Catching Up with Canadian Rockers Drop Top Alibi

Photo: Jay Ashcroft

After the summer break, I'm back with an interview with Toronto-based rock band Drop Top Alibi whose single Summer Nights & City Lights will drop this Friday! 

Congrats on winning 97.7 FM’s Rock Search! That’s awesome! What did you guys do to prepare for the contest?

Thanks Krystal! It was a fun ride for sure, and honestly came rather unexpectedly. We submitted our entry very early on, and a few months went by before they announced the Top 16, so we kind of forgot about it. The morning that they did, I woke up to a number of congratulatory messages and thought, 'Holy S**t, we got in this year!'

We knew that if we got to the semi’s and had a chance to play on stage, there was a good chance we could win. We had been playing a lot and were in the midst of recording some new material. The confidence in how tight we were playing was there, so we didn’t change a single thing. Luckily for us, with the support of everyone who voted and the HTZ FM staff who scored us into the Top 8, we had a chance to let the music do the talking. It was a bit of a toss up between a few bands, and we were happy we won. I will say though, those two shows were two of the best shows we’ve played and it felt good to know that we were good enough to stand out among a group of talented bands.

Last time we spoke, you guys were working on new music in the studio- do you guys have an album release date set?


Our next single “Summer Nights & City Lights” will be released on September 20th, 2019! What happens next you’ll just have to stay in tune for.... ;)

Sometimes people can get problematic at concerts (getting too drunk/annoying/harrassment, etc.). No one likes it when something kills the show’s vibe. How do you diffuse the situation while remaining professional at your shows in these instances?


Honestly, we haven’t had anything too crazy happen yet. Sometimes we will address the fans who are moshing, especially if photographers or women standing in the front are getting knocked around and don’t seem to be enjoying it. One time, a couple of drunk folks in Streetsville started getting into it in front of the stage and we just had security take them out. Having a microphone is handy for sure. 

Ultimately, we want people to feel like there is nothing to worry

Photo: Francesca Ludikar

about at our shows and that people who don’t or won’t respect that will be removed and dealt with. If and when the day comes that someone is being harassed at one of our shows, it will be dealt with right away and if it’s something we can see from the stage we won’t hesitate to stop the show until it’s dealt with.

As musicians -who have the weirdest schedules at times- how do you guys stay mentally grounded as your band progresses?

The biggest thing we’ve all noticed is that staying hydrated and getting enough rest is the most important thing. Mental strength is much easier to have when you’re not fighting other debilitating circumstances like fatigue. It helps keep everyone’s moods level as well, which means communication is strong and tension low.




Drop Top is also made up of members who have been grinding away in the music business for almost ten years. We have earned everything by ourselves, and oftentimes by burning the candle at both ends. The biggest thing keeping us grounded, is the fact that we now have a strong platform to have people listen, and if it starts to really move along, we won’t want to ruin it with ego and addiction. Maintaining the band of brothers mentality of partnership and compromise will be important as well.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen at a show you’ve played so far?

The first time we ever played in Hamilton, was at an outdoor

motorcycle festival on Hess Street. We were on the last song of our set, and this astonishingly hammered dude insisted on Dylan (Lead Guitar) letting him sing into his microphone. We were mid song and this dude starts trying to muscle his way to the mic and shoved Dylan. I think his guitar got unplugged in the process as well! We sort of forced this dude away from us, and he proceeded to try and fight everyone watching. This other guy, who was also drunk, decided he’d try and scrap the guy so he started egging the dude on a bit. The drunk guy who shoved Dylan then says, “15 years for murder, and I’d do it again...” Definitely the strangest thing we’ve seen so far, and to top it off this dude got picked up by the cops down the street and they smashed all his booze. Classic.

Anything else you would like to add?

Rock n’ Roll is alive and well! We will be playing a double-single release show at Lee’s Palace October 4th in Toronto with our brothers in The Crooked. They are also releasing a new song, and you definitely don’t want to miss this party!

Thank you guys for your time and I look forward to hearing more from you!


Follow Drop Top Alibi on their social media found here!


@thatchickkrys

Interview with Trauma Lanes!

I love me some high-energy tunes! Milton, ON-based post-hardcore

Photo: STS Promotions
+ Cuts Media

band, Trauma Lanes brings it! 

Here is the interview!



I see you guys are heading back into the studio for your 3rd EP! Can you tell us how this one will differ from the previous ones?

Photo: trumpetsmash.com

TL: It’s a split with our friends from Damage Control with a brand-new guitarist that has brought a lot of newer sounds and ideas to the table. It’s a lot heavier, more southern and riffy compared to our older stuff.

