When Ben Sures first made a musician profile on MySpace, he thought it was necessary to “dialogue” with everyone who sent him a friend request.
Maybe it worked out for the better that way though, because at least one conversation resulted in a song.
Used To Have A Raygun was inspired by a conversation with a women who used to carry an imaginary multi-use tool. According to the song's lyrics, the raygun "could change reality, and even bend wills."
“Don't we all wish we had a magic gun?” Sures asked.
On Feb. 18, the folksy musician who sings “real-life tales” will play a house concert in Sudbury.
While he has played “all the hot spots” in Sudbury like the Towne House, The Laughing Buddha and Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Sures said he likes performing at private homes because he can interact with the audience more and get them involved in the show.
He said he even gets people involved in “folkarobics,” which he believes is “like playtime for grown ups.”
Sures' visit to Sudbury is part of an Ontario tour. He said before he releases an album, he likes to take the songs from it to the road.
So far, he's released four, if you don't count the cassette he made in his bathroom.
The quirky Edmonton resident was also the winner of a number of song writing contests. He won the John Lennon songwriting contest's folk category for his song, Any Precious Girl.
Sures said the song is about a women who dances naked through the street. But it gets deeper than that.
“One person's 'crazy' lady is another person's sister,” Sures said, paraphrasing parts of the song.
He said he tries to use his music to help other's realize there are others struggling with some of the same issues.
“I think for some people, it makes them feel a little less alone,” Sures said.
Heather Topp, who is hosting the concert by Sures, said she enjoys having house shows, because they give artists a different type of venue.
It also gives artists a chance to play to an intimate crowd, at a location they might not otherwise travel to.
Sures' show begins at 8 p.m. Phone Topp at 705-674-5166 to reserve tickets. They cost $20 per person.
