With youthful looks that bely his true age, Mitchell Dufrene is a producer, singer-songwriter, guitarist, bass player, keyboardist who has been creating songs for forty-seven years. You can imagine the kind of creative repertoire he's amassed in that time. When compared with the relative infancy of most pop artists, it's a wonder that more of them aren't pounding on his door for material, guidance and overall perspective. The truth is, Mitchell has enjoyed this anonymity for the better part of his career. But with the recent success of his debut radio single 'Dancing With A Blind Man', that's about to change. A studio designer and engineer/producer, Mitchell has professionally recorded nearly all of his own material. Still a musician at heart, he plays and sings with three bands KYND, Bentley & The Baby Boomers and Bandana, with musical styles ranging from classic rock & roll, R&B, country, folk and jazz to pop. To Mitchell, his songs are like family. He understands that sometimes there is only one small chord that makes them come alive. Mitchell draws much of his musical inspiration from his personal life experiences and peaceful environment. ‘It’s amazing to me that the whole world gathers around music in every country. You don't need a degree to play good songs. Just keep trying to do it and that works.’ Wise words from someone who has walked the talk. Reporter Lily Clark recently caught up with Mitchell to learn more about this creative force, his passion for music and plans for the future.

LILY: When When did you first discover your love of music?
MITCHELL: I was about 14 and played a friend’s electric guitar after his lesson one day.

LILY: Your song ‘Dancing With A Blind Man’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
MITCHELL: I was worried that it was that final test. Do people care about my stories? But I was ecstatic about the possibility of a song I wrote finally finding its way into the air waves.

LILY: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
MITCHELL: It’s always a mystery how blind love is. Relationships are often lived an illusion- each one blind to see out of the love fantasy. If you are lucky, you never have to leave its magic spell.

LILY: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Dancing With A Blind Man’?
MITCHELL: Yes I would. I like to write as though its a story by the camp fire. Then I try to paint pictures in your mind using the things most people have experienced. Words can be cold if they are very literal.

LILY: How would you characterize yourself as an artist? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving…)
MITCHELL: Fun-loving, romantic, a dreamer with a prince and the parallel journey of the princess. Can they intersect or keep passing like ships in the night?

LILY: Did you come from a musical background?
MITCHELL: No, I wanted a trumpet for Christmas at 12 but don't remember why. I think because instruments make sound and I was eager to try it.

LILY: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
MITCHELL: The song creation is magic.There is an infinite pool of songs you can grab out of thin air. It’s like thought. They are your children. They are always there even while you are sleeping. The challenging part is if you feel a song trying to come into reality, you must help it. If you don't find the simple form, it can fade until its passing out of reach. You must get a pencil and start a process of introduction to your tales of imagination. If it happens at night you must get up to let it in while it’s easy to find the melody and the first string of notes. If i don't leave bread crumbs to the way into the song I can get lost. So I get restless if I can't find the peace to focus and visualize.

LILY: Who are your role models in music?
MITCHELL: I started liking Blues. Jimmy Read chords were fun. Eric Clapton is very cool and has done it all. Leslie West Mountain, Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers. I also like Bonnie Raitt. Bette Midler showed me how to paint pictures in your mind and make your heart weep. James Taylor showed me how to visualize my wording and be a story teller.There are many more of course.

LILY: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
MITCHELL: I played the Troubadour and it was magical. We didn't get discovered but the sound crew liked our band. My worst ones were always when the cops came to break up the party.

LILY:
MITCHELL:

LILY: I look forward to hearing it! Thank you for your time, Mitchell. Wishing you continued success.

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