Ron Sexsmith is an acclaimed singer/songwriter musician from Ontario, Canada. He has been putting out records since the mid 1980’s and signed with Interscope/Warner in the 90’s and began putting out a collection of records that gained attention from not just fans, but other musicians such as Elvis Costello. He has worked with Chris Martin of Coldplay, R.E.M., one of my favorites Leonard Cohen, Ane Brun & many more. He’s had work covered by Rod Stewart, Feist, Emmylou Harris, k.d. Lang, Michael Bublé , Nick Lowe. His latest album in 2020 is “Hermitage” and should be sought out today. Also, please look for Ron’s book “Deer Life” through Dundurn Press. (2017)
Q1: When did you start writing & first influences?
Ron: My first attempts at writing songs came in my mid teens which was mostly riff rock with dumb lyrics. Mostly influences by UK bands like the Beatles & Kinks. I didn’t start writing anything decent until I was about 21, and by then my influences were Leonard Cohen and Gordon Lightfoot & Dylan, etc.
Q2: Who is your biggest influences today?
Ron: Most of the same people although i’m quite obsessed with Warren Zevon these days.
Q3: Where did you grow up and how that influence your writing/art?
Ron: I grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario in the mid 60’s and 70’s, which was a great time for radio. All the songs I heard were so melodic with such thought provoking lyrics that made life feel quite magical.
Q4: Have any travels away from home influenced work/describe if so?
Ron: I’ve written many songs on the road while on tour, etc. So I guess the short answer is yes…
Q5: Any pivotal moment when you knew you wanted to be an artist/writer/poet?
Ron: When I found out I was born on Elvis Presley’s birthday as I turned seven and promptly fell down a flight of stairs.
Q6: Favorite activities when not writing/performing to relax?
Ron: Walking mostly and reading
Q7: Any recent or upcoming promotional work you’d like to do?
Ron: I’m hoping my tour will happen next year. It’s been postponed 3 times now.
Q8: One of your favorite lines from your poem/song, or favorite piece of art or photograph?
Ron: “In every nowhere town, there are somewhere dreams” from my song “Love Shines”
Q9: Who has helped you most with writing?
Ron: Other than my influences, perhaps Mitchell Froom who produced my first 3 records.
10. Thank you for a quick interview.
Ron: My pleasure!
Fevers of the Mind 
Thanks for the follow delighted to read on Ron Sexsmith we attended a concert he appeared at in Millstreet Co. Cork circa 1997/98
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