Artist of the Day | MISTER K
ARTIST OF THE DAY
11.03.2021
MISTER K
LOCATION
MB, Canada
GENRE
Cosmic Folk-Pop
CURRENT MEMBERS
Kevin Kratsch (Mister K)
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?
When the pandemic hit, I was starting the rollout of my debut LP, 'In Event of Moon Disaster'. I decided to put it on hold until now, Feb. 2021.
Having this time allowed me to reevaluate the release plan and adapt it to the current state of our world. The silver lining in it all is that it allowed me more time to create videos and supporting content...like filming baby foxes (more below).
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
Thankfully I had not confirmed any touring prior to the pandemic.
That said, I am now looking at exciting and innovative ways to bring my music to audiences. I am currently planning an exciting summer project that I cannot wait to share soon!
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?
Filming baby foxes has changed my life and helped shape this album release!
My wife and I live in a historic school house in rural Manitoba that was built in 1896. The serendipity is that we are both certified school teachers (also, hence Mister K). Aside from being a musician, I am also a landscape/wildlife photographer and a digital artist.
I have had my share of anxiety and depression in my past. When the pandemic hit, I found myself growing increasingly uneasy with the state of the industry and the division in our world.
On our property we have a fox den that has a new litter of cubs every spring. During the pandemic I filmed them every day from March till June. I got up at 6am daily and set up a pop-up ice fishing shack as a photography blind.
Over the three months I got hundreds of photos and hours of footage. The resulting footage can be seen in my music video for the lead single, 'Harmony'. With the remaining hours of footage, I compiled an extended scenes version of the video that is set to the entire 'In Event of Moon Disaster' album.
Both videos are available on my YouTube channel: HERE
Observing the foxes gave me a routine, it grounded me in the present moment, it was really a meditation and therapy for me. Having the videos to share is just the cherry on top for trusting in this process and taking the time for myself.
How are dealing with the Covid second wave?
As the Big Lebowski once said, "Oh you know, strikes and gutters, ups and downs". Overall things are going well!
I am actually back in the classroom until June teaching High School Electronics in Winnipeg. I consider myself quite lucky to have the ability to get back in the classroom in this time.
The most challenging part of my day-to-day is making sure I don't burn myself out between days spent teaching and rolling out this record with my evenings and weekends.
I am thankful to have such a wonderful supportive team working with me through it all!
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
I played the Brixx room many years ago, actually it was on my first tour of Canada as a member of my pal Kayla Luky's band...I also remember being offered comp tickets to a Bahamas show at the Starlite Room, but unfortunately it didn't line up with our itinerary.
So I may not have a favourite Starlite moment, but I do have a favourite Starlite regret not seeing that show!
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Hang in there, stay safe, I can’t wait to share some exciting summer plans with you, as well as some more music later this year!
I’d love to hear from you as well, it’s hard to fill the void of connecting with people at shows.
Much love to you all!
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
JEN@CONCERTWORKS.CA
