Saskatchewan-based artist Brodie Moniker will be releasing his first album Nowhere Left to Ghost on Mar. 4 at Amigos. Alongside Moniker, the bands Von Jumbo and TOAM will also be playing, guaranteeing a fun night for residents of Saskatoon and students alike.

As part of the music scene for more than 15 years, Monkier has put together various albums under different appellations — most recently, PandaCorn’s Synthesis of Opposites, as well as one of his first albums with a band called Brian Sauce.

Along with the release of his debut album, musician Brodie Moniker is set to play Amigos on Mar. 4.

“Once I mustered the personal power to do that, [centre on myself], I found myself surrounded by beautiful people who shared the same vision. Drake Mark, Steve Leidal and Orion Paradis were integral to the recording of these songs,” Monkier said, in an email to the Sheaf.

Moniker describes his music as mixed genres — from rock to electronic, even to the blues.

“I’ve always had eclectic tastes. I don’t think that much has changed. I think what has changed is my worry about things fitting together and people understanding all my stylistic choices. Someday I hope to be able to put the heaviest, hardest, darkest metal, next to the folk and heartstring ballad and do both with reverie and the respect all music deserves,” Moniker said.

Growing up, Moniker never felt his attention was meant for sports but luckily was introduced to music later in school, which sparked his passion.

“When I was young I struggled with sports … that was a serious downer, especially in rural Saskatchewan, where a good part of your manhood is measured by your sporting. Then in a small middle school in southern Saskatchewan someone gave me a saxophone and said, ‘blow,’ and it was then that I found something I could be good at without risking my life,” Moniker said.

Often artists cite their place of birth as a source of inspiration — this is only partially true for Moniker.

“I believe you are a product of your surroundings, but ultimately I try to take in what the world has to offer and express things bigger than my prairie upbringings. I love this place, but it is not my entire world,” Moniker said.

Citing artists such as Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Nick Drake and St. Vincent, Moniker finds artists who explore outside of the box to be an inspiration to him and his music.

“When I see someone doing something great, with a voice and expression that doesn’t remind me of anything past, present or future, then I’m inspired to traverse unexplored territory myself,” Moniker said.

In exploring his sound, Moniker even went on to discuss using less traditional ways of tuning.

“I often wonder if frequencies beyond our hearing are affecting us in ways, or the idea of ‘standard’ tuning not necessarily being harmonious with our environment. I think Joni Mitchell used to tune her guitar to the sounds of birds and waterfalls before she’d write — maybe I’ll do more of that sort of thing in the future,” Moniker said.

Describing music as its own language, Moniker feels music is important to help express emotions.

“There’s something that can be expressed there that words can’t touch. Arranging sounds is as old as any vocalization and can express a wide range of emotions,” Moniker said.

Round up a couple of friends and come out to the show — it will be a night filled with good food and drinks and of course, good music.

Moniker’s album will be available on Mar. 25 for purchase on iTunes and off his website, brodiemoniker.com.Tickets for Brodie Moniker at Amigos on Mar. 4 at 10 p.m. will be available for purchase at the door for $10. The event is 19+ and you must have valid ID to enter.

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Bridget Morrison / Culture Editor

Photo: Jeff Sawatsky / Supplied