A Coffee with Matt Laird from The Brasstactics!

Cam Milikin and Jennifer Heric host an engaging conversation with Matt Lair from the Edmonton-based brass band, Brass Tactics. They discuss the band's unique New Orleans-style performances, which include lively renditions of songs from AC/DC to Dr. Dre. Matt shares his journey from a non-musical family to leading a vibrant brass band, highlighting the importance of confidence and preparation. The band is known for its dynamic presence at Edmonton Oilers games and offers versatile performances for various events. The episode underscores the joy and community spirit Brass Tactics brings to Edmonton.

• The podcast begins with hosts Cam Milikin and Jennifer Heric discussing the smoky weather in Alberta due to forest fires.
• They mention the Edmonton Oilers' recent loss but express optimism about the team's future.
• The podcast is recorded live at the Wall Coffee Roasters in downtown Aerson, with background noises from the coffee shop setting.

"Good morning, everybody, and welcome to another edition of the ABA Coffee in the Park."

• Sets the tone for a casual and conversational podcast episode.

• The hosts thank their gold corporate sponsors: Mshack Group of Companies, GenX, Parkland County, and Bo Valley Credit Union.
• Emphasizes the importance of sponsors in enabling the podcast's activities.

"We would like to thank our gold corporate sponsors, which include the Mshack group of companies, GenX, Parkland County, and Bo Valley Credit Union."

• Highlights the critical role of sponsors in supporting the podcast.

• Hosts express excitement about the upcoming ABA Aerson Business Association golf tournament, which is a highly anticipated and quickly sold-out event.
• Discusses the popularity and demand for the tournament, drawing parallels to buying tickets from Ticketmaster.

"It's the golf tournament this week. The ABA, Aerson Business Association golf tournament, which sells out, by the way, in 24 hours."

• Illustrates the tournament's popularity and the anticipation surrounding it.

• Matt Lair from the Brass Tactics is introduced as a special guest attending the golf tournament.
• The Brass Tactics is described as a New Orleans style brass band based in Edmonton, performing a wide range of music from AC/DC to Dr. Dre.

"Our guest today is Matt Lair with the Brass Tactics. Brass Tactics, we are a brass band located here in Edmonton."

• Provides background on Matt Lair and the unique musical style of the Brass Tactics.

• The band consists of instruments like trumpets, saxophones, sousaphone (tuba), trombone, and drums.
• They perform as a mobile mini marching band at events, including Edmonton Oilers games.

"We play everything from AC/DC to Dr. Dre... We are completely mobile."

• Highlights the band's diverse musical repertoire and dynamic performance style.

• Matt was born and raised in Edmonton, on the west end, and attended Harry Anley High School.
• He became involved in music through a drum corps and had no familial musical background.

"I was born here in Edmonton... I got into music. None of my family... is musical whatsoever."

• Details Matt's origins and unconventional entry into music.

• Matt attended Harry Anley High School due to a connection with a music teacher who needed tuba players.
• He also served as the high school mascot, embodying the Titan character.

"I actually was the Harry mascot as well... Their mascot is Titan."

• Describes Matt's high school experience and unique role as a mascot.

• The podcast segment concludes with a light-hearted discussion about high school mascots and sports events.
• Matt's journey from a non-musical family to becoming a key figure in a popular brass band is highlighted.

• The speaker discusses their experience in a marching band, starting with the baritone and transitioning to the tuba.
• They participated in high-level drum corps competitions, which are highly competitive and likened to an underground world.
• The speaker marched for the Madison Scouts and achieved fifth in the world in 2005.
• Drum corps is described as the "NHL of the marching band," highlighting its prestige.

"I started out on the baritone, but I ended up going to barone's a little tuba tuba."

• The speaker's musical journey began with the baritone, eventually leading to playing the tuba, showcasing their progression in the marching band.

"I marched for the Madison Scouts...we got fifth in the world."

• The speaker's participation in the Madison Scouts and their achievement of fifth place globally underscores the competitive nature and high level of drum corps.

• Music served as a means for the speaker to travel, participating in tours to places like Italy and Germany.
• The speaker emphasizes that the connections and experiences gained through music were more significant than the music itself.

"Music was my vessel to travel."

• The speaker used music as an opportunity to explore the world, indicating that travel was a primary motivation for their involvement in music.

"The music is secondary...the connections that we build with people, the places we're able to go to, the things that we were able to do and see."

• The speaker values the relationships and experiences gained through music over the act of making music itself.

• After aging out of the drum corps, the speaker shifted focus to family life, moving to Red Deer and raising two daughters.
• Music took a backseat during this period, as the speaker was not actively involved in playing or performing.

"I kind of quit music for, you know, I had a family. I had two girls."

• The speaker's priorities shifted from music to family life, indicating a temporary departure from their musical pursuits.

• Despite stepping away from music, the speaker retained a passion for it, eventually purchasing a sousaphone.
• The influence of New Orleans brass bands reignited their interest, leading to a desire to establish a similar band in Edmonton.

"I found a souafhone for sale...I bought it."

• The speaker's purchase of a sousaphone signifies their continued interest in music, despite not actively playing in a band.

"We need to have a New Orleans style brass band. Edmonton doesn't have one."