What is your favorite part of playing live?

TL: Definitely the three people that show up that are trapped there and are forced to listen to us… they accidentally showed up and don’t know what they are in for. But actually, the energy in the crowd. It’s always what fuels us every time no matter what.

Least favorite?

TL: Fucking up, forgetting parts. We ALWAYS have a technical breakdown or some kind. Sinco kicking out a cord 75% of the time haha.

What would your dream show be like? Where would it be?

TL: Big fields, barn burner shows…we’re an easy band to please.

If you were to collab. with artists -dead or alive- who would you want to work with?

Photo: STS Promotions
+ Cuts Media

TL: Would love to do a CD where Devin Townsend does the producing for the album. Would love to work with Adam Dee from Killswitch Engage, Dave Grohl can't miss that…and The Gorgeous if they were still playing shows.

If a restaurant had a meal named after the band, what would be in it?

TL: It wouldn't even be a meal; we would be a sauce. Donair sauce called Trauma Sauce.

Photo: trumpetsmash.com

What are the highlights of your career so far?

TL: Whenever we have played in Waterloo it’s always been fucking bananas, anywhere in the tri-city area has always been a highlight.


We are trying to rebuild a hardcore community/family and that’s really a big highlight for us so far. There is a lot of support coming from everyone in the scene and we just love it and want to keep building on top of that.

Anything else you would like to add?

TL: Just want to give a few Shout outs to Damage Control,

Photo: trumpetsmash.com

Hellbent, Sinner, Watering hole, Fragment, Single Wound, Mr. Hands, Common Oath, The Hoff Brothers, Eddie from 414 Recordings, Jesse Alarcon, Terry, Samantha for taking our pictures ALL the time, and Pizza Balls.

Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to seeing what's next for you guys!

For upcoming shows, announcements, new music releases, etc., get social! Follow Trauma Lanes on Facebook , Instagram and check out their site!

@thatchickkrys

Interview with Brandon Gregory of Drop Top Alibi!

Photo: Francesca Ludikar

Sometimes your ears stumble upon a band that takes you to another era (or a hybrid of a few) you weren't even old enough to enjoy. Toronto-based rock band, Drop Top Alibi is one of those bands!

Here is my interview with frontman, Brandon Gregory!

I hear you guys are back in the studio cooking up some new music! Can you spill some details on what the flavor of the new tunes will be like? 

BG: Yes we are! And it’s such a great feeling. These songs are definitely a lot more mature and fearless from a songwriting point of view. We’ve spent the last few years really trying to figure out a way to blend the darkness and the light that exists in all of our styles. Led Zeppelin and Alice in Chains are two great examples. Zeppelin could go from Immigrant Song, into The Rain Song and nobody would bat an eye. Alice could go from We Die Young  to No Excuses and the fan base would sing along to both. That was something we always wanted to achieve, and knew we could. The key has been to stop giving a fuck really. It’s good to have both, and each song still undeniably sounds like us. 

Photo: Josh Qubti

Having a solidified line up that has been touring and writing for a year now has made a huge difference as well. We are in tune with each other and are having a lot of fun blending everything and anything to see what can happen. Drop Top is definitely still a heavy and grooving band, but the spectrum of sounds and groove elements have become far more in depth. But again, the key has been being fearless and not giving a fuck.

What are your top 3 favorite things about the songwriting process?

BG: Comradery is definitely one of them. It’s always a rewarding process when one person pitches an idea for a section, or maybe has a verse and a chorus ready but nothing else really, and everyone gets an opportunity to bring an idea forward. Brandon typically comes up with the original ideas or has a song about 75% done, and then everyone leaves their mark. Some times the groove or pocket will change, someone will have a different melody idea, harmony starts to come into play and of course tone selection. That’s Dylan’s specialty, and it adds so much to the overall mood of the song.

For me, when I’m writing on my acoustic at home, and I really start to feel like I’m onto something, that rush is unlike no other. It’s excitement, anxiousness, anticipation, nervousness, and even extreme happiness or sadness depending on where the music is taking me. It’s always exhilarating, and that feeling of “Oh man I fucking can’t wait to show the boys,” always puts me in a good place.

Lastly, the element of the chase and the fact that we are all in it

Photo: Melissa Aquino

together trying to make the song exactly what it should be. That chase doesn’t end until you’ve received your final master back, and it is by far the most rewarding part of the process. Production, mixing, and arrangement are all so important to the songwriting process, and it is the part that everyone has a place to speak every time. Sometimes, someone will write a song front to back and not much needs to be worked on. When that happens, other than writing your own part for yourself, input doesn’t need to come from everyone. But the chase -until the song is mastered and all finished- involves everyone, and truly is a team effort.

