MLT exclusive: Interview with David Foster

Interviewer Franca Ciambella

On 3 November 2012, the Canadian international school named their Theatre after David Foster, legendary Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, musician and 16-time Grammy Award winner. David was present to officially open the “David Foster Theatre” along with nearly a dozen  members of his family from British Columbia.

School principal Glenn Odland, referred to David, as - amongst other things, “an educator”. David said that this is most touching attribute that he has ever been accorded. He spoke about the importance of education, mentoring and good upbringing, and the influence that his family has had on his career. The MLT interviewed David after the event.

MLT: David, you spoke about the importance of upbringing and Canadian values. You are also in an industry that is known for “backstabbing” and being somewhat “dog eat dog”, so how important is integrity to success?

David: We are not all like that. You are in an industry that is labeled as being “even lower than sharks”(referring to the Interviewer’s day job as a lawyer), yet not all of you are sharks and some of you are nice people. Sure in our young years we all made mistakes and did things we would not do as we get older, but yes, integrity is very important.

MLT: Are you saying that the good guys eventually “win” or get to the top?

David: Yes, that is correct. It may take some time, but they do.

MLT: You travel all over the world, so do you feel Canadian?

David: Absolutely, I feel 100% Canadian. My values are also very Canadian.

MLT: What is your advice for a young person who wants to get into the music industry?

David: You need to focus on your goals and almost have blinkers on, as it is easy to get distracted. There are so many things along the way that catch your attention, so it is easy to go astray. So stay focused. Also, place your materials on You Tube and other sites where someone like me may have the chance to listen to them. That is a way of getting discovered. Some of it also has to do with luck.

MLT: Is there a role for music and world peace? Can someone in music get the Nobel Prize for Peace?

David: Absolutely. Music is a unifier and is responsible for things like bringing down the Berlin Wall. Groups and people like the Beatles and U2 have contributed a lot to world peace. Someone like Bono may very well get the Peace Prize in the future.