Brunch is a favourite past time shared by many and should be an extraordinary experience, one that you will cherish. Vancouver has some wonderful places for brunch. Each of the places I visit is unique for what is offered along with the type of service and selection of dishes. I am on a journey around the city to find these extraordinary places and, at the same time, I will be joined by a notable personality who may be a Film Producer or Director, Musician, Arts Festival Director, Actor or other well-known individual for Brunch at restaurants in and around Vancouver.
For my fiftieth brunch in this series, I was joined by Morning Radio Host at Mountain FM – Matt Soper at The Wild Flower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel talking about Music, Food and more!
Matt Soper
Matt Soper grew up in North Delta, he graduated from Columbia Academy in broadcasting, and landed his first job working in radio in Castelgar, from there he moved on to various positions at other stations, eventually become the mid-day host on a radio station in Prince George. From there he landed at Mountain FM in Squamish/Whistler where he is currently co-host of the Morning Show, at the same time he is also Swing host on Sunday afternoon on Sonic Radio in Vancouver.
You can follow Matt Soper on Twitter @SoperRadio
What got you into Radio, specifically hosting a morning radio show?
I was doing everything when I started, got a job in Prince George as a mid-day host. I applied for a morning host in Prince George at first and didn’t’ get it. I saw a job advertised for Squamish and got it, I then left Prince George and moved.
How did you change your sleeping patterns going from hosting a mid-day show to the morning show?
At first it was hard, I tried going to bed earlier and that didn’t work. I would exhaust myself doing all day activities outside, and that routine changed with the timing.
How would you define the music you play on your show?
We try to play today’s hits, speaks to families in Squamish and Whistler, younger generation crowd and appease the highway traffic. It needs to be established a bit before we play it.
Where did you go to school for radio?
I went to Columbia Academy (soon after it closed down and reopened as VanArts) and graduated in February 2010.
How hard or easy was it to find your first job?
It is very hard to find a job in radio, I looked in Vancouver and couldn’t find anything. I found the 1st job in Castlegar, got it and moved. You have to be in the right place at the right time.
Have there been any notable musicians you have interviewed over the years, if so who?
- Brett Hart –Canadian – old www wrestler
- Corb Lund
- Gene Simmons
- Rick Hanson
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Rock –classic rock, alternative rock
If you could estimate the number of concerts you have seen how many would that number be?
Close to 100 if not more
If you could tell me about 3 of your favourite concerts of all time which ones would those be?
- Tragically Hip
- City in Colour
- Josh Ritter
What is your favourite music festival that you have attended in the past year?
Squamish Valley Music Festival
What foods do you like?
Stir Frys – big stirfry fan
What are your favourite restaurants in Whistler and Squamish?
- Ec Furniture Warehouse in Whistler
- Howe Sound Brewpub in Squamish
- Brandy Mikes in Whistler
What do you want your listeners to learn from listening to your radio show?
I want them to laugh, be entertained and learn a bit about me.
What do you do in your off time?
- Family time
- Biking
- Skiing
- Sports (baseball and ball hockey)
Where is your favourite vacation spot?
Kelowna
How did your Friday segment at 6:45am start with Thor Diakow at Breakfast TV?
It was started well before I started at the radio station and it has been a blast doing the segment with Thor, we both click so well.
What advice would you offer to a musician looking to make it big?
- Be dedicated and passionate.
- You need be active on twitter, facebook, and build a loyal fanbase.
- You need to email music directors at radio stations.
- Make connections.
- Get someone professional to help you (agency).
Who are your mentors?
- Garner Andrews (morning show Edmonton on a rock station)
- Kevin & Bean (morning show team in Los Angeles)
- Jimmy Fallen (I watch his shows after my show)
- Murray Brookshaw (program Director at Sonic and Jack FM)
Who inspires you now?
- My wife inspires me
- My mom
- My step-father – has helped shape me to be who I am
What inspires you?
Humour and seeing someone else’s passion.
What’s next for you or what’s on the horizon?
I hope to be on a show in Vancouver as I grew up in North Delta.
Style: Buffet
Attire: Casual
Time: Brunch is offered 11:30am – 1:30pm on Sunday
Cost: Sunday Brunch is $45 per person
The Wild Flower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel
4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler
Menu: http://www.fairmont.com/whistler/dining/thewildflower/
For Reservations, please call 604 938 8000
Complimentary parking is available for all patrons of The Wildflower restaurant. Please bring your parking ticket to the restaurant for validation by your server.
Stay tuned to my next guest Interview along with the next Brunch in and around Vancouver.
By: Richard Wolak