Interview: Parlour Steps (March 2010)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria/BC bands who played this year's SXSW (South By South West Festival in Austin). They were selected to play at SXSW by applying via their Sonicbids account. Her current video has her without her glasses. wow.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band and who else plays in the band

Hi, there cyberlovers! This is Caleb from Vancouver band Parlour Steps. I'm the singer, along with Julie, Rees, Rob, and Alison.


Tell us a little about the history of the band

We started playing trippy soundscape experiments for new theatre pieces. From there we shortened the song lengths and found poplove.


How would you describe your sound

Lately we've been telling people to imagine Black Francis and Peggy Lee starting a band together backed by Motown's Funk Brothers.


Are there any emerging local bands that you really like?

We're huge Mother Mother fans. We also adore Dan Mangan, Language Arts, Portico... it is a really hot time for Vancouver music right now.


Any good SXSW stories?

We did an interview in a moving mobile internet truck, built with glass walls. We sang a few songs and spat out half-cut answers as we drove around twon, seat-belted in. People were hooting and hollaring as we drove by. Quite strange, really.


Where and what was the best thing you ate while there?

The tex-mex food was excellent. We dug Austin's thriving whole food/ organic/ local-sourced food revolution. We're also big fans of the American free-pour method of drink making. In Canada bartenders can be stingy with the drinks, so we're all about the "generous" nature of their American counterparts.


What's a song from the 80's that you really like?

We still listen frequently to Paul Simon's masterful Graceland album. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is just one of the many off that amazing album.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Hard question in many ways. I'd say this little percussion shaker in the shape of an Avacado that our guitar player, Rees, bought. It's the best sounding shaker I know of, never found anything better, and it's been recorded on our albums countless times.


What are your near-future plans band-wise?

We're touring down the westcoast of the U.S. in June, then some local and regional shows through the summer. We've had a very busy fall and winter, so this summer we want to enjoy this beautiful part of the world we live in.


Thanks for doing the interview, you have the last word, say what you want to say

It is a supreme pleasure to be a part of this awesome Canadian music scene. This polite little country of ours is birthing some of the most exciting new music of this present moment. It is both exciting and humbling to be a small part of that. Thank you for listening.



http://www.parloursteps.com
www.myspace.com/parloursteps

Interview: Billy The Kid (March 2010)

Photo Credit: Tommy Au


This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria/BC bands who played this year's SXSW (South By South West Festival in Austin). They were selected to play at SXSW by applying via their Sonicbids account. Her current video has her without her glasses. wow.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band and who else plays in the band

Me! That's it!!!


Tell us a little about the history of the band

My punk rock band started demanding things like food, and water, so I packed up in an '87 Volkswagon Golf and the rest is history!


How would you describe your sound

Boring. Really, reeeally boring. You should porbably avoid it at all costs...it's so boring that Garth Hudson from The Band fell asleep while we were recording together. True story!


Are there any emerging local bands that you really like?

A million! Check out Acres of Lions for sure.


Any good SXSW stories?

How 'bout that time I never even applied for SXSW cause I didn't think I would get accepted but now I'm playing 7 times?


Where and what was the best thing you ate while there?

The alcohol was delicious


What's a song from the 80's that you really like?

I LOVE Lovers In A Dangerous Time. I crank it whenever it is on.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

money. I like to trade money for different looking money. It doesn't make a lot of sense but it happens in a different city every day I'm sure.


What are your near-future plans band-wise?

I have about 3 weeks to finish my record then I'm writing for some film and TV stuff then back out on the road!


Thanks for doing the interview, you have the last word, say what you want to say

If you hate major labels as much as I do you should probably go to my website and download a free track http://www.billythekidonline.com



http://www.billythekidonline.com
http://www.myspace.com/billythekid

Interview: Yukon Blonde (March 2010)

Photo Credit: Coreena Lewis


This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria/BC bands who played this year's SXSW (South By South West Festival in Austin). They were selected to play at SXSW by applying via their Sonicbids account. I wonder if they were backing JRF at that GLS show I went to...



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band and who else plays in the band

I'm Jeffrey Innes and I sing and play guitar and so does Brandon Scott. Graham Jones plays drums and sings, and we have a good friend with us right now named Andy Bishop from a band called Red Cedar playing bass and singing.