Brandon- your vocals are unreal. I’m sure others would agree it’s very Vince Neil meets Axl Rose, with a modern twist. Any tips on how you keep your voice conditioned for gigs?

BG: Thank you Krystal, I really appreciate it! Honestly, the biggest help for me has been my experience singing in choirs. I went to the University of Windsor for two years studying guitar, and I had to do ensemble credits while I was there. I always opted to sing in choirs, and learned how to use a technique called “head voice.” That has saved me from having to belt my lungs out to sing high and with power. Preparation on show day usually entails making sure I haven’t eaten too much to close to show time and a couple shots of vodka. It’s important for your body to not be doing anything that drains energy, like digesting. Plus smoking is a no go, until after the show and only if it’s green.

What are your favorite things about performing live? Least fave?

BG: Our favorite things about it are definitely connecting with the crowd through our music, feeding off their energy and channeling it into our performance. The sheer workout of a high energy set is always fun, and meeting new people and hanging out after the show is great too!

It’s safe to say the least favorite thing is lugging gear around.

If there were a fair food (like weird food at the CNE) named after the band, what would be in it?

BG: If something was ever created and named after the band, it would more then likely be some sort of moonshine. May contain pure gasoline.

Photo: Michelle Pellegrino

It's safe to say, that would be the the craziest thing served at a fair! What are some of the highlights of the band’s career so far?

BG: We’ve had the opportunity to work with some legendary people like Norwood Fisher (Fishbone) and Gilby Clarke (Formerly of GnR). Their mentorship and friendship have been invaluable, and we are hoping to get back to LA soon with our new tunes! We got to tour with Gilby in 2017, and party with him and his family in LA when we went down there to visit earlier that same year. Working with him at Metal Works was an amazing experience as well. The wealth of knowledge that man has about rock n roll and how to make it is amazing to be around.

We did a tour run throughout the summer of 2018 supporting our single Heavy Metal Baby, which was a blast. Lastly, the current recording process we are in the middle of has been great as well. There are no timelines, no clocks, and everything we’re trying to make happen sonically is coming together! We are very excited. Having a five-time Juno Award-winning producer in Michael Hanson who is both fearless and creative has been a blessing. 

Sounds like good times all around! If you were to form a dream tour with any artists-dead or alive- who would you tour with?

BG: This question is too hard to answer! Maybe a dream festival line up with bands like; Led Zeppelin, QOTSA, Aerosmith, Guns n’ Roses, Soundgarden, Queen, The Stones, The Beatles, Hendrix, Oasis, Chili Peppers...We should probably stop there!

Anything else you would like to add?

Photo: Josh Qubti

BG: Rock 'n' Roll Ain’t fucking dead! It’s hard to see that sometimes in North America, where hip hop and club music is the big thing. All across the world, rock music is thriving, and there is an uprising of youth that feel alienated from current pop culture, who want to rebel and be heard. Bands like Cleopatrick have made this abundantly clear to us.

History repeats itself. We just came out of a disco phase with EDM, now we’re in a time with mumble rap that is reminiscent of Glam Metal in terms of decadence, excess, and bad behavior. So what comes next? An alienated generation of suburban kids who don’t identify with any of that bull shit. Last time that happened, Kurt Cobain came along. We’re excited to see how the next chapter pans out, and we hope to be a part of a movement that makes these kids feel like there is something to be a part of.

 #DTARNR

Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to seeing what's next for the band!

Like what you hear? Get social! Click here to find Drop Top Alibi on social media!

@thatchickkrys

Interview with Blair Ryan Barton of The Divided Line!

Photo: Glen Tinsdale

Sometimes, a gal's just got to get dolled-up, brave a snow storm on a Sunday and head out to remind herself of the awesome live bands her city has to offer.


I recently got to check out Toronto-based prog-rock band, The Divided Line at Rockpile! With their recently released video for their single Deja off their latest album Paramnesia, I noticed it's not their usual sound, so it peaked my curiosity.  

Here is my interview with guitarist, Blair Ryan Barton! 

The current lineup sounds great! How did you
guys find each other?

BRB: Rez and I have been playing music together for about 8 years now. We actually went to high school together, but we didn't play music together then. When I started the project, I I got him involved, we had a couple of different band members, then we saw Greg perform at one of my best friends' stag and he was just performing that night at the bar, so we snagged him up. Our drummer Luke was actually from Rumsfield before, so we were very familiar with him. He reached out to us when he saw we were looking for a drummer, we knew his work and figured he'd be a great fit and things have been going really well.

