Artist of the Day | LIONA BOYD

ARTIST OF THE DAY

20.10.2021

LIONA BOYD

LOCATION

Toronto, ON, Canada

GENRE

Classical Guitar, World Music

 

CURRENT MEMBERS

Liona Boyd

With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt? 

I was wintering, as I always do, in Florida. I was concerned for my ninety-four year old mother who was living in a retirement home in Kitchener, Ontario. Fortunately my sister was eventually able to bring her to her home, also in Kitchener. I called at least once a day or video chatted with her. I sent her CDs of the music I was working on and she played them constantly.

How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?

I was going to make some appearances in connection with a new instrumental album (that we are now holding for 2022), but have not yet planned any tour. I’m concentrating on overseeing a few projects involving other musicians, a children’s book I wrote about a guitar playing cat, and looking forward to the time when my new videos and albums are all released.

What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?

I am always super busy and rarely have any free time! Recently I became obsessed composing new Latin style dance music and worked remotely with my producer, Peter Bond, on the various tracks and videos. I also go walking and swimming most days, try to do some yoga, make my own 90% vegetarian meals and am always listening to audio books. A couple of years ago here in Florida I actually recorded my own autobiography for audible.com and it has done well. I was even busier back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, non- stop international tours and adventures and somehow I even squeezed in enough romances to fill a book (literally), a fourteen year marriage, a divorce and concerts around the world. Earlier today I recorded a new intro to one of my new song projects as I have a little closet size studio here.

As things are reopening & restrictions are lifting have you booked any new gigs? Tours? Etc? If your region is still under restriction, how are dealing with the Covid third wave?

I do plan on getting a booster shot, but no, I have not wanted to book anything until I see what happens with the pandemic. I’m very anxious to be able to travel again as that has always been one of the big joys of my life.

Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?

I believe music to be extremely important for every generation and sharing good music is a great way to enrich our lives. If you are one of the talented, creative souls like me never forget what a gift we have been given! The pandemic has forced many of us to spend more time alone than we would have chosen, but perhaps it has also given us more time to reflect upon what we really want for ourselves going forward, and what we want for our magnificent, but very troubled, world. I’m very grateful to all the people who have enjoyed my music, and due to the internet everything I have recorded since the mid seventies up to my latest single is now accessible to anyone, quite amazing :-)

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