Aniko Forgo
Special to The Morning Star
Editor’s note: Kalamalka secondary school graduate Aniko Forgo returns with her Q&As with local artists/musicians.
This week, The Morning Star presents her interview with Tanya Lipscomb, a well-known performer in the North Okanagan.
Q. How many shows do you think you do a year?
A: “About 70-100 shows a year. But if we add “Kiki the Eco Elf” shows, about 200 a year.”
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming album? Will you be planning another tour?
A: “I have three albums I am currently working on. The first is a “Kiki” children’s album, the second is a remix of my first two albums, and the third is all new material with local musicians galore which is another genre-crossing, uplifting record. Really excited about this one. I am touring the coast, the Kootenays, and a big cross-Canada tour soon.”
Q: What were you like when you were younger?
A: “I was a wild child raised on an organic farm in the backwoods with no TV, and a LOT of hard work. I have been composing music since I was three.”
Q: Have you ever written a song for someone?
A: “I have written 100s of songs, and almost every single one of them is for someone, or inspired by someone. My most recent (on the upcoming album) is about my Granddad who recently passed away.”
Q: I know that you also perform in a group made up of Melina Moore and Judy Rose called “The Dharma Dolls.” What is that like?
A: “Performing with The Dharma Dolls is like the BEST roller-coaster ride ever! It is fun, exhilarating, and sometimes I forget to breathe. They are incredible musicians to work with, and are two of my dearest friends in B.C.”
Q: I know that as well as music you are an artist. Can you tell us a bit about your artwork?
A: “Art in all of its forms and glory is a deep and vulnerable expression of one’s soul. Currently my visual art is inspired by sacred geometry, metallics and vivid colour. Body painting will always be my biggest passion in visual art. There is nothing quite like a naked body as a canvas.”
Q: Do you have any funny stories from the road?
A: “Two words. Hitch hikers. I have hitch-hiked 20,000 kilometers in my life, so I try to pick them up as much as I can when I’m on the road. Some of the best road stories I have involve a hitch hiker.”
Q: If you could play a concert in any other country in the world, where would you go?
A: “Professionally I would pick Germany, where there is great respect and support for music. Selfishly, I would choose Cuba, because the rhythm sections I would get to play with are out of this world!”
Q: If today was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?
A: “I would build a fort and snuggle with my kids and partner, then invite all of my friends and family over. We would definitely have a mud fight, then a potluck costume party and would end the day making music until the break of dawn”.
