In this episode of Welcome To The Music, Karim Kanji sits down with legendary Canadian musician Rik Emmett of Triumph for a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation.

Emmett reflects on his return to the stage with Triumph, sharing how preparing for the upcoming tour has renewed his sense of purpose, discipline, and creativity. He opens up about aging, managing physical limitations, and what it means to keep moving forward—both as an artist and as a person.

The conversation also explores his latest work as a poet, including the themes behind his new book and the idea of “leaning into it”—embracing challenge, uncertainty, and the creative process itself. Emmett offers candid insights on technology, the modern digital world, and the tension between innovation and humanity.

Plus, he looks back on Toronto’s storied live music scene, sharing vivid memories of venues like the Gasworks and the early days of building Triumph into a band that aimed far beyond the bar stage.

A reflective, honest, and inspiring discussion with one of Canada’s most iconic voices in music.

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Marc Jordan discussed his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," with Karim Kanji, highlighting the collaborative process with author Don Breithaupt and reflecting on his personal experiences, including challenges with dyslexia and substance use that shaped his artistic journey.

He shared stories from his early performances at The Gasworks, emphasizing its significance in his career and expressing concerns about the current viability of music venues. Jordan reminisced about Toronto's vibrant music scene, particularly the role of Yonge Street in making live music accessible, while acknowledging the changes in artist support and promotion over the years.

He underscored the importance of authenticity in his songwriting, a principle recognized by his publishers, and noted that the biography serves as a way to share his life stories with his children, with the book available for purchase online and in local bookstores.

Insights on Biography and Music Industry Dynamics

In a conversation with Karim Kanji, Marc Jordan shared insights about his biography, which was written by Don Breithaupt. He recounted how revisiting his past, including his struggles with dyslexia and substance use, provided him with a new understanding of his life. Marc emphasized the importance of authenticity in art and mentioned that he offers advice to his son only when asked, acknowledging the generational differences in the music industry.

Memories of The Gasworks

In a discussion about The Gasworks, Marc Jordan recounted his early performances there, describing the fear he felt as a new musician. He noted that it was one of the first significant venues he played, which contributed to his growth as an artist. Karim Kanji and Marc also discussed the changes that have occurred at other venues.

The Evolution of Toronto's Music Scene

Marc Jordan reflected on the historical importance of The Gasworks, noting it was a top venue where many great bands performed. He described the Yonge Street Strip as the heart of Toronto's music scene, where clubs thrived due to their central location. Jordan shared personal memories of discovering music as a teenager, emphasizing the excitement of hearing live performances from artists like Ronnie Hawkins and David Clayton Thomas.

Insights on Biography and Music Career

Marc Jordan reflected on the writing of his biography, "Rhythm of My Heart," emphasizing the joy of sharing his story with his family. He noted that his approach to songwriting has always been driven by personal meaning rather than commercial considerations, which his publishers recognized early on. Jordan appreciated the freedom he was given to create music authentically.

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Welcome to the podcast a returning guest, Rik Emmett. Rik recently wrote a book called, Ten Telecaster Tales (published by ECW Press).

The discussion focused on Rik Emmett's creative journey, technical challenges, and insights into his latest projects. Emmett shared a humorous anecdote about a past miscommunication with a journalist. He elaborated on the artistic collaboration behind the cover of his book, highlighting the artist's steampunk design and his own contributions. The conversation also touched on Emmett's new Telecaster guitar, named "Babs," emphasizing its ergonomic features designed for aging musicians, and his plans to develop a prototype.

Emmett discussed his recent live performances aimed at promoting his book, expressing enjoyment in the creative process despite the pressures of the music industry. He reflected on his decision to step away from teaching due to stress and the changing landscape of the music business. Emmett emphasized the importance of family in his life and shared his unconventional approach to music notation.

For more information on Ten Telecaster Tales visit ECW Press.

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