As 2012 came to a close, Teen Daze entered a state of repose. He chose the company of insular, droning ambient music. He wrote new material, and for the first time he found the process not to be a means of escape or refuge. Rather than imagining an outward utopia, or seeking an inward sanctuary, he simply engaged his work with his reality, his physical world.
Like its namesake, the resulting album, Glacier (released via Lefse Records), is more than solidified water adrift in a sea of home-produced electronic music. It is a collection of moments, historical particles and physical experiences, gathered into a whole.  A testament to self-editing and sequencing, the 40-minute album merges hours of abstract instrumental work with more structured compositions.
Ghettoblaster wondered if the locale Teen Daze calls home Abbotsford, BC, Canada affected the output of Teen Daze’s Jamison, and indeed it does.  This is what he told us about his home.
What’s your town’s nickname?
“The City In The Country” is the official one, but a lot of people call it “Stabbotsford”.  I don’t know why.
What’s your nickname for your town?
Sometimes I call it “Rabbitsford”.
Why do you live there?
I did my undergrad there, and it became home really quickly.  Lots of friends around, lots of nature around, very close to Vancouver.  All good things.
Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there?
I grew up just one town over actually, and then I left and lived in the Prairies for a while.  But school brought me back.
What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?
I once saw Caesar Milan in a Starbucks!  A lady with a crying baby in her arm ran up to him and shouted, “WILL YOU TRAIN MY DOG!?”  I wept a single tear.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
There are a series of trails that go around the whole city, and there are lots of places to go for walks or just hang out in forests.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
There’s a summer festival that happens every Thursday called Jam In Jubilee, and it’s a great way to see friends, listen to music, eat good local food and spend a nice summer night.
What is the best time of year to be there?
The two weeks of fall.  Then it starts raining for six months…
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
Chad Kroeger or Liam Hamilton
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
The best place to drink is my living room, and happy hour is usually between 5:30 and 6.
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Also my house.  Great selection of records and MP3s.  (Not many bars in Abbotsford)
Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
Yes!  Champion Jack’s is a vintage clothing/record store, and they put on shows every once and a while.  I love it.
Does where you live influence your music?
Definitely.  It’s so close to a lot of really beautiful, scenic spots, and nature tends to inform a lot of what I make.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Again, Champion Jack’s is really all that’s going on in the live music department, but I did get to see Born Gold there, and it was wonderful.
What is your favorite local band?
Oh No! Yoko or Open Letters.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Nico’s is this amazing sandwich shop that I find myself at once or twice a week.  Great sandwiches, great people, great location.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Champion Jack’s wins again!  I’ve got a few amazing records there, but off the top of my head: Nicolas Jaar Remixes 12″; Giorgio Moroder – Cat People (Soundtrack); Tame Impala – Antares, Mira, Sun 12″.
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Not many local publications unfortunately.  If anyone sees this, and is from Abbotsford, let me know about what’s cool!
What is your favorite local shop?
Champion Jack’s wins again!
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?
Anacortes, WA.
(Catch Teen Daze on tour at one of these dates:
10/29 St. Louis, MO – The Demo
10/30 Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
10/31 Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
11/3 Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Live
11/4 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
11/5 Los Angeles, CA – Echo
11/6 San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar Music Hall
11/7 Portland, OR – Holocene
11/9 Vancouver, BC – Electric Owl
11/10 Bellingham, WA – The Wild Buffalo)