Tell us a little about the history of the band

We used to be called AlphaBaby. We played a lot of shows, cut very few records and held onto our silly name forever. We had been touring with Jon Rae Fletcher as his backup band as well as playing our own set and he constantly reminded of how bogus our name was. It because apparent when several agencies refused to check us out because of our name. We also had terrible luck on our last tour, (crashed our van, lost our homes, keyboardist quit etc.,) so we dropped everything, changed our name and moved.


How would you describe your sound

Very modern and new.


Are there any emerging local bands that you really like?

Hell yes. There's a band we've recently become friends with called the Orpheans and they are soo amazing. Red Cedar are our best friends and play with us once in awhile, Treelines Ladyhawk, Sun Wizard, Minto, Said The Whale, Hannah Georgas, Aidan Knight, Bend Sinister, We Are The City, Kingdom Cloud, Dan Mangan, Buffalo Swans, Black Mountain and company, and Sports are some of our friends bands we really like too.
Also, they sort of live in Van, but Rah Rah is one of the greatest bands ever.


Any good SXSW stories?

Well, so far on our first day, we all got pretty sunburnt and crazy dehydrated. Yesterday we started drinking and playing/ watching shows at 11 am and didn't stop until 1 am. We met The Besnard Lakes which is my favorite band right now and found out today that they're staying in the same hotel as us. I feel like a stalker sorta.


Where and what was the best thing you ate while there?

Homeslice pizza. I feel like i'm doing a pizza tour right now instead of touring the record. I've tried pizza in every town (including NY, Chicago and Boston), and the only pie that remotely compares to home pizza is that of Austin. Good work


What's a song from the 80's that you really like?

Tears For Fears "Everybody Wants To Rule The World". That's #1 right now.. but there's a million good songs from the 80's.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

I think the "coolest" thing I ever bought was those Nike Airs in 96. I felt really lame in them, but they we're the coolest shoes at the time. I took them off once in the field at school to go run after girls and they got swiped. I've never gone out of my way to buy cool shit since. I had the exact same thing happen with my Macbook with all my music on it, except I loved it, and it wasn't a field but rather a coffee shop in Kelowna where I knew everyone. Asshole just got by us all...


What are your near-future plans band-wise?

Tour as much as possible. We have some new songs that we'll hopefully record by December, but until then it's the dusty trail.


Thanks for doing the interview, you have the last word, say what you want to say

I'd just like to say that with a list of bands as big as the one I listed, there could easily one or two close friends bands that I love but am forgetting. I'd like to apologize in advance for the unfair exclusion.

Thanks for the interview!



http://www.yukonblonde.com
http://www.myspace.com/yukonblondeband

Interview: Sex With Strangers (March 2010)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who played this year's SXSW (South By South West Festival in Austin). They were selected to play at SXSW by applying via their Sonicbids account. Their official website isn't the usual bandname.com, I checked.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band and who else plays in the band

My name is Hatch Benedict and I am the lead singer for the band, Sex With Strangers. Alongside me we have Magnus Magnum on bass, Wedge Beavers on Guitar, Bobbie Dunlop on vocals and Dallas Archangel on drums. We also have an iPod that goes everywhre with us...It's name is Jimothy.


Tell us a little about the history of the band

Magnus, Wedge and I have been playing music together, off and on, for nearly 15 years. We started out as a young crust-core, punk band in 1996 called Harvey Switched, then transformed into The Switch. We played and toured together until 2001 or so.

Magnus and I started going in more of an electronic direction in 2003, sporadically writing and recording songs with our prodcuer Mark Henning (Pure, Combine the Victorious). It took us a few years, but we finally put together some new material for an EP in 2006. We posted the stuff on MySpace under the name "Sex With Strangers" and things just rolled from there. The single "Dance Police" started to blow up online and the next thing you knew we were on our way. Wedge, Bobbie and Dallas joined the fold full-time and we've gone on to release two more full albums, "The Modern Seduction" and our new record "The Tokyo Steel".


How would you describe your sound

Robot-rock


Are there any emerging local bands that you really like?

Girlfriends & Boyfriends, Accost, Katastroyka come to mind...Very cool stuff happening in Vancouver right now!


Any good SXSW stories?

