Louise Burns is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician from Vancouver BC. She has spent over two decades in the music business, first signing to Madonna’s Maverick label when she was just 15. Now a sought after collaborator and producer, she works primarily out of her Vancouver home studio and has toured extensively around the world, including India, Australia, Japan and China.

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What was your latest book discovery? What are your favorite books of all time?

While it isn’t an entirely new discovery, I have recently committed myself to re-reading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, including doing all the exercises. I’m in a book club where we meet every Tuesday to discuss our progress with the book. I love it – I am a creative process self help book nerd so this is basically my church.

I also just read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. I missed the characters when I was finished. My favourite books of all time are A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

Most visited blogs, websites?

The Guardian UK
BBC
The Complete Producer Network (an online platform for music producers started by my friend and mentor Damian Taylor)
Pinterest

Most recent internet searches?

Yellowstone cast season 1
Bonnie Henry
Vancouver weather
Borscht recipe vegan

What apps do you use the most and why?

WhatsApp – I keep in touch with my family and partner this way. I got in the habit of using it while on tour cuz its free with WiFi no matter where you are
Instagram
Spotify – I hate silence
Headspace – gotta take care of the mind these days

What’s currently on your playlist?

What albums would you recommend others listen to?

Asterisms by Matthew Cardinal
Untitled (Black Is) by SAULT
Apollo by Brian Eno

Fresh movie finds? What films do you think everybody should watch?

I love terrible erotic thrillers from the 80’s, so I’m shocked to say I only just discovered Against All Odds with Jeff Bridges and Rachel Ward. Rachel Ward’s outfits are amazing in this film.

Also, I mean, it feels so obvious but – Parasite!!!! It’s like we stopped talking about it during the pandemic – that movie is perfect.

Which artists working today do you admire most?

Hildur Guðnadóttir
Nick Cave
Azuma Makoto

What are some of your tv top tips right now?

I just discovered Yellowstone. I love it. I grew up in the East Kootenays which is in Canada pretty much right above Montana, where the show is set. The landscapes and cowboy culture are familiar to me. I grew up with horses as well, so anything with high equine content is my shit.

I also am watching the L Word for the first time. I have no idea how I hadn’t seen it before – probably something to do with not having cable when it came out in the early aughts. It was mostly shot in Vancouver so it’s fun watching a little slice of history unfold, including guest appearances by people I know, like The Organ, one of my favourite all time bands who are no longer together.

Who are you following?

Twitter:
Eve 6 guy – I’m gonna get sick of him soon, but right now I’m savouring his hilarious late 90’s music business anecdotes

Instagram:
@calleysunshine
@neontalk
@FransLanting
@ordinarypeoplemems

Podcasts:
Table Manners with Jessie Ware and her Mom – it’s so charming.
Hanging out with Audiophiles – I’m always learning by listening – great interviews and Jamie Lidell’s riffing is great.

What tools do you use in your work?

I use Logic Pro X, an Apollo Twin, any old midi controller, Fender Precision bass which I’ve had since I was 15, Fender Telecaster Thinline, Boss chorus ensemble, continuously digging the Arturia V7 collection…

What magazines / newspapers do you read regularly?

New York Times
Globe and Mail
The Guardian

What are your favorite gadgets?

My. Nintendo. Switch. How I waited so long to get one is beyond me. I play Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing, and every single Mario game I can find (currently Super Mario 64 – the graphics are so horrendous, I love it)

I also love going on long walks to listen to mixes, podcasts, audiobooks, etc… so I would have to say my earbuds, even though they are terrible and cut out every 6 minutes.

Best online buys lately?

Universal Audio Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection – on sale baby! Also, a big black sweatshirt from Kotn.