That drummer's sick!

BRB: Yeah he's great!

Like, I was just telling my sister 'Holy shit - that guy's sick!"

BRB: When we play in bars, we don't even mic him.

{both laughing}

BRB: We can't turn him down, so...

Photo: Glen Tinsdale

{both laughing}

I'm digging the new realease Deja off your latest album Paramnesia. Your song writing style seems to have changed with that one. What inspired that style for that particular tune?

BRB: Typically, I would do most of the writing, the original writing and everyone contributes to the completion. Usually I would come up with the idea. This one - our singer, Greg wrote- the base
of the song, we kind of wrote around that. It was a last minute song- it actually wasn't supposed to be on the record. We kind of came up with it a couple of days before we went into the studio and we just nailed it in the studio so it's like, we captured lightning in a bottle - we like it- we have more like it coming.

That's rad! What's your favorite thing about performing live and your least fave?

BRB: I don't like anything about playing live.

{both laughing}

No, but really!

BRB: Playing live scares the shit out of me. Petrified. No- but the best thing I like about playing live is getting lost in song, you kind of escape that (fear). The thing I'd say I don't like is it's not perfect every time. {laughs}

But that's part of the charm!

BRB: Yeah, exactly. Yeah- I guess if I'd have to choose, it'd be that it's not perfect every single time and I'm a perfectionist so.. {laughs} So that's my downfall.

You know- every show has quirks and something different to add to the experience that make each show unique- which could be a good thing!

Photo: Glen Tinsdale

BRB: Yeah I get it- because if every band can play perfect, then that wouldn't separate the greats from the decent.

Exactly.

BRB: In the past, we would just run through the shows and now we're working on incorporating different aspects into shows. Right now, we're working on a light show as well; co-ordinating lights with the music.

With ego boxes and all that?

BRB: Everything.

Whaaaat!? That's awesome! Looking forward to seeing that! So if you were to go on tour with any artists- dead or alive- who would your dream tour be with?

BRB: That's a tough one because we all have very different tastes in music, believe it or not. Obviously, people say we sound a lot like Tool, and that's a common influence throughout the band. Other than that, we don't really listen to the same bands.

{both laughing}

BRB: I guess we would say Tool, Incubus is a big influence, Finger Eleven.

You mean Rainbow Butt Monkeys?

{both laughing}

I saw them live last year at Sound Of Music (in Burlington) and I was like "Whaaat!?" (laughs) So, what are the highlights of your music career so far?

Photo: Glen Tinsdale

BRB: The first time hearing ourselves on the radio - it was with a different lineup but in 2014.. you know.. I cried...

{both laughing}

BRB: I've played music my whole life so to finally get that recognition was great. But I think the thing I'm most proud of would be the release of Paramnesia. Once that came out, it all just fit together. We were all a little worried going into it..

Why?

BRB: Because we (this lineup) have only been in a band for like 8 months at the time when we recorded it and some of the songs were really old, and a lot of them are pretty new, like Deja, like I said we wrote it last minute.


Yeah- but that song is so sick! What were you worried about? {laughs}

BRB: I wouldn't change anything on the record, even the way it looks- I love everything about it. We're still doing more music videos for a couple more of the tracks, so I'm looking forward to that.

Awesome! So, if a distillery were to make a beer named after the band, what kind of beer would it be?

BRB: Oh, it would definitely be a session IPA.

Noice!

{both laughing}

Delicious! {in a heavy lisp}

BRB: Something like Detour, with a more citrus-y hops.

Photo: Glen Tinsdale

Oh my Gahd- you're speaking my language! Holy! There's this beer I tried like that, Heavy Seas Tropicannon Citrus IPA- it was something like 7.3% alcohol. So good!

BRB: Yeah I love that stuff!

Anything else you would like to add?

BRB: Right now we're taking care of management- we have a candidate that we feel great about, so we're meeting with him in the next couple of weeks, setting a game plan- we're getting ready to record our next album.

Already? Wow! Whaaat!

BRB: Well, we did Paramnesia two years ago so it's time! We got a lot of stuff to do and it's just a matter of narrowing it down to the best 6. We've got like 20.

(both laughing)

So sick! Well, thank you so much for your time, Blair! I look forward to your future endeavors!

BRB: Thanks so much!

For announcements, upcoming shows in your area, new releases, etc. get social! Follow The Divided Line on their social media!

@thatchickkrys

Interview with Scott Carruthers of Northern Heirs!