• Inspired by New Orleans brass bands, the speaker expresses a desire to create a similar musical experience in Edmonton.

• The speaker and their drummer friend Blair, who also has a background in drum corps, discuss forming a brass band.
• Their shared love for music and golf brings them together, and they express excitement for future musical endeavors.

"My drummer Blair...we both love golf."

• The speaker's connection with Blair, based on shared interests in music and golf, lays the foundation for their collaboration in forming a new brass band.

"Let's bring the band like do the band."

• The speaker's enthusiasm for creating a brass band highlights their commitment to reviving their musical passion and sharing it with others in Edmonton.

• The initial concept of forming a brass band was inspired by New Orleans-style music.
• The band formation was influenced by experiences in marching bands and drum corps, emphasizing both musical performance and visual spectacle.
• The process of assembling the band involved leveraging existing connections within the music community.

"Let's get the band back together. Let's get the band back together."

• The idea to form a band was driven by a desire to recreate a collective musical experience, despite not having a formal band before.

"When you're looking for contacts, you're like who's plugged in and who do they know?"

• Networking within the music community was crucial to finding the right band members, highlighting the importance of connections in assembling a team.

• The band focuses on high-energy performances that combine musical skill with engaging visuals and crowd interaction.
• Emphasis is placed on creating a production that is more than just musical playing, involving movement and synchronization.

"It's a different level. It's an energy level."

• The band's performances are characterized by a distinct energy that sets them apart from traditional orchestras.

"There is a production there, there is a performance, right?"

• The band aims to deliver a comprehensive performance experience, integrating music with visual elements and audience engagement.

• The band utilized social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote their services and organize events.
• They initiated a "brass blitz" offering affordable, short performances for various events, which quickly gained popularity.

"We had a Facebook post and Instagram, you know, and we went out on social media and said, 'This is who we are. This is what we do.'"

• Social media was a key tool for promoting the band and reaching potential clients.

"We booked 14 that day. The very first day."

• The initial "brass blitz" was highly successful, with the band performing at 14 different events in one day.

• The pandemic halted live performances, but the band adapted by playing outdoor gigs and utilizing their ability to perform without power.
• They faced challenges with new regulations, such as covering instrument bells, but continued to find innovative solutions.

"We had to do brass masks."

• The band had to comply with new health regulations, which included creating masks for their instruments.

"We could play outside. We could be socially distanced."

• Their ability to perform outdoors without needing power allowed them to continue playing during the pandemic, unlike many other musicians.

• The band felt a sense of purpose by providing joy and entertainment during difficult times.
• They received significant support from local venues like the Starlight Room, which helped them continue performing.

"People were like, 'You have no idea how much this meant to us.'"

• The band's performances had a meaningful impact on the community, providing much-needed relief and entertainment.

"Starlight Room in Edmonton, one of our biggest supporters."

• Local venues played a crucial role in supporting the band, offering creative solutions like rooftop performances to keep the music alive.

• The podcast discusses the Edmonton Oilers Drum and Brass Crew, highlighting the unique experience they provide during games.
• The band enhances the game atmosphere, creating memorable experiences for attendees, including those with special needs.
• The Edmonton Oilers experience is considered one of the best in the league, with other teams seeking to emulate it.

"I play with the Oilers drum and brass crew and I love it. It's amazing. You guys are so... It adds so much before the game."

• The band significantly contributes to the pre-game excitement and overall atmosphere.

"For a lot of people, like the diehard hockey people who are dialed into the game, and then there's the people that come for the whole experience and you guys just add to the whole experience."

• The band appeals to both diehard fans and those who enjoy the broader experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the event.

"Even watching the game last night in Florida, one of the announcers, mind you a Canadian announcer, said this is nothing like Edmonton. This is... it isn't. We are unique."

• The unique atmosphere at Edmonton Oilers games is recognized even by external commentators, highlighting its distinctiveness.

• The guest shares advice on the importance of confidence, self-belief, and preparation in achieving success.
• Confidence should be rooted in diligent preparation and practice rather than being superficially adopted.

"It's confidence and believing in yourself and just... not exuding confidence but just believing in yourself and go with your gut."

• Confidence is essential, but it should be genuine and based on self-belief.

"You can't just pull confidence out of the air. So work at the things that will get you to that."

• True confidence is built through preparation and practice, not spontaneously generated.

• The Brass Tactics band is available for various events, and their booking details are shared.
• They offer performances for a wide range of occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and even funerals.

"If people want to book, how do they do that? How do they find you? Come out to our website, www.thebrasstactics.com."

• The band can be booked through their website, offering a straightforward way to engage their services.

"We've got weddings, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, corporate events, golf tournaments. We do funerals."

• The band is versatile, performing at a variety of events, showcasing their adaptability.

• The hosts express their admiration for the guest and the band, indicating plans to see them perform.
• The conversation ends with positive reflections and enthusiasm for future events featuring the band.

"Matt, thanks so much, man. You're great. You're awesome. You guys do an amazing thing. I appreciate it."

• The hosts express gratitude and admiration for the band's work and impact.

"If you've never seen them, you need to go on their website and check them out. They're pretty incredible."

• The hosts encourage listeners to explore the band's work, underscoring their impressive performances.