DESCRIBE YOUR 16 YEAR OLD SELF. WHAT BANDS WERE YOU LISTENING TO IN HIGH SCHOOL? WHAT WERE YOU INTO? HAS ANYTHING CHANGED?

When I was 16 I was just getting into music. I had started teaching myself guitar though I was too afraid to play or sing in front of anyone. I remember discovering “indie” music on a youtube playlist. The playlist was called “sad music for sad times” or something like that. On the playlist they had this artist I had never heard of called Alex G. I was immediately drawn into his discography. I latched on to the idea of making songs by myself. His songs spoke to me because, by traditional recording standards… they weren’t perfect. Seeing music out there in the wild that was made in basements.. bedrooms and diy studios somehow made the stuff I was working on seem more legitimate. Now, ten years later, I would still classify Alex G as one of my favourite artists. When I think back on that time I remember listening to other artists like field medic, the British band happyness and acts like Porches and current joys. At that time I felt like my whole world had opened up. I was discovering new music everyday and connecting with it in a way that felt special to me.

IS RECORDING MUSIC IMPORTANT FOR THE BAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW MUSIC COMING OUT THIS YEAR? 

I started recording music by myself in my dorm room at university in 2018. I was using one single USB microphone and a crappy reverb plugin in garage band. I spent my whole first year at university locked inside that room writing and recording demos. In 2020 I took a different approach and tried to make something a little more hi-fi on my own. My first Ep came as a result of this experiment. It’s funny to me now because whenever people talk to me about that release I get compliments on the lo-fi qualities of those songs. At the time, I thought it was the most professional sounding thing I had ever done. More recently we’ve been working on a new Ep. The first single, NOSEBLEEDS comes out on February 20th. Last September the band and I packed as much gear as we could fit into our cars and tracked the whole Ep at my family’s cottage in Tiny Ontario. This was the first time I’ve felt 100% satisfied with the results and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. 

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO MUSIC? WAS IT A CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE? AN ALBUM FROM YOUR PARENTS' RECORD COLLECTION?

I’ve been interested in music for as long as I can remember. I started out taking piano lessons. Later on in high school, I tried my hand at the trombone. Neither of these instruments were the right fit for me. When I started developing my own taste in music, I realized that the appeal to me, was rooted more in the songwriting and arrangement aspect of music making. At the time I wasn’t a very good guitar player. I’m still not. I’ve just found that it’s the easiest way for me to get a song out. This realization gave me a sense of validation and made me want to start writing my own songs. That desire, coupled with the need for self expression started everything for me.

WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

I’m influenced by a lot of different stuff. When I find something I really like, I often spend weeks trying to get a similar sound or format. Though these experiments often fizzle out… I can definitely tell you some of the artists that have stuck with me over the years. In no particular order.. this is my list

Andy Shauf

Bon Iver

Pedro The Lion

Field Medic

Current Joys

Nick Drake

WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM MUSICIAN TO COLLABORATE WITH AND WHY?

Years ago I would have probably said someone like Leonard Cohen. His songs have always been very important to me. These days it’s hard to say… thinking realistically I would probably have to choose  

Alex G. To me his style as an artist has evolved so much since he started yet the songs always sound like him. Every time he drops a record I’m at the edge of my seat. I’m also really digging medium build these days. I’ve come to appreciate pop music so much for its writing style. The new stuff from him is incredibly well written in my opinion. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TORONTO LIVE MUSIC VENUE?

I love big venues. I really do. Though I feel like I should shout out two of the spots we’ve played here. For me it’s a tie between Burdock Music hall and Junction Underground. I love both. Junction Underground is right near my house and I love both playing and hanging out there. Burdock is great too. They have a nice sounding small room that feels bigger than it is. The staff are really nice and they’ve got great beer. I also love the Great Hall on Queen St. It’s beautiful in there.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESS IN THE JUNCTION?

That’s a tough one. There’s so many great spots here. I love the bagels at Roi’s cream. The coffee at Claudia’s is top notch. And Beau’s men’s has a great selection of quality menswear.  

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM?

I love music too much to give you a straight answer here.  I think Pink Moon by Nick Drake was probably one of my first favourites. These days, It changes so often for me I simply can’t choose just one. 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD STORE IN TORONTO?

Tonality records on Dundas. They have one of the best collections. They quite literally have all of the stuff I’m into. The staff are super knowledgeable and friendly. I’ve bought so many records from them over the years and the service has always been great! I got my speakers there too! They even do repairs! I can’t recommend them enough.

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