If you’re looking for a fun and infectious tune to get stuck in your head take a listen to “Red Omen” by Canadian singer/songwriter Ed Roman. In addition to writing catchy tunes that get regular rotation on radio across North America and Worldwide, Roman also lends his talents to humanitarian efforts including traveling to Jamaica to assist with much-needed aid while shooting his video and writing a song dedicated to veterans called “Lay One Down”.
We had a chance to chance to chat with Ed Roman as part of our Music Spotlight series to discuss his latest single ‘Red Omen’ from his new album of the same name to find out what exactly “Red Omen” means and what motivates him in this crazy music industry. Check out the interview below and be sure to download the album which is available on iTunes and all digital platforms.
Ed Roman
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Describe your music for those who have never heard it.
I call it kitchen sink music. I seem to be predisposed to writing in many genres as a result of loving a wide variety of music. I like pockets and things with grooves. Interesting places that lyrics take you. Not just superficially but somehow have layers and depths that allow the listener a sense of ownership and connection.
Tell us about this song, “Red Omen”:
You must realize that it is an anagram of my own name. With that said it’s really a song about me. Past, present and perhaps future events that have shaped me as a human being. It’s really a cartoon-esque like toon that tingles the imagination.
The concept of an omen can you to be taken in a good way or a bad way depending on how one sees it. The color red represents a warning symbol in nature as well as a frequency color that suggests something is edible. Such is the duality of life as they are filled with choices and roads which we either decide to take or in some cases forge new avenues into different territory.
What inspired you to pursue music?
This question is timeless but for me, music has offered me a form of self-discipline, respect and a sense of community that communicates in a completely different way. The language of music is understood worldwide and that’s why I believe many musicians feel a connection to this craft. We can express ourselves freely and openly. Music is a lifelong pursuit and something that is so deeply rooted in the self that it is really hard to stop learning and to keep moving forward as a result of the excitement of our craft.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment so far?
I have received many awards and accolades from people all around the world, but my greatest accomplishment is the fact that I am able to do what I do. It can be extremely difficult to break into this industry but my pursuit or perhaps stubborn headedness along with the incredible achievements of my manager and publicist Michael Stover, we have been able to spread the music around the world and share the art with so many people. That’s HUGE.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I think the biggest challenge with anybody working in this industry is the continual navigation of its changing pace and making connections to sustain ourselves financially. The challenge isn’t making the art but it is an artform and extremely challenging to pay the bills.
What is your music goal for the year?
I’d like to say thank you so kindly for having me today as a guest and being able to talk about what I do. It’s been a pleasure.
My goal for 2018 is a new project that I am working on entitled “A Recipe for Perpetual Spring”. As I am a gardener and someone that grows food, I see a close kinship to my art form and gardening. Songs are nurtured just like a seed. They are tended, weeded through, they ask of you subtle things and in time through your experience, they provide you a bounty of sustenance. Please look for new releases on this upcoming project in the next year to come.
Again, thank you so kindly for having me and have a most blessed 2018.