Music

CMW QUESTIONNAIRE: Grey Kingdom's Spencer Burton is bringing jams, jam, and whiskey marmalade

by Mark Teo

When Attack in Black went on hiatus in 2010, few could’ve predicted its members’ future musical trajectory: Singer Daniel Romano quietly became one of Canada’s finest country musicians. Loveable bassist Ian Kehoe—whose ruddy cheeks always made it seem like he’d just returned from tobogganing—started the slanted and enchanted jangle-pop outfit Marine Dreams. Guitarist Spencer Burton, meanwhile, started Grey Kingdom, a nuanced folk-act exploring his more sensitive—and self-deprecating—side. (Need proof of Burton’s misty-eyed tendencies? He named his first Dine Alone-released LP The Eulogy of Her and Her and Her, while his stark 2012 EP was called the Weeping Suns. You sad, bro?) We caught up with Burton to talk about blueberry jam, his crestfallen jams, and why you should hang out with Grandma Spencer.

Hey Spencer! What’s new with Grey Kingdom?

I’ve perfected my whiskey marmalade recipe. I can’t tell you how I’ve done it. Just know that it’s been done. Nothing can change with it from this day forward. That, and I have also made the most perfect cod chowder. The key is savory, just the right amount. I am also almost done writing for the next record.

Being from Southern Ontario, you’re evidently familiar with Toronto. What are you most looking forward to seeing or doing in the city?

When I go to any new city, my heart’s desire is always set on food… food and friends. I’m looking forward to seeing some old faces and then stuffing those faces (and my own) with all the flavors of the world. Toronto has such a variety. Look out Tum Tum.

Is there anything you’re adamant about seeing this year at CMW, music, film or comedy-wise?

I heard there’s going to be a fireside chat with Alexandra Patsavas. She is the curator of the music for the Twilight franchise and such television series as The OC and Gossip Girl. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Gossip Girl. [ED: Alexandra Patsavas’s fireside chat happens at the Grand Ballroom on Saturday, March 23. More here.]

What’s the best and worst thing about a festival like CMW? Does it compare to others you’ve played or attended?

There are many pros and many cons to festivals like CMW. I’m happy to be here, though, and happy that I will get to see the faces of many friends.

Who are your favourite Toronto bands or artists—and why?

There are so many of my favorite bands stationed in Toronto right now. It’s going to be hard to list them all—Marine Dreams, The Weather Station, and Baby Eagle, to name a few. I had the privilege of seeing a new Toronto-based band The Highest Order [which has members of seminal country act One Hundred Dollars] not too long ago. They were pretty amazing. I guess I’d say I like these bands simply because I think they are good. Listen to them.

Tell us why your show is the show everyone should make sure to see.

I’m sure there are lots of things you can do on a Friday night in Toronto during CMW. However, the only show I’m going to be at is my own. Not because I have to, but because I want to. I’ll also be bringing my homemade blueberry jam, whiskey marmalade and brand spankin’ new Grey Kingdom t-shirts to sell. Jams and jam. So quit trying to be so cool and come hang out with grandma Spencer.

What else is Grey Kingdom up to that we should know about? Do you have any other projects on the go?

I’m currently reading Willie Nelson’s book, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die. Does reading a book count as a project? Probably not.

Grey Kingdom plays on Friday, March 22 at Shanghai Cowgirl and Saturday, March 23 at The Drake Hotel.