Canadian folk-trio Tiller’s Folly has been weaving stories and melodies for nearly three decades. With their latest EP, Way Out West, the British Columbia-based band continues to capture the essence of their roots while exploring new horizons.

“I am a sixth-generation Canadian of Irish descent,” shares frontman and songwriter Bruce Coughlin via email from his home in Maple Ridge, BC. “Deep down in my heart, I have always believed that music would be my destiny. As a young child, I would walk around simply singing.”

By grade school, he had picked up the ukulele and upright bass – both self-taught – later learning the guitar before leaving home to go out on the road and ply his trade as a musician.

Fast forward 50 years, and Coughlin remains just as committed to his craft.

“I’ve never really considered any other pursuit…”

Reflecting on the challenges of the vocation, he notes, “Paying the bills consistently, year in and year out, has been the greatest challenge.”

Despite the economic issues, he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “Music has proven to be an adventure in and of itself. Engaging musically with others has also been very rewarding. I have been blessed to have played with many of the greatest acoustic Folk, Celtic & Americana/Bluegrass musicians on both sides of the Atlantic, however, Celtic Music is still at my very roots.”

In 1997, Coughlin formed Tiller’s Folly as a six-piece group – with eight Irish dancers – to honour his Celtic heritage. Given the global popularity of Irish dance spectacular Riverdance, the timing was right.

The band’s first album, The View from Here, blended traditional Irish music with original compositions, including a number of historically inspired ballads. The band’s evolution took a significant turn in 1999 when Nolan Murray, known as “the Fiddling Fury,” joined the lineup.

“Nolan brought a unique palette to the band,” notes Coughlin. “His background in Americana music blended well with my Celtic and folk influences, creating a distinctive sound.”

By 2000, Tiller’s Folly had fully embraced Americana, touring extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Those tours were marked by many unforgettable moments, including a 2008 Canada Day performance before a crowd of over 250,000 on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

However, Coughlin muses that his most enduring achievement is Stirring Up Ghosts, an initiative to preserve Pacific Canadian history through music. “Inspired by Celtic balladry, it’s my effort to keep a measure of our history and culture alive in story and song.”

He describes the recording of their latest EP as a collaborative and ultimately, familiar process. “Everyone involved just did what they do best, and the results speak for themselves. Each song tells its own story, and each is compelling in a different way.”

Although the inspiration that nourished the songwriting for nearly half a century may have come easily, Coughlin admits that the logistics of production were more arduous. Nonetheless, the band has consistently sought to balance hard work and the creative process into what he believes makes a good song – connection.

“I like music that engages its audience and relates to them on a personal level. A good song evokes images, memories, and emotions. It is timeless, relatable, and authentic.”

Similarly, a great live show hinges on engagement. “It’s all about creating a sense of oneness or community within the collective.”

As for advice he might have for younger musicians looking to carve out a career in the music industry, Coughlin is clear.

“Music is the toughest way to make an easy living – it’s not for the faint of heart.”

tillersfolly.com
@celticrootscanada