Roy Johnstone
Download the Interview (.mp3)
Roy first came to Prince Edward Island in 1977. A teacher at an alternative school in his native Winnipeg, he was attracted to Prince Edward Island's flourishing alternative energy scene. He and his girlfriend made the move the following year, settling on fifty acres of land near Millvale. Having trained in classical music at the Royal Conservatory in Winnipeg, Johnstone was attracted to the folk tradition he found on the Island. A noted fiddler, he has collaborated widely, including a stint with the seminal local band Speed the Plough. He resides in Argyle Shore, in the same farmhouse once owned by photographer and back-to-the-lander George S. Zimbel.
Summary of Interview
May 14, 2008
- (0:00) how ended up on PEI in 1977
- (3:30) the move and setting up on PEI; explains alternative energy utilized
- (5:10) how he made a living
- (6:30) met Lennie Gallant in 1978 and this evolves into band Speed the Plough
- (7:20) studied classical music in Winnipeg; got into Irish fiddle style on PEI
- (10:20) became disillusioned with PEI at one point - came because interested in alternative energy, but this lost momentum
- (14:00) back to the land social scene
- (15:30) first visit to PEI
- (17:25) how learned about alternative energy; discusses alternative school he taught at in Winnipeg
- (23:20) why decided not to go back to the land on the West Coast
- (24:55) fiddle music
- (35:00) creative/non-conformist approach of back to the landers
- (36:30) home windmill; aquaculture project; beekeeping
- (45:30) political aspect of the back to the land movement/anti-Litton Industries campaign
- (47:45) falling in love with PEI and inspirations here; idealism of the 1970s
- (49:50) back to the land lifestyle fun, despite challenges