Ed Roman Talks Red Rocks, Vinyl And “The Gift” In This Exclusive Interview

Ed Roman is an Award-winning singer/songwriter, performer and multi-instrumentalist from Shelburne, Ontario, Canada. Blurring the lines between pop, rock, folk, and country music genres, Ed’s uniquely crafted songs have received regular rotation on more than 100 terrestrial radio stations across North America and more than 600 stations, worldwide. Ed is a 2014 Artists Music Guild Award Nominee, a 2014 and 2018 International Music and Entertainment Association Award Winner, a two-time 2015 IMEA Award nominee, a 2015 and 2016 Josie Show Awards winner, an Akademia Awards Winner, and a two-time Indie Music Channel Award winner. Ed recently won a 2017 Radio Music Award for Best Americana Artist. Ed’s latest release is the critically acclaimed album, “Red Omen.” His latest video, the title track from the album, is a New York Lift Off Online Film Festival selection, a KrakenCon Festival selection, a LA Cinefest semi-finalist and more.

The humble and insightful Roman took time out from the film festival circuit to answer a few questions, in this exclusive interview…

Indie Pulse Music:  Hi Ed!  Thanks for sitting down with us.  Tell us about the music scene in Toronto.

Ed Roman: The Toronto music scene has always been a robust breeding ground for fantastic musicians and music. Unfortunately many of us have to seek our fortunes further afield.

IPM: Who are you listening to these days?

Ed Roman: I listen to a lot of rhythm and blues and soul music from the 1960s and 70s. I find there’s a lot of mojo in those artists and numbers. Raw and unfettered just like the recordings and live performances.

IPM: If you could tour with one artist, opening shows, whom would that be?

Ed Roman: I love so many different artists and genres of music that it would be hard to figure out just one. Given the ability I would relish the opportunity to open up for just about anybody.

IPM: Why is “Red Omen” an important music release? Why should new listeners give it a chance?

Ed Roman: The title track of the record in the most latest release Red Omen is the figurehead for awareness in the educational field when it comes to dyslexia. As a young child was labelled a dyslexic… but today I see it as a gift. This song is showing at festivals all over the world and we are about to embark on a fundraising campaign for children’s tutoring programs. Hopefully it will also open a dialogue with political representatives to bring about a change in the educational system. It’s big !! it’s monster !! it’s huge!! How more apropos that a dyslexic create an anagram out of his own name to wield it in a far more positive fashion. It’s a great thing to be involved with especially when it comes to education for younger children..

IPM: If you could perform in your dream venue, where would that be, and why?

Ed Roman: I really love outdoor events so a place like Red Rocks in Colorado would be totally awesome. It’s the edge man.. The edge🗿

IPM: Your favorite song on your album is? Why is that?

Ed Roman: Right now I would have to say “Red Omen” is my favourite track as it is associated with something that is far bigger than me. The ability to help as many young children who also deal with the gift of dyslexia. I’m going to keep on calling it a gift… just so you know..

IPM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Ed Roman: I am more of a prognosticator of weather than I am of time. I have tried to dilate time in my life and not pay as much attention to the machine. The clock, watch or any other time keeping mechanism other than suppertime. I have learned that this can actually change my perception of time and the course of its length and actions. The more I think about the dialectics and organization of my every waking moment the less I actually spent time living.. five years… bring it on🗿

IPM: What means more to you: Sales, Awards, or critical praise? and why?

Ed Roman: What means the most to me is the ability to be able to practice my craft and perpetuate a humble financial existence in order to look after my family of musicians and friends.

IPM: Who is your dream collaboration? and why?

Ed Roman: I’m quite often asked this question and I could give you a list of people that cover genres over the last 150 years but I’m not gonna do that. My dream collaborations really are my musical friends and the people that I work with. We create something new and special every time we get together. My friendships through my collaborations are the most important thing to me in my life.

IPM: Where do you discover new music?

Ed Roman: It’s everywhere. Not just on the radio or your turntables or listening to MP3s on your Bluetooth headphones. It’s happening on the streets when people are walking and talking in garbled language. It’s happening in the machinery that’s running everywhere around us all the time. It’s happening in the silence. In vibrations of the subtle energy that flows between every living thing on this planet. But I do like to listen to a lot of vinyl. Lol

IPM: Any final thoughts, shout outs, lessons for our readers?

Ed Roman: I want to say thank you so kindly for having me today and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to speak with you and talk about my craft. Please check out any and all information about the video Red Omen. The festivals it will be appearing at and showcases over the next eight months are a fun way to keep up with what’s going on. Visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/RED-OMEN-The-Video-177029219598643/.

For more information on Ed Roman, please visit http://www.edroman.net.