Ian Tamblyn on the albums that shaped his five decades in Canadian music

Ian Tamblyn has spent more than five decades drawing inspiration from the places he's travelled, the landscapes he's encountered, and the natural world. The singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and storyteller has forged a distinctive place in the Canadian musical landscape, earning a Juno Award, a Canadian Folk Music Award, and in 2021, an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Now, with the release of his latest album The Fragile Tangent, Tamblyn has joined Apartment613 for a conversation about making the new record and the albums that have shaped his life. In the video, he reflects on what gives a record staying power, the musicians who have influenced his approach to music, and the artists whose work continues to resonate with him.

Tamblyn's musical roots run deep in folk and singer-songwriter traditions, but his work has always extended beyond them—embracing texture, atmosphere, and a broad musical palette. In the interview, he discusses longtime influences including John Martyn's Solid Air and Judy Collins' In My Life, as well as what draws him to particular sounds and stories.

The conversation is part of "Talking Albums," a series created by musician John McDonald in collaboration with Apartment613. Born during lockdown as a way to stay connected through music, the series has grown into a video project celebrating artists from across the region. Each episode features musicians sharing six albums that shaped their lives and creative journeys.

For Apartment613, the spotlight is on Ottawa-region musicians, and their stories and performances are featured on Apt613's YouTube channel. You can find Tamblyn's full conversation and music on his Bandcamp and personal website.