As he prepares for his May 2 performance in Jasper, Canadian hip hop artist Shad is thinking less about a fixed setlist and more about the feeling of the place itself.
Q: How does performing in a small town differ from when you’re in a big city?
Shad: Every show is different—the energy depends on the city, the setting, whether it’s a festival or my own show. When I think about Jasper, I picture something uplifting. It feels like a close-knit community event. I don’t usually finalize a setlist until I’m there because I want to respond to that energy in the moment.
Q: Jasper is still recovering from the 2024 wildfire. Your recent work touches on new beginnings—what resonates there?
Shad: The album deals with difficult transitions, but I tried to give it an uplifting feeling. With music, even when you’re talking about hard things, there’s an inherent optimism—you’re processing it, making sense of it. In a live setting, coming together around those themes feels deeply hopeful. It reminds you that most people are good, and life is good. That creates a sense of possibility.
Q: You mentioned the importance of coming together—how significant is “fun” in that process?
Shad: It’s huge. We treat fun like it’s frivolous, but it’s not. Whether it’s music, relationships, or family life, having fun together lifts weight and creates hope. It’s actually essential.
Q: How has becoming a parent changed you?
Shad: It’s hard to put into words. It’s the most extraordinary thing and also the most normal thing. That paradox says a lot. One thing it’s taught me is that adults aren’t that complicated—we’re a lot like kids. We need structure, rest, care. If our needs aren’t met, we struggle. Parenting really simplified my understanding of people.
Q: What role has community played in your career?
Shad: It’s been my favourite part. From other artists to people I meet on the road, it’s all about connection. Even small interactions—someone saying hi—can turn into meaningful conversations. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and I don’t take it for granted.
Q: You’ve also been teaching recently. What have you learned from students?
Shad: They’re more optimistic than people might think. Even with the challenges they face, they’re excited about life. One interesting shift is how fragmented culture is now—everyone has different influences. It’s not like when we all knew the same songs growing up.
Q: How do your experiences in teaching and media influence your performance style?
Shad: They all come down to keeping things dynamic. Whether it’s a concert, a lecture, or an interview, you’re balancing energy, tone, and pacing. You want variety—something thoughtful, something light, something engaging.
Q: What do you see as the role of Canadian artists right now?
Shad: It’s an interesting moment. I think we’ll start taking more pride in our own artistic lineage—referencing each other more, celebrating our identity. Canadian music has always had a grounded, creative quality, and I think we’ll lean into that even more.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about your visit?
Shad: Just being there. I’m coming in early to explore and connect. Being out west is always a treat, and I’m excited to experience the community firsthand.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
