“To me, Blues is the foundation of all of the popular music we know and love. Blues is an art form that was born out of struggle, defiance, perseverance and celebration. It is perhaps the most deeply understood form of music. Blues as we know it may have been created in the United States, but the spirit which informs the music is worldwide.”

Steve Marriner: Real Blues Storyteller 

From harmonica to baritone guitar, from frontman to producer, Steve Marriner has spent over two decades shaping the sound of modern blues. With two JUNO Awards for his work with MonkeyJunk, a career spent touring with Colin James, and collaborations with Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and Blue Rodeo, Marriner has become one of Canada’s most versatile and respected musicians. Now, he’s taking a Genesis song that’s lived “rent-free” in his head for years and giving it the treatment it deserves. “I Can’t Dance," Marriner’s latest single, via Cordova Bay Records, kicking off a new chapter in his ever-evolving career. That analog grease is all over Marriner’s version, swapping out the polished edges of the original for a gritty, deep-pocketed groove that leans into his blues roots. This isn’t just a cover—it’s a reinvention. His soulful, road-worn voice delivers every line with a knowing smirk, while smoky guitar licks and a tight rhythm section transform the track into something that wouldn’t be out of place in a backroom bar filled with whiskey-soaked jukebox favorites.           (Steve Marriner / Photo by Jeff Topham)

Marriner’s approach to blending blues, rock, and roots music has made him a sought-after collaborator and a formidable solo artist. His last album, Hope Dies Last, earned a 2022 JUNO nomination, and his production work on Big Dave McLean’s This Old Life and David Gogo’s YEAH! has both been nominated for 2025 JUNOs. With Hear My Heart, his upcoming full-length album, Marriner continues to push boundaries, proving that the blues isn’t just tradition—it’s alive, electric, and constantly evolving. The release of "I Can’t Dance" marks the first step in a packed 2025, leading up to the full album drop in June. For a musician who’s spent his life on the road, playing everywhere from Massey Hall to The Ryman Auditorium, this single is yet another mile marker. Whether performing alongside Harry Manx, Serena Ryder, or Randy Bachman, or stepping into the spotlight with his own brand of soul-drenched, hard-driving blues, Marriner remains one of the most exciting voices in roots music today.

Interview by Michael Limnios                                    Special Thanks: Eric Alper 

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Being a musician and performing for people for many years has shown me just how powerful music can be. It has the power to heal people and to unify people. It is essential for life and for well-being. I truly believe it is the most powerful language in humanity. It's difficult to pick one moment that changed me the most, there have been so many significant moments in my musical journey. One of the most powerful moments came a few years ago when I was performing at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas. I had suffered a heavy loss in my family that year and I mentioned that to the audience as I was preparing to play my song 'Something Something', a very personal song that discusses mental health. I was so overcome with emotion that I got choked up and wept on stage in front of my audience. That's the first time that has ever happened to me. Once I composed myself, I looked up and I saw many people in the audience crying also. After I finished my show, nearly the entire audience came to talk to me and shared their own stories of loss and heartbreak and they told me that seeing me cry onstage made them feel safe to let it out themselves.  This entire experience was very healing and it made it clear to me just how much trauma everybody is carrying around inside of them. The music is the medicine.

What does the blues mean to you? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

To me, Blues is the foundation of all of the popular music we know and love. Blues is an art form that was born out of struggle, defiance, perseverance and celebration. It is perhaps the most deeply understood form of music. Blues as we know it may have been created in the United States, but the spirit which informs the music is worldwide. I believe it is especially important to preserve Blues so that we know where we come from. It's our history in song. It is such a crucial part of culture that has influenced everything that came after it, and we need to remember that. At the same time, it is equally important to continue to create and let that spirit inspire new stories and sounds. That is the way to keep the spirit and the music alive.

”I also try not to live too far in the future, it has happened yet! I can only hope that exceptional artists continue to make great sounding recordings and have the patience, strength and determination to keep touring and performing and sharing their gifts with the world.“ (Steve Marriner / Photo by Jeff Topham)

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

In fact, I don't really describe my own sound, I leave that for other people to do. My philosophy is simple; Tell your story. Be real. Play passionately. I'm not much of a showman. My goal isn't to impress an audience with theatrics. I try my best to hit them in the heart and make them feel something profound. I try to write songs that describe feelings that are accessible to everybody who has lived and loved and lost and made it through. Not all of them are heavy, sometimes I write funny songs too.  I just try to write things people can connect to. It starts with Soul. You have to have something burning inside you that you need to get out. Then, you need only as much technical ability as required to tell your story to your audience. Otherwise, you're just showing off.

Why do you think that the Canadian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think in Canada we have a very rich Blues community full of amazing artists, presenters and fans who all work together to celebrate this beautiful music. There's a lot of camaraderie between the artists all across the country. It's a very inclusive and positive community and quite simply, I think that it makes a lot of people feel good.  

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?   

I certainly miss many of the musicians who have passed on. I was very lucky to play with and make friends with some incredible characters. Larry 'The Mole' Taylor, Richard Innes, James Harman, James Cotton and so many more. I also try not to live too far in the future, it has happened yet! I can only hope that exceptional artists continue to make great sounding recordings and have the patience, strength and determination to keep touring and performing and sharing their gifts with the world. 

”Being a musician and performing for people for many years has shown me just how powerful music can be. It has the power to heal people and to unify people. It is essential for life and for well-being. I truly believe it is the most powerful language in humanity.” (Steve Marriner / Photo by Jeff Topham)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I want my music to be accessible to as many people as possible. Regardless of what side of the street you live on, life challenges us. Life is hard. When people listen to my records or see my show, I want them to forget about their problems and feel some joy. There's a lot of joy that goes into making my music, so, I hope that's what people experience when hearing it.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Be true to yourself. Tell the story you want to tell. Don't worry about how it will be received.  Don't let other people change your vision. Keep learning, keep practicing.  Sing as much and as often as you can, it's the instrument people understand the most. Be who you want to be, and make no apologies. Present yourself the way you wish people to see you. Making music is a privilege, it's a gift, be grateful for it. Being good at music doesn't make you better than other people, they're good at something too. When people show you who they are, believe them.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Relevant? I'm not sure if it is! How I keep it relevant and interesting to me is by trusting my gut and following my muse. I try to write songs that want to be written.  I'm not writing songs to try and be clever, I'm simply trying to write and perform music that makes me feel good, in the hopes that it will make other people feel good too. I'm not specifically targeting a demographic. I hope people of all generations can find something they like about my music.

Steve Marriner - Home

(Steve Marriner / Photo by Jeff Topham)