biographical info
Charles Spearin, best known for his work with Toronto-based bands Do Make Say Think and Broken Social Scene, has been performing samples of The Happiness Project live during Broken Social Scene concerts this past year, offering insight into the inspiration and concept of the album, Charles explains the idea behind the project,
"A year or so ago I began inviting some of my neighbours over to the house for a casual interview vaguely centered around the subject of happiness. In some cases we never broached the subject directly but nonetheless my friends began to call it my 'Happiness Project'." After each interview Spearin would listen back to the recording and examine the thoughts expressed. In addition, he listened for a natural melody and cadence to the speaking voices of his neighbours as they each discussed their views on 'happiness'. With The Happiness Project, Spearin blurs the line between speaking and singing - life and art - and writes music based on these accidental melodies. With the help of some of his musician friends, Charles plays the instruments to match these natural neighbourhood melodies inspired by thought and happiness and then, as Charles concludes, "I arranged them as though they were songs. All of the melodies on this album are the melodies of every day life."