https://youtu.be/GRrxMmK27O0

We’re back for another installment of Meet the TransLink Buskers; the new series where we interview and profile your favourite SkyTrain station busking musicians!

Last time we met Nikita and today, classically trained string instrument aficionado, Amine Bouzaher is in the hot seat!

Let’s find out what makes this incredible musician tick!

What do you like about Busking?

I’ve been busking for a years now, starting out at Granville Island doing the indoor acoustic thing. When I found out I could play in high-trafficked transit locations that was enough for me to audition. I love people’s reactions when they really connect with your music, especially when people actually stop and turn around in the middle of a busy day.

How many years have you been playing music?

I’ve been playing music since I was a kid, when my parents paid for piano lessons while I lived in Egypt. It’s pretty funny because my parents never really even played musical instruments or listened to much music that I remember. The first cds they got me were when I was 15, Godsmack, Britney Spears and 50 Cent, quite the combo package… I play violin, guitar, keys, bass and general percussion, all at the same time with a loop pedal when I play gigs actually!

What is your favourite type of music to play? And how about to listen to?

I will listen to almost anything, but I’m not a fan of overly-poppy music, or really heavy bass music that has no melody. These days I’m loving the future bass sound, especially artists like NoMBe, or similarly soully hip-hop inspired tunes like Tom Misch produces. I also really love atmospheric, cinematic music like some of Hans Zimmer and Nikolas Frahm’s movie scores. Oh, and I can’t forget some of the amazing music that is being produced by Japanese producers like Dasuke Tatanabe and Yosi Horikaw!.

All-time favourite song? (I love asking this one!)

Wow. That’s like asking me which sibling is my favourite…(my brother). I think the only way to answer that question, because my taste changes all the time, is to mention the first really good down-tempo song that blew my mind and got me on the musical thought-train I’m on now…Bonobo’s “Days to Come” feat. Andrea Triana.

What can riders passing by expect to hear/see as you perform?

Smiles. A lanky, curly-haired goof-trooper who’s probably shoe-gazing pretty hard. And a lot of looped violin : )

If you see me/hear me playing don’t hesitate to stop and ask questions, I can usually just sit back and let the looper do it’s thing; I always have time for a chat!

What are you up to music-wise beyond busking?

I’m working on an EP produced right at home in my own office-room-conversion studio. Most of the songs are found-sound beats with live-instrumentation and a bunch of keys/synths/basses and such.

Be sure to head on over to SoundCloud to listen to some of Amine’s music!

Stay tuned to the Buzzer blog for more busker fun in the coming months as we profile other artists in the program!

Author: Adrienne Coling