The fact that you can go an entire day and not pay for a drink is rather exciting. The whole scene down here is off-the-charts. Imagine the Olympics with way more interesting people and the smell of BBQ everywhere. It's the musical equivalent of Disneyland.

Seeing Cheap Trick getting interviewed up-close was strangely intoxicating as well.


Where and what was the best thing you ate while there?

The brisket at Stubb's. The single best piece of protein I will ever digest.


What's a song from the 80's that you really like?

"It Doesn't Really Matter" - Platinum Blonde


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My first MircoKorg...It continues to be a hit-maker today.


What are your near-future plans band-wise?

One more round of brisket at Stubb's for starters. We're looking forward to the Canadian festival circuit this Summer, shooting a follow-up video to our single "New City Anthem", and then it's off to work on our next album...Which may or may not be about robots.


Thanks for doing the interview, you have the last word, say what you want to say

Bobbie's fond of the word "quagmier". Also, if you're in Vancouver, come check us out at The Shark Club on Saturday, March 27th with TV Heart Attack. I'm smuggling brisket back to share with everyone. Thanks!



http://www.myspace.com/sexwithstrangers

Interview: Petroleum By-Product (January 2010)

State your name and what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band?

Sally Dige Jørgensen - Creative Director. Vanessa Turner - Marketing and Sales. Robin Borawski - Public Relations.

Tell us a little about the history of the band.

It was a project that initially began with the focus on our modern-day mono-culture. We were fascinated by the introduction of new artificial materials and technology and how these unnatural mediums have become naturalized into our everyday lifestyle.

We enjoy most to glamourize the lifestyle our generation has manifested, and thus have come up with our own Petroleum By-Product manifesto:
“Denaturalize – Dehumanize – Efficient Lives – Commercialize”

How would you describe your sound?

Pop

Tell us about the video you recently shot for the song 'TV Date'.

It was a collaboration with the music video film director Davide Di Saro'. Just a simple setting and some great colours and lights. The team involved in making this video included, Ewa Chruscicka, Ryan Betts, Rodrigo Barraza, Owen Ellis, Johannah Jørgensen, Davide Di Saro' and Petroleum By-Product.

Name a song from the 80's that you like.

"Cccan't you see" by Vicious Pink.

What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

A giant size Andy Warhol book.

Are there any other local emerging bands that you enjoy?

Animal Bodies

What are your plans for the new year band wise.

Release more records. Be on a label. Go on tour. Be more superficial.

Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last say, say what you want.

"Cheers thanks a lot."
-Patsy Stone


http://www.myspace.com/petroleumbyproduct

Interview: Immaculate Machine (Oct 2009)

photo credit: IM serious 2009


Immaculate Machine will be heading to New York to play at the CMJ 2009 Music Marathon and Film Festival. They were selected to play at CMJ 2009 by applying via their Sonicbids account. I'm not sure if Brooke got my High on Jackson Hill joke or not.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band and who else plays in the band.

We are a rock band from the West coast. The musicians change but right now we are on tour in Europe with a great lineup: Aden Collinge on drums, Brooke Wilken on guitar and background vocals, Caitlin Gallupe (my sister) on bass and vocals, Leslie Rewega on keys and Brooke Gallupe (that is me) on lead vocals and guitar. We are in a hotel in Hamburg right now and I am writing from my iPod so pardon any bad spelling.


When did Immaculate Machine form and how did you come together?

Immaculate Machine started after high school, with three friends who couldn't find a bass player so made do with a trio. We signed with Vancouver's Mint Records in 2005 and released Ones and Zeros, our first album in a proper studio. Then we did a proper tour, with proper promo in proper venues. It was all very exciting, but it has taken me a while - 4 years I guess - to understand that recording at home and doing certain things a little more casually can have its advantages as well.


As a band from Victoria, being so close to Vancouver, have you ever thought about moving to Vancouver? What keeps you based out of Victoria?


Victoria is a constant source of inspiration for me. Vancouver has a lot more going on, obviously, but in some ways all the action of a big city can stifle its personality. I love living right downtown in the of a small city, somewhere you can be in the social centre. For music business reasons, we should probably leave Victoria, but there is more to music than selling albums. Victoria is very isolated. If we were in the music centre of Canada I am sure we would have done dozens of collaborations with K-os and Sam Roberts and all the movers and shakers and all kinds of big things, but... We tried moving to Toronto one year, but we never did any practicing or songwriting because we were too busy being drunk bohemians.


