You will find B次元官网网址楾oday in B.C.B次元官网网址� podcasts on , , , and podcasts.
Host Peter McCully chats with Brad Merritt, bassist and one of the founding members of Canadian rock band 54-40 with Neil Osborne. The two met in High School in Tsawwassen.
The bandB次元官网网址檚 first gig December 8th, 1980 was at the Palomino Club in Port Coquitlam, the night that John Lennon was shot in New York.
B次元官网网址業B次元官网网址檓 driving out there and I hear that on the radio that John LennonB次元官网网址檚 been shot. it was just a gut punch. As anybody that, loved music and loved the Beatles as I did, said Merritt.
B次元官网网址業 donB次元官网网址檛 think there was any greater context than what happened, but he ended, we started, it was something, I tell you, Peter, he is one of the most influential musicians. And he was an icon and he represented something that was bigger than himself and a true artist.B次元官网网址�
With his distinctive basslines and solid rhythm section work, Merritt has been an integral part of the bandB次元官网网址檚 sound for over three decades.
In addition to the music, 54-40 has been active in social and political causes supporting organizations like amnesty International, the Canadian Cancer Society and Every WomanB次元官网网址檚 Health Clinic in Vancouver.
Merritt says, B次元官网网址業tB次元官网网址檚 what we do. I think that art can be separate from that, but on a human level, itB次元官网网址檚 something that people should involve themselves with. As a band, as an entity that has a chance to influence people or raise money, we like to do that.B次元官网网址�
McCully asked Merritt how he feels about the new artificial intelligence writing and chat programs and what possible effect could that have on the music industry, good or bad?
B次元官网网址業B次元官网网址檓 sure that artists will use it as well. And thereB次元官网网址檚 nothing we can do about it. ItB次元官网网址檚 going to be the new reality. so I think acceptance is going to be important. And then how itB次元官网网址檚 actually utilized. I think people yearn for authenticity, And something is, generated by chat GPT. Eventually musicB次元官网网址檚 going to be composed by it as well. And some of itB次元官网网址檚 going to be catchy and some of itB次元官网网址檚 going to be commercialized. I have a feeling that humanity will be able to sort this out. My point is that there has to be an essence of the artist in whateverB次元官网网址檚 created, whether AI is used or isnB次元官网网址檛 used, it wonB次元官网网址檛 stand the test of time.B次元官网网址�
ItB次元官网网址檚 not just their musical range that makes 54-40 special. The bandB次元官网网址檚 lyrics are also a major part of their appeal. Over the years, they have tackled a wide range of topics, from love and relationships to politics and social justice.
The podcast contains the new single to be released in the fall of 2023, the title track from the upcoming album B次元官网网址榃est Coast Band.B次元官网网址� The group will be touring extensively as well.
If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment.
LISTEN:
LISTEN:
Like us on and follow us on
(West Coast Band - Osborne / Merritt / Glenn / Johnson)
