EXCLUSIVE: Andre Colquhoun talks debut EP and cinematic visuals

Canadian actor, director, and musician, Andre Colquhoun is making his mark in the electronic R&B/soul realm with his debut 4 track EP Short Term. Through poetic lyrics, brought to life in an accompanying 10 minute film, Colquhoun takes audiences on an explorative journey of love and identity.  

We chatted with Colquhoun about the EP, his short film and what’s to come!

How does it feel to have your debut EP, ‘Short Term’ out in the world?

It feels great! A whole lot of passion and hard work went into ‘Short Term’ and I’m beyond happy to have finally shared it with the world.

What inspired each of the tracks on the EP?

Each of the tracks on the EP are experiences I’ve been through throughout my life. They’re pieces of reality expressed through song.

What was the production process like?

Each song on the EP started on the piano then transferred onto my digital audio workstation. Once everything is set, I start adding the different elements and structuring everything. The chords, the beat, and the vocals. After everything is locked, I send everything off to get mixed and mastered by a mixing and mastering engineer.

When you were writing were you writing with the visuals in mind?

As I was writing, I never had any type of visuals in mind. It was only after all the writing was finished that I started seeing the visuals.

You worked with Sylo Nozra. How did you get connected and what was it like collaborating?

I’ve been listening to Sylo Nozra’s music for a long time. His music truly connects with me. After finding out he mixes and masters his own music, I had to connect with him. I didn’t want to mix and master the EP myself because I believe having a second set of ears is very beneficial. Collaborating with him was amazing. He pays close attention to detail and is very patient.

What inspired you to combine all the tracks into a short film?

Each song on the EP “With You,” “Now,” “Awful Misery,” and “In Stages” connect with each other. The EP is like a roller coaster. There’s ups, downs, flips, and turns. I wanted to sustain that same element of connection in a short film format. Like music, I love films. So when the idea came to me, to create a film, I immediately jumped on it.

What was it like being both in front of and behind the camera?

It was both exciting and challenging. I absolutely loved it!

You’re also an actor and filmmaker. Has acting and filmmaking taught you anything about music or vice versa?

Acting and filmmaking has definitely taught me a lot about music. As an actor, you need to be able to perform at your highest level, uniquely and authentically. Same goes for music. As a filmmaker, you need to be able to construct, organize, and lead the ship. Same goes for music.

If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to your EP, what do you imagine it looking like?

It would take place in my home studio where it all happened.

How do you hope people feel after listening to your music?

I hope people feel calm and relaxed. I also hope people feel they’re not alone.

How did you first become interested in music?

Music has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I would always be singing. In my room, in the shower, at school, even in my dreams. I remember coming home from school one day and seeing a piano in the living room that my parents bought for me. I was so happy. I started teaching myself how to play and over time became better. I played and sang almost everyday.

Who did you listen to growing up and did they influence your sound?

A lot of Gospel, R&B, Soul, and Pop has definitely influenced my sound. With that being said, I’m always exploring and finding new sounds.

How would you describe your sound?

Truthful. Everything I create comes from the heart.

What can fans look forward to next?

Definitely more music, acting, and films!

What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?

Life is way too short. If you’re good at something that can bring positivity, do it.

– Andre Colquhoun

Listen to the EP Short Term here.