Are there any emerging local bands that you really like?

It's embarrassing but I have been out of touch with local music ever since we started touring regularly. I swore it would never happen, but hard as I try to get to shows and keep up, it's not easy when you are not playing locally all that often. There are a few great bands, like The Racoons (sic).


I'm sure you're tired of this question, but any update on Kathryn?

Kathryn has been taking a break from music this year due to some personal things. I think she will be doing some stuff with her other band next year and we have been talking about what we want to do with the next Immaculate Machine album. But there is nothing firm yet, just ideas.


You'll be traveling to New York to play at CMJ near the end of October, what makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

We will be crossing the Atlantic for this show! We are finishing a European tour in London and flying to New York just in time for CMJ. We have played it before and the atmosphere is amazing. Some of these industry festival are pure havoc when they take over a town but New York absorbs it so seamlessly that you are just like, yup, New York has a zillion things to do all within easy walking distance, why do i not live here? Last time we played cmj, elijah wood stood in line to see us but since it was sold out he never got in. So it was a no-brainer to submit our sonicbids EPK application this year.


Are there any bands that you want to see while you're there?

I haven't had a chance to look, but I am really looking forward to seeing who is there. I hope the Dodos are, I have been meaning to try to see them.


The new record High on Jackson Hill was recorded in Brooke's parent's house in order to get a more "natural" feel. Was there any point during the recording process where the unconventional environment hindered the process?


The sound is a little rougher of course, but if you are not a hi-fi sound snob, I don't think that is too big a deal. Overall the album is much better.


Do you think you'll be seeing more people smoking on Jackson St?

Jackson Street is a small residential road on a great big hill overlooking the whole city, which is difficult when you are cycling there every day, but a great place to hang out. I have no idea what you could possibly be talking about with regards to smoking.


In the song "Only love you for your car," what car is referenced and whose was it?

It references my teenage years, when a car parked in a dark corner was the only privacy you could really find.


There's a song on the new album called "He's a Biter", what's that about?

My sister does all the artwork for Immaculate Machine and always has. She has a fairly distinct style and one day I saw what seemed to be a direct rip-off in a restaurant in Victoria. When I mentioned that this artist was biting her style, she just shrugged and said, I guess that means it's time to move on. Great attitude, little sis.


What new albums have you been listening to?

Dirty Projectors, Blitzen Trapper, Sleepy Sun... but mostly just a TON of Thin Lizzy.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Wow that is a lot to choose from. I guess something from Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Last week we were in Prague at the Kolbenova flea market, which is a massive massive garage sale in a dusty parking lot where you can buy anything. Anything at all, from coffins to soy milk to rifles all at the same place. Vendors pull up their cars and lay their wares out on a dusty blanket and you go and try to gesture the numbers since no one speaks any English. I bought a postcard stamped by the Nazi authorities when Czech was still occupied.



www.immaculatemachine.com
www.myspace.com/immaculatemachine

Interview: Delhi 2 Dublin (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. I'm not 100% sure, (though I am 100% serious) but I think I remember seeing Kytami play in a local doom/sludge/noise band once.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

I am- Kytami: Violin Shredder, Back up vocals

The other members are-

Tarun: Production, Ableton Live, Tablas, Back up vocals, Shaker

Ravi: Dhol (a.k.a. “thatfuckingdrum”)

Kimchi/Zandrew: Electric Sitar, Electric Guitar

Sanj: Lead Vocals, Hype Man


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Our first show for Celtic Fest Vancouver was off the hook, then we started to get booked even though we weren't officially a band. As we continued on, we discovered we liked working together, had similar goals and inspired each other. We've had tremendous response and that combined with the belief in ourselves is what keeps us going.


How would you describe your sound?

A couple of Punjabi guys walk in to an Irish Pub, have a couple of drinks with the fiddle player then they all decide to go hear a DJ playing at an afterhours warehouse party and on the way there they pick up a Korean guy busking with his sitar on the side of the street.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Every show is important.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

How can you pick from 10 years of music? Could it at least be top ten? Many different phases and influences within that time period.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My black electric Skyinbow violin.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Come party with us!


