Musician Finds Inspiration in LA Thrifting While Reflecting on Shifting US-Canada Relations
A Canadian musician recently returned to Los Angeles to finalize a long-term music project, finding a surprisingly subdued atmosphere and a renewed passion for vintage clothing that deeply informs his creative process. The artist, whose work explores the evolving dynamics between the United States and Canada, described a return to the US that felt markedly different from previous visits.
A Project Years in the Making
The musical endeavor has been underway since the previous US presidential administration, and the artist acknowledges that the geopolitical landscape has shifted considerably in the intervening years. The core of the project, he revealed, centers on “the simmering hostilities that have bubbled up between our countries along the 49th parallel,” a reference to the international border. While details remain forthcoming, the artist emphasized the project’s commentary on contemporary tensions.
Post-GRAMMY Calm and the Allure of the Inland Empire
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the musician noted a stark contrast to the usual post-GRAMMY buzz. Traffic was lighter than in Toronto, and tourism appeared significantly diminished. His time was primarily spent between studio work, essential grocery runs to Trader Joe’s, and an immersive exploration of Southern California’s thrifting landscape.
This pursuit of vintage clothing has become integral to his touring experience. “Ever since I became possessed with a passion for cultivating the perfect wardrobe through acquiring used clothing, the hunt has factored heavily into my touring experience,” he stated. He even incorporates his love of vintage garments into his upcoming album, as previously mentioned in his newsletter.
A recent acquisition of a driver’s license, prompted by his son’s birth a few years ago, has further fueled this exploration. Renting a car now allows him to venture beyond city limits, uncovering hidden gems in the suburbs. He developed “an intimate knowledge of the Inland Empire,” observing how community character shifts in real time. A visit to Rancho Cucamonga, while not yielding any immediate thrifting scores, proved inspiring.
Objects as Muse
The artist finds that the objects he discovers directly influence his songwriting. “That’s the weird thing about this hobby of mine. It informs my songwriting in a strange way. The places I go and the objects I come across become prompts for tracks.” A prime example is a pair of vintage two-tone suede Bally loafers found in Orange, which sparked an entire song. This phenomenon was particularly prevalent during the creation of his upcoming album, Forager. “Sometimes it feels like the universe is speaking to me when I’m out there digging.”
A 1979 Swiss Alpenflage jacket, acquired at Wasteland Studio City upon arrival in Los Angeles, was also seen as a positive sign.
Upcoming Events and Album Release
Fans can hear more about these finds and receive thrifting advice this Friday in an edition of the Pemberton Academy, where the artist will share his techniques for finding, cleaning, and managing vintage clothing.
The album Forager will be celebrated with a series of markets this spring in every Canadian city where the artist has previously lived. He plans to sell items discovered during his travels, including those from Los Angeles, and is seeking vintage sellers to participate.
You can find the artist updating playlists here. He is also active on TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky. His music is available on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Spotify, and merchandise can be purchased here. Readers are also encouraged to pick up a copy of Bedroom Rapper and leave a review on Goodreads.
