and get energized for my shows. It’s a great release.
Currently I do my eight shows a week and two-a-days in
the gym. When I’m around my family it still doesn’t
change. I try and incorporate that routine with my boys
Like the diversity he searches for in his work, his musical
tastes are equally as broad. ‘Everything is an influence. I
try and hit random on my music player or stations,
especially in the gym, to just listen to anything. Of course
I am a big fan of folk, bluegrass, and rock. But really I love
good stories.’ He released his first album in 2012, coining
the term Broadgrass to describe his music. ‘It was phrase
just to give it some sort of identity. We don’t really use
that phrase as much now because I think folks now have
the idea of what our shows are about. Ultimately our
shows are meant to just be a lot of fun. Friends connecting
and coming together. Playing and making music that
speaks to our hearts that we can share. My solo shows
have a great community feel to them and I’m really proud
to see how they’ve developed and how many folks come
together from around the world to join in.’
For those waiting for a follow up to his 2016 album The
Road to Find Out: East, you will have to continue to wait.
He admits he loves going into the studio and recording,
and would love to be working on a new album, but can’t
find the time juggling all his current projects. ‘If someone
has a way of setting it up and doing the groundwork so
me and the gang just come in and make some music then
definitely I would love to.’ His priorities currently lie
elsewhere. ‘I’m trying to carve out time to disappear for
a bit with the family.’
Ramin recently announced he will be playing his final
performance of Anastasia on December 3rd. ‘I’m grateful
to say that there are a few options on the table for 2018
that fit nicely in with family time. But who knows, I no
longer try to look ahead. I honestly believe that if you
work hard and graft in the now, things work out. They do.
They must.’ If those plans include more projects in New
York then only time will tell. ‘Home is where my kids are,
Theydon Bois, Essex, in the U.K. Of course being Iranian
born, that is my motherland and “home”. But there is still
this small town Canadian boy in my heart and every time
I get back to Richmond Hill, Ontario or Peterborough,
Ontario, it just feels right.’ He may not feel like a New
Yorker but he has come to love his time here. ‘New York
City has been amazing and has offered and afforded my
family so much. Eternal gratitude to this city and those
that make it possible.’
Anastasia is playing at the Broadhurst Theatre
and certainly my wife, Amanda, who is as fit as they come.’