Status Quo – Craig Pedersen
Craig Pedersen arrived in Ottawa, tried living downtown and then settled on a house in Hull because there were fewer noises complaints from his neighbours. The cause: his trumpet, which has kept him hopping professionally, including two performances at Ottawa Jazzfest. He has two degrees in classical music but prefers the jazz he fell in love with as a bass player in a high-school band. Like most jazz musicians, he’s attracted to its non-hierarchical format and how it becomes “a conversation with other musicians in hope that some eavesdropper will find it interesting.”
Musicians/composer Craig Pedersen. Photo by Mike Levin.
What is your present state of mind?
Focused and inspired.
What is your biggest fault?
Right now, procrastination. In the past, taking on too much work.
Where is your ideal place to live?
Somewhere where I can make music at all hours and be an active part of a creative, inspiring community.
When were you happiest?
Last night.
Who is your favourite historical figure?
Does my grandmother count? She’s pretty great.
What human quality do you most admire?
Stick-with-it-ness.
What is the most over-rated human virtue?
Success and pride.
Who is your favourite fictional character?
Nakata, from Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore. He can talk to cats!
What was your greatest misfortune?
Everything misfortunate is a fortune cookie in disguise.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do what you love, and the money will come.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Extravagance?
What is your favourite journey?
The one without an end.
What is your greatest regret?
None, really.
What talent would you most like to have?
Not a big believer in the power of talent.
What is your most treasured possession?
My journals and practice log.
What male quality do you most admire?
Not subscribing to gender binaries.
What female quality do you most admire?
Not subscribing to gender binaries.
What is your motto?
Feel how you feel.
Art has the potential to…..?
Be anything.
What, if anything, scares you about the creative process?
Getting to know yourself.
Leave your response!