You might think Michael Rault would have some pretty big shoes to fill, being the son of respected Edmonton musician and CKUA DJ Lionel Rault, but he doesn’t think so.
“ I was going to his gigs from when I was 1
0 years old and there were always records and instruments lying around the house, It was very easy to get into, but it was never pushed on me,” said the Edmonton born younger Rault, taking a break from helping a friend move a couch.
He relocated about six months ago to his new home of Toronto.
He is one of several acts performing at the University of Lethbridge Fresh Fest, Sept. 8. Hannah Georgas, Brenna Lowrie band, The Utilities, Yes Nice, Mitchmatic, The Joe and Politics of Joy,” are also performing at the day long event at the university.
He has just released his latest EP “Whirlpool,” which has a strong ’60s feel like much of his music.
“I always liked blues music, and ’60s music always had a pervasive blues influence. So it was always there,” Rault said.
He played most of the instruments on the CD except for on one track on which his cousin played, who is a professional musician like his uncle and father.
“Guitar is my number one instrument, though I’m pretty good on bass,” he said trying to choose his favourite instrument to play.
He never intended to release Wishbone, originally he was just recording demos of the songs, but he was so pleased with the recordings, that he decided to release it as a CD.
“ I spent a lot of money on the last CD “Ma-Me-O” and recorded it in a professional studio,” he said. The CD ended up circulating all over the world, which lead to collaborations with musicians all over the place, including Bedouin Soundclash.
“It’s nice that so many people have become interested in working with me because of it.”
At his Freshfest show, he will be joined by Lethbridge guitarist Evan Eushenko, who will be touring with him. He got in contact with him as Rault was playing with fellow Edmontonian Colleen Brown during her last show in Lethbridge. The other band members are bassist Patrick Michalak, drummer Peter Hendrickson and his sister Emily Rault on vocals.
He has played Lethbridge several times in the past year including at the Swig of Alberta tour, which was organized by Jesse Northey and Joe Gurba in April.
“I’ve played Lethbridge quite a few times, once with Ghostkeeper at the Slice, at the Swig of Alberta and my sister and I opened for the Be Good Tanyas there. All three shows have been great” he said.
Michael Rault plays as part of the University of Lethbridge Freshfest, Sept. 8. Tickets for Freshfest are $20. It begins at 3 p.m.
