Saw Black interviews Daniel Romano ahead of 6/19 Smatter show

by | Jun 16, 2017 | MUSIC

Daniel Romano is a very hard person to pin down. One common thread is the Canadian songwriter’s consistent reinvention of his sound and personal style. His newest release, Modern Pressure, is out now via New West Records and it’s awesome.

Romano’s bass player Matt Kuester, who is from Richmond, played with me on a short tour back in March, so with his help I had a phone conversation with Romano prior to our show at Strange Matter next Monday (6/19/17). I have to be honest, I tried my best to tap into Romano’s character and all I can say is I only have more questions…

Check out my interview with the artist below – it gets weird and explains the green/pink mermaid/horse (merhorse?) above:

Romano has been nominated for the Polaris Prize as well as a Juno Award (big time awards) in Canada and has seemingly been on the rise throughout the USA and Europe over the past 10+ years. His work with City And Colour was a stepping stone into his own creative endeavors.

Modern Pressure showcases his meticulous attention to production as well as his visual art work. Together they create a poignant piece of art and music that is very contemporary but still harkens to his influences of the 60s and 70s. Romano’s last Strange Matter show was sold out… so grab your tickets early and come out to hear one of my favorite records of 2017.

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in music

Good Day RVA is Back and Bringing Friends Along

For four nights this weekend, bands from different generations of Richmond's music scene are taking over Get Tight Lounge. Called Tonal Recall, the series is part reunion show, part showcase and part excuse for a bunch of old friends to get back in the same room. ...

Deau Eyes Returns With New Album ‘To Grow Instead’

Four years is an eternity in today’s music industry, especially when algorithms reward content, not creativity. When streaming services punish silence, at the expense of artistic evolution.  In this disconnect, some artists race against trends, abandoning the...

Before Anyone Was Watching

I went to Virginia MOCA expecting to hear Andy Howell talk about skateboarding. Instead, I left thinking about community and how people find each other. Howell's installation opens Seamless, the museum's new exhibition exploring the overlap between art and design. At...

Lucy Dacus’ New Music Video is a Love Letter to Richmond

Richmond native and multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus released the self-directed music video for her latest single "Planting Tomatoes" and every frame was filmed here at home. The video moves through some of the city's most recognizable places,...