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

A huge thank you to our families, our colleagues and our fans.




http://www.delhi2dublin.com/
www.myspace.com/delhi2dublin

Interview: Dan Mangan

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. I wish I could ask him what kind of chips he buys.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Dan Mangan. I play the fool. Then there are some hired guns - they are nice enough.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

It's me and some people I pay to be my friends. When I buy bags of potato chips, I share them with the band - but some of them don't share chips when they buy them. Isn't that crazy?


How would you describe your sound?

I would describe it with adjectives.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

I like NXNE because there are lots of great bands to go see. I like playing at NXNE because it makes me feel like I'm as cool as the other bands.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Footloose.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

A picture of Corey Hart.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

If they don't I'll waterboard the picture of Corey Hart. Don't worry, it's not torture. It's information seeking in a loving manner.


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

Be cool, stay in school.



http://www.danmanganmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/danmangan

Interview: The Abramson Singers

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. That was the best photo I could find.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

My name is Leah Abramson and I play guitar, sing and write the songs in The Abramson Singers. The band morphs depending on time and circumstance. Sometimes I have an 8-piece choir and band, and sometimes it's just me and two other singers.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

The band started when I had tendonitis in my wrist and I couldn't play guitar, so I started writing songs with just my 8-track and voice. Then my hand got better and I turned it into a band.


How would you describe your sound?

My sound is usually harmony and melody heavy. I'm a folkie who likes playing indie-rock.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

I don't get out east very often, so it's a good way to meet people out there, since everyone kind of gathers there at once. Besides, I'll get to see some amazing acts all in one weekend.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Gee, that's hard. Probably something off of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Maybe "I had the time of My life"... it's so grade 2.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My sweet little orange Framus guitar from the 60's.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

My album isn't downloadable yet! So the only way to get it is at my live show!


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

Um... thanks? It's nice to see people supporting the scene, especially in Vancouver.



http://www.myspace.com/leahabramson
http://leahabramson.com

Interview: T. Nile and the Children Of Mercey (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. If you're actually reading this and today's date is June 11, 2009, then you can check her out tonight, 9pm at the Railway Club. If not, whatevs.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

We are T. Nile and the Children Of Mercey.

T. Nile - Banjo, hollow-body electric guitar, harmonicas
Christa Mercey - Drums and percussion
Laura Mercey - Harmonies, keyboard, trumpet
Mike Mercey - Bass, harmonies
Burke Carrol - Pedal steel


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Christa (drums) and i did a duo-tour of Ontario and Quebec last summer. It was quite the (sometimes hilarious) adventure and between playing festivals and shows, we kept on going back to her folks place to "re-fuel".

I was fortunate enough to get to know her family, which are all very musical;
Her dad is Ray Mercey, of the legendary 7-time Juno winning 70s era band called "The Mercey Brothers".

Over the year Christa and I discussed wanting to form a band together and at some point it crossed my mind that her sister and brother would be great additions. Burke Carrol, while not officially a Mercey, looks quite a bit like their uncle Lloyd, (also of the Mercey Bros) so he's become an honorary member of the family.

The musical chemistry is electric with this band, and I'm so excited to play with them again on June the 20th at C'est What.


How would you describe your sound?

A raw-sexy blend of indie-folk, pop, rock, reggae and awesomeness!

We've already been compared to Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, The Police and Paul Simon (from his Graceland days).


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

It's never just another show... I can't wait to play with C.O.M.

again... we always get so high of the music!

Also it will be the Toronto CD release show for my brand new CD, "The Cabin Song EP", that was released to the public on june 9th (available on ),


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

how to pick just one??

right now I love "Tide Is High" - Blondie


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My Cherry-Red Ibanez hollow-body electric guitar, and Fender Blues Jr. Amp.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

T. Nile and The Children Of Mercey are addictive live. If you come out the show on the 20th, you'll understand why! ;)


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

C'est what is the place to be on June 20th @ 9pm! (actually, you might want to get there a little early because word on the street is that it's gonna be packed).



http://myspace.com/tnile
http://tamaranile.com

Interview: Times Neue Roman (June 2009)

From Left to Right: Clay Jones and Josh of Styrofoam Ones, with Alexander The and Arowbe of Times Neue Roman

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. A friend of mine read this interview and thought TNR were dicking me around with non-sensical answers. Nope looks pretty legit to me.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Arowbe: I'm arowbe arowbe arowbe in recognition of my many selves. I usually do all the writing and vox and right now I feel like Tupac walking out of court spitting on the paparazzi like "thats my new style!" No offence. I'm feel like a two thousand dollar and one cent bill. There actually is one of those.

