guide. Bahamas.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have been very fortunate to have played with many of my musical inspirations, but recently got the chance to open for Bahamas for a few select dates. For these shows Bahamas himself (Afie Jurvanen) played bass in my band which was a dream come true.
What is your FAULT?
I am too excitable. I can’t keep a secret, haha…!