We spoke with Kayla, Marc, and Melisa about what inspired them to play music, working together and the importance of celebrating the local community and homegrown talent.
How did you each get involved in music?
Marc: My mom was one of 16 children living in the country around the Ste. Amilie / Laurier area. Growing up, every family gathering I went to included a "hootenanny" portion filled with guitars, harmonies and mostly country music. These were the seeds that grew into an interest in guitar and singing in my early twenties. Family hoe downs graduated to campfires with friends and eventually performing cover songs in public. It wasn't until later in life that I got into songwriting and exploring my own style of music.
Kayla: Growing up, my mom was always listening to the radio, which was a definite influence. Living in the middle of nowhere allowed my imagination to soar, so I was always creative (which included writing). When I was 12 or so I decided to pick up my mom's old guitar and teach myself how to play. Songwriting came very naturally after that.
Melisa: I started playing the piano when I was 4. I was a terrible student and never learned to site read, so I spent many days with my eyes closed humming melodies until I realized I loved to write lyrics. I was obsessed with Kurt Cobain, and after he died, my parents bought me my first guitar. Songwriting took off from there.
Marc: That's nice of you to say! I wouldn't describe ourselves as a new band, but rather more of a collective to bring each of our own songs to folks in a fresh way. We all became really great friends over the last decade or so when Ian started accompanying Melisa. I joined them to form a trio a few years later. I also got to play some shows with Kayla when we teamed up for a mini-tour a couple of years back. We were asked to play as a group for a guitar pull at Poor Michael's Emporium in Onanole in the summer of 2017. It was great fun. I started calling ourselves Parklandia and pitched the idea to Nadia for us to play Harvest Sun under the new banner. The stars have aligned for this year, and I hope we continue to put on more shows together in the future.
Kayla: This was all Marc's idea! I'm just along for the ride. ;)
Melisa: This was all Kayla and Marc's idea. I'm just hauling gear.
How have you managed to meld all your different backgrounds and musical tastes?
Marc: This is an interesting question, especially since we are really playing our own songs. Although our styles are fairly distinct from each other, and we are each a decade apart in age, we are all each other's biggest fans. Playing and singing our songs together is natural and a genuinely good time.
Kayla: For me, it always comes down to the songs. A good song is a good song, so it makes it easy to perform the solid bunch of tunes we have to offer.
Melisa: Respect and a lot of laughter.
What can they expect from Parklandia when they see you at Harvest Sun?
Marc: The folks should expect a great mix of our ballads and rockers, arranged with sweet harmonies and the tasty tones. All of our music combines for a nice combination of roots, country and "Canadiana."
Kayla: The audience will get a good cross-section of songs from each of us - to make you laugh and cry and dance with super hot guitar player Ian MacIntosh laying down the licks.
Why do you think a festival like Harvest Sun is essential especially for Manitoban musicians?
Marc: I love the festival and its loyalty to Manitoba artists. We have all appreciated the opportunity to share our music at this venue for the past few years. There is a rich music scene in Manitoba, and we need festivals like Harvest Sun to showcase it in the beautiful way that it does. Long may you run!
Kayla: Harvest Sun Festival is the real "joie de vivre" in every sense. It's a warm and welcoming opportunity to celebrate community and each other in picturesque Kelwood. Everyone involved and those attending are jolly, and as a performer, I appreciate the support given to Manitoba's own "homegrown.
Melisa: I'd echo Kayla on this one. Kelwood is a sleepy but magical little town. Every time I'm at Harvest Sun, I end up spending many special moments imagining myself growing old there. The festival vibe is always laid back and supportive.
Catch Parklandia when they hit the stage at The Harvest Sun Music Festival in Kelwood, MB - August 16 - 18th. Tickets are still on sale now but they’re going fast!
Tune into the Harvest Sun Instagram on August 11th, when the group takes over our feed and gifts us the glimpse into the world of Parklandia.
Get a taste of what you’ll hear from Kayla Luky and Marc Clement.
Janet Adamana is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Sound, Phrase & Fury Magazine - a Winnipeg-based digital publication dedicated to promoting independent artists and industry professionals from all over the world. More than just about inciting hype, she interviews/writes to capture an artists’ essence and their greatest passions to ignite meaningful connections between fans and really great bands.