Alexander The: No dots please. Just a solid line across the face. I do the beats and belly chants in honor of our ancestral folks that led me to believe in wall smacking for the gods that created The Hype.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Arowbe: There were great chemical reactions when we met in 2007. Everything felt slightly creative, but because Alexander The and I were each signed to different record labels, we were prohibited from recording together. Still, we felt that this was too important of a project and proceeded with our unauthorized collaboration. The formal group, Times Neue Roman was originally established by The British Parliament in tandem with then-Canadian Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson. Her Excellency first heard us on one of our canoe tours across Eastern Canada (We're doing one again this August - http://www.methinkspresents.org/). She was gracious enough nullify our contracts and acquire sponsorship for further voyages.


How would you describe your sound?

Arowbe: Polka-dots and paisley.

Alexander The: I connect the dots.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Arowbe: We make all our band-decisions based on the new science of demographics and the Consumer Confidence Index. There's no room for error in these matters. You have to strive to be perfect. A festival in Toronto is currently the logical market to conquer.

Alexander The: I've studied Actuary Science in University. I have to say we are very close to finding the truth. We've been in the lab for months by minimizing the standard deviation within our product. We can never know the truth but at least we find every variable necessary to increase our means to get to it.

Arowbe: That means we have to play at NXNE.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Arowbe: Plastics - "Copy."

Alexander The: Pumpkin Belly by Tenor Saw


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Arowbe: You make me feel unusual when you ask questions like that.

Alexander The: A Kulintang Set from Cotabato City, Philippines. Usually passed down to you if you're lucky. I had to go to the war-torn area of Mindanao to find the brasserie to pick mine up. I passed through evacuation centres and refugee camps to get it.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Arowbe: Times Neue Roman are a sufficiently stable, electrically neutral group of at least two people in an indefinite arrangement.

Alexander The: Exactly.

Arowbe: I suppose its not so much of a live show as pack of Koi fish swimming in a whirlpool, struggling for life and appearing as hypnotic as a pair of spinning tops.


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

Arowbe: There are many things happening in The End Studios: Styrofoam Ones, Santa Guerilla, Broadway Sleep, The Gorgeous Concern, Alexander The's solo project. We dont do side dishes. It's a big buffet in here. We are like a big Wu Tang Social Scene in the city right now. All over the court with a collective of queens and tycoons like MeThinks, Halo Halo, Makeshift, Gov. Gen. Tao Chkn, and Mr. Hands. We love Tonka Puma. Also, Kate Kai Mei Wong, Zaki Ibrahim, Lindo P, PSBEUYS, Sarah Shafey, The Gang of Two, DJ Mensa, all of Kapisananan. So much mob!

Alexander The: There is no exclusion really. We've up'ed our game with our corporation. You can definitely find our calling cards projected on large walls around the city. Just look out for us before and during NXNE around on the streets.


http://www.timesneueroman.com
http://www.myspace.com/timesneueroman

Interview: Octoberman (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. Hmm technically they aren't a Vancouver band anymore.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Joining me (vocals, guitar) for the NXNE show will be: CL McLaughlin (guitar, vocals), Tavo Diez DeBonilla (bass), Marshall Bureau (drums), Shaun Brodie (trumpet, keyboards), Randy Lee (violin), Leah Abramson (vocals)


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

It started off as a solo project to record a bunch of songs I wrote while traveling. I now invite a lot of my friends to help the songs come to life.


How would you describe your sound?

Octoberman kind of has a split personality. On one side there's a 6-piece rock band that includes drony violins, Mexicali trumpet lines, crunchy guitars and lots of harmonies. The other side comes from more of a quiet/spare, folk-pop background. The line-up depends on what part of the country we are playing and who is available to join in.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Um, CL, Shaun, and I actually moved out to Toronto from Vancouver fairly recently and have a new Toronto line-up of players for all of our Eastern shows. We are looking at NXNE as just another show.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Currently it's "Just What I Needed" by The Cars. Followed closely by "My Best Friend's Girl" by The Cars. I might have to put that record on right now.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Probably that Cars record. It was 3 bucks.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

The live show is always very different from the recordings. Also, we will be playing lots of new songs and maybe even a Bruce Springsteen cover. We should really learn some Cars tunes too...


