No time for dust to settle on Northcote

By Jayme Hagen

CANORA- Matt Goud’s solo project, Northcote, will see Goud on stage at The Haven Social Club April 19. This is the same day his new album comes up – his first proper full-length, titled Gather No Dust.

There are a couple differences in the style between this and his debut EP recording, Borrowed Chords, Tired Eyes.

“It’s pretty minimal,” said Goud. “But, there’s a bit more experimentation than the EP.”

Gather No Dust also sees guest appearances from members of The Paint Movement, Attack in Black, Yukon Blonde and Shad.

More importantly to the content of the album are the changes in Goud’s life.

“I have another year or two of life under my belt,” said Goud.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Goud has spent the past two years living in various places including Yellowknife, Vancouver and now Victoria where he currently resides. Though Goud stresses he is new to this way of living.

“I’m a prairie boy,” said Goud. “I’m living on the West Coast now, but I’m new to it, I’ll kind of always be a prairie boy.”

For those that have seen him on tour before, it will be a slightly different experience as Goud is touring with his friend John Gerrard. During the shows Gerrard will be playing some back-up instrumentation such as bass or drums. Gerrard also appears on the new album and did the artwork for both Northcote albums.

Goud’s touring experience did not start with Northcote. He has been on the road with bands of a considerable different genre, best known for being in the hardcore band Means.

Though Goud does not feel a different style impacts the importance of touring for him.

“The feeling of performing has always been a big draw to me,” said Goud. “Any kind of genre I have the same feeling.”

It is the way he tours which is considerably different as a solo artist. Though there are less expenses, Goud says there is the factor of loneliness.

“I tour in a car,” said Goud. “I don’t have a sense of camaraderie, I’m on my own.”

Goud has played crowds of all different sizes. He’s gone from performing at Avenue Theatre in Edmonton with only a dozen people, to a sold out barroom in Calgary where he opened for Chuck Ragan during the Sled Island Music Festival. The size of the crowd has little effect on his performance.

“I get nervous and I enjoy performing in front of crowds of all different sizes,” said Goud.

For Goud, its often the nights where he feels like he has the smallest crowd that end up being his favourite shows.

“Even if the night feels a little bit cold, that’s when you try your best to play your songs and connect,” said Goud. “It’s just people hanging out, so I do my best to connect with whoever’s there.”

Oh, and for the record, Goud is an Oilers fan.

“Jets were my main favourite,” said Goud. “But I switched to the Oilers when I was a kid a long time ago.”

Doors open at 8 p.m.