A Genuine Troubadour

I had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Bonier.  I first met Patrick a few months ago at a Songwriters circle – Twin Cities meeting. I was struck by his deep musical knowledge including history (names, places, songs, lyrics, arrangements), recording (equipment, setup, recording, mixing), and live performance.  During discussion of new songs written by others in the group, he would frequently bring up relevant examples and experiences spanning a half a century.   Patrick frequently connected music to historical relevant social and political topics to help provide a deeper understanding of the impact that music has on society and the impact that society has on music.  I was also very impressed with Patrick’s openness and willingness to share his knowledge with others in the group, as well as take constructive input from others for his songs.  I knew I wanted to get to know him better and that he would be a great first songwriter profile.  He was kind enough to agree sit down with me to tell me his story.   

Patrick was born in 1950 in Milwaukee Wisconsin into a traditional Catholic family as one of 6 kids.   Patrick learned to play guitar at the age of 14 with his older brother’s Silvertone guitar.  During his teenage years, like most kids, he had a deep passion for the popular music at the time, particularly as it related to social issues and the anti-war movement during the sixties.  Patrick played music at coffee houses around town while being very active in the antiwar movement.  

Patrick met his wife through music when he joined her band around 1980.   They later formed a musical duo and spent several years playing 4 to 6 nights a week at venues from the Mississippi to the rockies.  They shared a common love of music that allowed them to travel and make a musical living together.  

Over the years, Patrick has collected some great vintage instruments and recording gear using the “$10/week rule” for over 20 years.   He has a beautiful studio in his home.

Patrick lost his wife to a long term illness a couple years ago.   He returned to his music and now dedicates a good deal of his time to breathing life into new songs with over 100 written and recorded in the last year or two.  He completed the online “50/90 Challenge” (http://fiftyninety.fawmers.org/) to write 50 songs in 90 days last year and is in process of doing it again this year.   Earlier this year, he also completed the “February album writing month” (http://fawm.org/) to write 14 songs in the month of February.   Both of these communities are wonderful venues for songwriters who want to collaborate and learn from other songwriters and improve their songwriting skills. 
Patrick uses some great tools to help him with his songwriting including tarot cards and Rory's story cubes. He is also an avid reader of books on the songwriting craft.  He is a true student of the art. 

Patrick says that his songwriting abilities have significantly improved over the last couple years as a result of his focus and commitment to intensive writing and collaborating with other like minded writers.  He is one of a dedicated and connected worldwide community of songwriters who understand that with within life there are songs, and within songs there is life. At a recent showcase, he mentioned that he never thought after 50 years he would still be writing and performing anti-war songs, but in light of the current world issues, there is a lot to write about.
One of Patrick's songs entitled "Day Dreamin' Day" can be found on the "Let Them Sing" compilation CD, available on iTunes. 

Patrick is planning to continue his songwriting and collaborating in Minnesota and online, perform with the songwriters circle open mics and showcases, and hopes to perform his music at house concerts in the future.  (http://www.concertsinyourhome.com/).

PS:  In looking at the online resources that Patrick is involved with, I found a great online list of timed artistic challenges for songwriters, poets, and authors.  (http://www.wikiwrimo.org/wiki/List_of_timed_artistic_challenges).  Check it out.