In one of the coldest Canadian winters on record, Field Guide recorded his new album in a remote cabin heated by a stove.

Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?

Hey! I’m Dylan also known as Field Guide. I’m from Winnipeg Manitoba Canada. I write songs on the guitar and then record them at home and in various studios by myself and with some of my favourite musicians and friends.

How did it all start?

I played in a band with my best friends for 7 or 8 years which ultimately came to a close in the summer of 2018. That end gave way to the beginning of Field Guide. I began writing songs completely on my own for the first time which was thrilling, I also took the reins on the production side of things. I love(d) the process of discovering writing and recording in more of a solitary way. I learned a lot about myself as a creative at that time, and that process continues.

We love your new self-titled album. Can you tell us a bit more about how this album came about?

I’ve been trying to make this album for quite a while. It came together in three parts. The recording began in rural Manitoba in a little family cabin in the middle of winter. My friend and long-time collaborator Kris Ulrich and I recorded the guitar/vocal performances for most of the songs up there, at the time we thought that a bunch of the vocals would be replaced but that would have been silly, the singing was raw much like the songs. The 2nd part of the process took place in Montreal at Break Glass Studios with Olivier Fairfield on drums and myself on bass. I’ve wanted to record at Break Glass for years ever since I fell in love with Leif Vollebekk’s records which were recorded in that room. After capturing the rhythm section tracks I took the songs back to the cabin, this time on my own. I spent a week going back and forth between the wurli, prophet, juno, guitar etc.. Finally, I made a last-minute decision to do some additional tracking in Vancouver BC at a studio called Monarch which I’ve worked out of quite a bit. I’m so glad I made that decision. It was there that I found the final glue to tie the songs together including a bunch of pedal steel played by Matt Kelly.

What’s your song writing process like?

It almost always begins on an acoustic or sometimes an electric guitar. It usually starts with some harmonic and melodic idea or maybe even a phrase that’s attached to melody. Then it sort of builds from there. It’s always guided by melody, the words just sort of fall out of my mouth, inspired by the feeling that the melody pulls out of me.

What advice would you give anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to you?

Probably to find your own “sound” haha. Inevitably influences and production styles etc. will come out in what you make but I think it’s important to shoot for the sound/idea in your head and not to try to follow anyone else.

What inspires your music?

The way I feel and things that happen in my day to day.

Where do you call home right now, and how does it influence your music?

Winnipeg has a lot of hot bands, artists and players right now. It’s played a big roll in pushing me to work hard at my instrument(s) and musicality. These days there seems to be a big emphasise on writing in our community which I love. Hearing my peers write great songs makes me wanna go home and get to work. It’s good.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why is it important to you?

The first four Coldplay records are still really important to me (ending at Viva La Vida). They’ve played a large role in the melodic and harmonic choices I make to this day.

What do you hate right now?

Governments trying to tame inflation with rising interest rates which only effects the middle and working class and makes no difference to rich people.

What do you love right now?

I’m writing a bunch of new songs and I’m super excited about them!

What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?

I’ve been playing a yearly gig at Sunshine Sky Resort in Banff Alberta Canada, they pay us well, let us ski for free and we stay in a beautiful hotel right on the mountain that we’d otherwise never be able to afford. Kind of the dream gig honestly.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

I saw Paul McCartney live in Winnipeg a few years ago, how does that man exist? How is he that good? It’s insane.

Is there a particular place in the world you would love to play a gig one day?

Hmm, maybe on some more ski hills. Maybe on some beaches? I love a pre show dip.

What comes next in the Field Guide story?

2023 is going to be full of tour dates with a full band for the first time, I’m really excited about that!

What upcoming 2022 music releases are you most excited about?

Oo! Well I don’t know when it’s coming out but I was touring with Leif Vollebekk for a handful of shows and I know he has some incredible new songs… can’t wait to hear those recorded. Also my pal Boy Golden from Winnipeg has two new records that he’s getting ready to release, they are so incredible.

Is there any new music from 2022 you have been enjoying?

I’m not sure if it’s from 2021 or 2022 but I’ve been obsessed with the new Buck Meek record, ‘Two Saviors’, ugh, I love it so much!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Hey, if you made it this far, thanks for reading!

Start Listening To: Field Guide