Flying solo with Dominique Fricot

by Irene Lo

Last weekend, Quip Magazine had the pleasure to chat with Vancouver-based acoustic singer-songwriter Dominique Fricot. Catching some afternoon rays on the rooftop patio at Falconetti’s on The Drive, Fricot was easy-going on top of a recently busy schedule. Tall with a warm voice, Fricot is a recognizable figure in the Lower Mainland whose past achievements include becoming a Top 10 Regional Finalist in 2014’s CBC Searchlight Competition. Back in 2012 when Fricot launched his solo career, he was one of 20 finalists in The Peak Performance Project to reach the boot camp stage where he was in good company with local favorites like The Gay Nineties. Over the course of drinks and appetizers, Fricot talked about his excitement toreturn to Canadian Music Week this Friday on May 8th at The Vault, how he keeps his various musical projects separate and distinct as well as his love for small towns.

Raised in Salmon Arm, Fricot reminisced about its musical environment and the fact that he would be returning there this summer during his tour. “Going back to my home town to play Wednesday On The Wharf – that was an artistic stronghold. Growing up as a kid in the summer, you’d go down, watch a free concert.”

And with tour stops aplenty in small towns across Western Canada, it was interesting to get Fricot’s perspective on finding himself in places similar to his upbringing. “In a way, all small towns are small towns, and, at the same time, they have a very specific feel to them. I think there is an essence of small towns that can be friendly, modest and welcoming. When you play in small towns, often it’s people who are grateful something came to them, especially if they are off the beaten path. I’ve played Juno Fest in Regina and Moose Jaw, and it can be fun because you’re playing on a Tuesday and the event will be the only event that has happened over a three week period.”

Tiny Lights Festival in Ymir as well as ArtsWells Festival in Wells are upcoming festivals Fricot was enthusiastic about performing for the first time, but he was as pleased to be in Toronto for CMW. “My friend Matt from Northwood Records is the one who put together this showcase and he invited me a couple months back and told me the vibe of the room. It’s going to be [a] good listening room for acoustic artists.”

Preparing for the tour in the midst of launching the latest music video for his single, “Those Eyes”, as well as performing live with his band REGAL means Fricot has been juggling a lot on his plate. The video release party for “Those Eyes” at Pyatt Hall last month was one of his best nights to date.

“That was probably my favourite in terms of the size and the sound of the room. That’s ideally what I would want to be doing is the least amplification  possible. Just letting the instruments speak for themselves.”

While releasing music under his name allows him the freedom to take artistic liberties, Fricot also has been working with REGAL, an electronic band, besides continuing to supply toplines for mysterious Swedish producers – how does Fricot manage to keep the different sides to his music and himself separate?

“It is a tricky, weird dance between this me and that me. I’m still new to that. I’m still trying to figure that out. It’s allowing me to say I want my solo project be me and strings – completely naked on acoustic whereas my other project is industrial -sounding. You got to be yourself in every situation. I’m always trying to be confessional and honest with what I’m saying.”

There’ll be more of that coming from Fricot who has been writing new songs since the release of his second solo album, Sweet Little Fantasy, and he will most likely be heading to the studio as early as this fall. Quip is excited on hearing future updates from the acoustic artist.