Tristan Charbonneau, aka Soulstice Creation, is a singer/songwriter from Vernon. He has been performing for many years, but only just took on the stage name of Soulstice Creation in 2012.
He is currently preparing to release a brand-new album coming this fall.
Q: What made you decide to take on Soulstice Creation as your stage name?
A: “It’s always been important to me to emphasize the distinction between myself and the music. Soulstice Creation is meant to drive home the idea that this is not just me, but a band of infinite influences and ever-changing members.
The name itself comes from a very special time I experience when creating. Every writer has experienced writer’s block, and a soulstice is more or less the opposite: when the writing, or painting, or making of any kind, is so smooth and effortless that it is almost moving through you as opposed to coming from you.”
Q: What are the biggest challenges that you face about being a musician?
A: “I think the biggest challenge I face, especially with the nature of my music, is getting out of my own way. I believe success in this industry is based solely on effort and ingenuity. If you are willing to put in the work, and learn from the challenges you face, you will undoubtedly find success, whatever that means. So being open and honest with yourself and what does and doesn’t work is essential.”
Q: What has been one of the most rewarding experiences for you so far in your life?
A: “The moment I realized that I had a purpose, that I could help people find some kind of inspiration to make their lives better. To know that after playing a show for a hundred people, there will be someone who is healed, or cheered up, or inspired by what they experienced.”
Q: If you could perform at any venue in the world alongside any two other musicians in the world, which venue would it be and who would you be performing with?
A: “I would love, if it were possible, to play the main stage at Komasket Music Festival where I grew up. It had such a magnificent influence on my life, musically, spiritually, and mentally. It would be amazing to give back some of what that festival gave me.
“And if I had to choose two other musicians to share the stage with it would probably be Nahko Bear from Medicine for the People, and my dearest friend Orion Miller from the OM Sound.”
Q: What message, if any, do you wish for people to get from your music?
A: “I hope that people take what they need from the music to feel better. Whether they wake up to the social injustices in the world, or to the limitless power within each of us, I hope that people are elevated and healed by music.”
Q: What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
A: “The first album I ever named my favourite was More of the Monkees, which I would listen to over and over to on vinyl in my mother’s sewing room while building with Lego.”
Q: When you’re in the process of writing a new song, is it challenging for you to get your ideas from your head onto paper?
A: “It can be. On occasion writing the song down happens quite far into the process. I have a bad habit of improvising entire songs over and over until something sticks. I consider myself less of a songwriter and more of a musical sieve.”
Q: What interests do you have outside of music?
A: “I could rant about social issues and spirituality, but one thing that really interests me in a pure and unbiased way is being outside. Whether it’s hiking, rock climbing, slacklining, or playing music with good people on the beach, I love being out under the sky, surrounded by nature and adventure.”
Q: “Do you have any upcoming live performances?
A: “We have a few shows coming up: ... July 30 with the OM Sound at the new Record City.”
Q: When can we expect new music from you?
A: “We just recorded a number of live tracks we’re calling The Cedar Sessions, which should be available later this summer.”
– Getting to Know, The Morning Star’s ongoing Q&A feature with Okanagan musicians, is conducted by Kalamalka Secondary graduate Aniko Forgo.