Canada head coach Jesse Marsch unwittingly became a part of an upcoming music project that will support the Canada Soccer Foundation.Tony Gutierrez/The Associated Press
When Jesse Marsch interviewed for the job of Canadian men’s soccer coach, he noted a home World Cup opened the door to a myriad of ways to connect with Canadians, including pop culture.
Little did he know his voice would be featured on the Perfect Pitch music project, helmed by Canadian producer Boi-1da (pronounced Boy Wonder), with proceeds going to the Canada Soccer Foundation.
Perhaps the good news is that the 52-year-old American coach doesn’t sing. Instead, a sample of his message to the players in a huddle makes the grade.
“I’m already embarrassed ... You have time to take it out,” a smiling Marsch told Boi-1da at an invitation-only dinner on Tuesday to promote the project.
“It sounds good,” said Boi-1da. “When you hear it, you’re going to enjoy it.”
Marsch happy to have some key pieces back on Canada’s pitch, even if they’re not ready to play yet
Canadian artists contributing music include Nelly Furtado, The Tragically Hip, Alessia Cara, City and Colour, Loud Luxury and Charlotte Cardin.
There are currently 13 tracks, but more could be added.
“We’ve got every type of vibe,” said Boi-1da.
Furtado’s contribution, named Electric Circus, will be the first song released on April 10, with additional tunes to come each Friday. The full album, titled What If It All Goes Right? is scheduled to be released June 5.
Proceeds from the music go to the Canada Soccer Foundation, which supports Canada Soccer in promoting the sport across the country.
Marsch, Boi-1da and the entire Canadian team attended a dinner in Toronto on Tuesday night, with Marsch divulging the origins of the project.
“When I did my interview, I was like, ‘With a home World Cup how do we wrap the nation around what we’re trying to achieve?’” Marsch explained. “I knew Canada has these incredible artists, actors, singers, musicians whatever.
“[Canada Soccer CEO] Kevin [Blue] have talked about this since Day 1.”
The idea has mushroomed since.
The 39-year-old Boi-1da, who has worked with the likes of Drake, Eminem, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Beyoncé, says the result is special.
“It’s beyond incredible. It’s better than I even thought it would be,” said the producer, who is a soccer dad thanks to his 15-year-old daughter.
“We worked with all Canadian artists. All different genres of music. It’s so Canadian ... there’s a song on there for everybody.”
Marsch, meanwhile, tugged heartstrings with a passionate take on Canada.
Marsch observes his players on Tuesday during their training session at the BMO Training Ground. Canada's coach admires the country's values and its place in the global community and spoke to it again at an event on Tuesday in Toronto.Eduardo Lima/The Canadian Press
“I can say this as a fricking American, I’m jealous of what the Canadian mentality is, the kindness that you showed each other, the belief you have in what this country represents.
“And that’s what we want to do,” he said, throwing in an expletive for effect. “I’m proud to be a part of this.
The Hip provided their entire catalogue to Boi-1da to use as he wishes. He says the remake of Ahead by a Century, featuring City and Colour’s Dallas Green, is a “tear-jerker.”
“It’s just a beautiful song, man,” said Boi-1da, noting Green was one of the last musicians to work with late Hip front man Gord Downie.
Boi-1da is also set to record the Canadian players for a bespoke goal celebration that will play every time they score at the tournament.
The Canadian men have provided suggestions with captain Alphonso Davies and forward Promise David, both currently injured, keen music buffs.
“They would both be rapping if they were here right now,” said fullback Richie Laryea.
Boi-1da and Davies took in a Drake show together in Germany.
Marsch enjoys his music. He shared an eclectic playlist last month on social media that included U2, Eminem, DMX, The Cure, Guns N’ Roses, Rick Springfield, Bob Marley, Pitbull and Avicii.
“Let’s rock baby,” he wrote.
While attending Princeton University, Canadian friends helped turn Marsch on to the likes of Crash Test Dummies and The Tragically Hip.
Marsch, who is currently splitting time between a new condo in Mexico and his existing home in Pisa, Italy, expects to be in Europe for a good chunk of time ahead of the World Cup to keep an eye on his players.
The 29th-ranked Canadian men host No. 74 Iceland on Saturday and No. 47 Tunisia on Tuesday in a pair of BMO Field friendlies.
Marsch’s squad plays its final World Cup warm-ups against No. 52 Uzbekistan on June 1 in Edmonton and against No. 59 Ireland on June 5 in Montreal.
The Canadians open World Cup play June 12 in Toronto against a yet-to-be determined European side.
Boi-1da, who has taken in three Canadian training sessions, has high hopes for Marsch’s team.
“I’m really excited about these guys and I’m confident they’re going to do some damage in the [World] Cup.” he said.
“These guys are all dogs in their own right,” he added. “It’s about belief and them just believing in themselves that they can do it ... I know they’re going to make us proud.”