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

We miss our Vancouver friends and collaborators.


http://www.octoberman.ca
www.myspace.com/octoberman

Interview: Hank Pine and Lily Fawn (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. If you want to see the face behind the mask, you'll have to see the live show.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

The Hank Pine and Lily Fawn Snake Oil show consists of:

Hank - renegade cult member with his dead girlfriend (in a garbage bag), determined to rest her soul in New Orleans. GUITAR, CELLO

Lily - half deer half girl with a penchant for stealing babies thus rescuing them from the perils of the modern world. DRUMS, MUSICAL SAW

Cecil the Weasel - Doomsday cult member and Assassin. BASS GUITAR

and Choir members we will try to recruit from the audience ! SINGERS LA LA LA


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Hank and Lily started by making their own comic book... then started making music to go along with the comic... now .. it is a multimedia rock party circus !!


How would you describe your sound?

VAUDEVILLE ROCK - Gospel, country, punk, snake oil side show. (Like the Cramps and the Pixies)


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

NORTH BY NORTH EAST, is not just another show it is a huge festival with tons of cool bands woo woo... we are so excited !! HANK AND LILY ARE LOOKING FOR A LABEL that will love us and call us their own. Please come check out our show ! June 19th Cameron house, June 20th Rancho Relaxo (2am)


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Hank - Autechre

Lily - Godstar by Psychic TV

Cecil the Weasel - Little Nicky by Prince


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Hank - Hank's fire ring.... seriously it shoots flames.

Lily - um, I bought a huge bag of fire crackers and had the night of my life.

Cecil - Tangelo oranges in Hawaii - so sweet and juicy.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

The live show is an extension of the album and the comic book... you really need to see how much fun it is when all the elements come together. We need YOU for it to work... so get your best dust bowl circus outfit on, grab your song book and get ready to chant and clap along at the Hank and Lily Snake Oil Revival Rock show. It is never what you expect and it is always a good time. Besides, when else will you get to see a Hideous Deer-Girl?


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.


http://www.hankandlily.com
http://www.myspace.com/hankandlily

Interview: Dustin Bentall (June 2009)

photo credit: maryanovich.com

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. And yes, he is the son of Barney Bentall, should that last name ring a bell.



Please identify yourself for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band.

Dustin Bentall- songwriter, singer, rhythm guitar player

Del Cowsill - bass guitar, backup vocals

Adam Dobres - lead guitar

Pat Steward - drums


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

I recorded my debut album in 2006 with no studio experience and little live performing experience. Everyone in the americana/ alt-country scene across Canada took great notice to it. I spent a couple years touring as a songwriter with my '73 Martin in hand and a bag full of harmonicas. In the time that passed I put together a band with the best g'damn guitar player I ever saw in that time, Adam Dobres from Victoria. Next I found Del Cowsill, son of Billy Cowsill of The Cowsills (Hair, Ed Sullivan Show...) and later with The Blue Shadows. After a year of touring with that band we recorded a record which will be coming out later this year. With the ears of the scene on us we have been playing shows recently with Blue Rodeo as well as crossing borders, musically speaking, to play with Sam Roberts and Matt Mays.


How would you describe your sound?

Rock N' Roll, Country, Psychedelic, fun.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Not just an other show. There is no such thing. We have the incredible honor of playing The Dakota Tavern on Saturday night at midnight on the weekend of NXNE!


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

I'm a little tipsy right now so I'll have to think a minute... "Something To Live For" by Barney Bentall and The Legendary Hearts. That made elementary school a lot easier 'cause my dad was so much cooler than anyone else's dad.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

A '69 Chevy Imala with 42,000 original miles. It saved my life too when an F250 with a camper trailer crossed the center line and hit it head on.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Live performance is what I am in this game for. That's when the magic happens. Don't get me wrong I love recording but you don't have a room full of people to react from when you are in the studio.


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

See us on June 20th. But if you can't get in come back next time because we are going to be doing this for a long time.


http://www.dustinbentall.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dustinbentall