Yves Jarvis on “All Cylinders” and the Power of Symbolism

Canadian musician Yves Jarvis recently released a deluxe version of his critically acclaimed album “All Cylinders.” The album won this year’s Polaris Prize, awarded to the best Canadian album of the year. Jarvis did everything on the album himself – he produced it, wrote it, and played every instrument. We recently spoke with him.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “ALL CYLINDERS”)

YVES JARVIS: (Singing) Moon keep on shining and spreading good tidings.

My goal with this record was to write songs, create arrangements, and make catchy hooks. But I usually think in symbols, especially in terms of light. That’s what started the album and drove its themes – the idea of metal and light, and the iridescent quality I wanted to capture.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “ALL CYLINDERS”)

JARVIS: (Singing) I rush to reach you before it’s too late, firing all cylinders of this V8.

The music I was drawn to while making the record was very focused on storytelling and strong characters. I was looking for artists who could take me on a journey. That thematic element felt like a new area to explore.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “GOLD FILIGREE”)

JARVIS: (Singing) Sometimes you need to eat.Reserve us the best two seats.

“Gold Filigree” was one of the first tracks I recorded when the album really started to come together. Like a lot of my music, it began with a collection of percussion sounds. I love starting with percussion.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG,”GOLD FILIGREE”)

JARVIS: (Singing) She had on gold filigree. Ooh, they have a perfect routine. Whoa, I bet you’d agree.

I just had the phrase “gold filigree” in my head – this image of delicate metalwork. I think that’s where it began.