L-R: Braeden, Scott, Kevin. 
Photo: Boris R. Aguilar

There are storytellers, then there are storytellers that paint vivid memories of an ex-lover you've never even met. 

Paired with music that makes you want to slow dance outdoors -in brisk weather- at sunset (with said ex-lover you've never met), Toronto-based indie band, Northern Heirs epitomizes the latter. Here is my interview with their singer, Scott Carruthers! 

Scott- I must say you’ve got quite the buttery-smooth singing voice. Any tips on how you’ve maintained it over the years?

SC: Thank you so much - that means a great deal to me! A few years ago I blew my voice completely because I wasn't taking care of my throat or myself. It ultimately lead to me leaving music entirely because I couldn't sing. I didn't want to write, play guitar or even go to see live music. Even in 2017- when we released Northern Heirs' first EP- I was barely getting by in the studio. Sometimes it physically hurt to sing; it was a frustrating and emotional time. However, the EP was a start and it inspired me to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, get in shape... then last year I committed to recovering and getting back into playing again. 

Photo: Boris R. Aguilar

In the past 13 months, I've been patient and disciplined. I'm now at a point where I'm surpassing my previous ability in terms of tone, range and confidence. 

For anyone going through voice issues: I just want to say that I'm always here to listen and help in any way I can. In my case, I don't expect my vocals will ever feel or sound the same as before, but with time and patience I've found that it is possible to navigate around the issues and to rediscover your artistic practice. Sorry for rambling, but I appreciate the compliment and I'm glad you enjoy the sounds I make.

No apologies necessary! It is great to hear you've found the solutions vital to your return to music! I noticed there’s a more mellow vibe musically compared to your previous band, Here Below.  What inspired the transition?

SC: Actually some Northern Heirs' songs predate Here Below, so it wasn't a linear transition from heavy to melodic. Most of my songs start just with me and an acoustic, so it's more a question of arrangement whether they become a folk tune or a hard rock number (or anything in between). 

I think the new sound is just a result of having a more balanced palette and working with different people. That said, if you see us live I'll still be throwing my guitar around and there are select moments where I'm kicking on the drive. Lower lows make for higher highs.

How did Northern Heirs meet/form as a band?

SC: It started as a studio project between myself and Producer, Michael Norberg. We were working on a record at Mushroom Studios (which, sadly no longer exists) and when we had some downtime, I played some songs from my back catalogue. Mike convinced me it was worth recording, and together we set about

Photo: Boris R. Aguilar

creating what would become Northern Heirs' first EP. After we released the EP we decided to take the project to the stage and recruit other musicians. I've since brought in Kevin O'Leary on bass, and Braeden McMillan on drums, respectively - they're awesome multi-instrumentalists and have a background working together as a rhythm section.

What is your favorite part of performing live? Least favorite?

SC: The start and the end. There's no substitute for the challenge of performance and establishing a feedback loop with an audience. When you really connect with a crowd, there's no other feeling that compares. I suppose the logistics of it all might be my least favorite, but I weirdly enjoy carrying equipment and loading vehicles efficiently, so... I have no negative feelings, generally.

Being in a band that is inspired by our beautiful country of Canada: if a restaurant were to name a gourmet poutine after the band, what would be in it?

Photo: Boris R. Aguilar

SC: Well, we're all about storytelling, discovering new things about the places and people around us, and we want to share personal stories in our music and live show. So, I'd say the Northern Heirs Poutine would be a straight-up traditional dish, brought out by a bardic server regaling you with a human-interest mystery involving their home town. Moose meat optional. Thick-cut East Coast spuds and maximally squeaky Quebec curds. You'd say, 'Hey thanks, that was interesting, and the music was delicious, and let me just go dust-off my photo albums and hit up the local reference library cause this gravy is inspiring me to follow a path of ancestral self-discovery'.

You've definitely painted quite the picture for me with that description *Toronto poutineries- take note!* Which one of your own songs is your favorite and why?

Photo: Boris R. Aguilar

SC: Stone Song is my favorite we've recorded so far because it's heart-breaking and epitomizes our style in terms of presenting simple melodies with hidden rhythmic complexity. That said, my favorite song will always be the latest one we've written, which you'll usually be able to catch at the live show!

If you were to collaborate with other artists of your choice- dead or alive- who would you work with?

SC: My 90s heroes - either Jeremy Enigk or Allen Epley. Do yourself a favor and go listen to SDRE and/or Shiner/The Life and Times. Or like, Adrian Belew... but that would be crazy.

Anything else you would like to add?

SC: I just want to say we appreciate all the love since we started the live band late last year. Would love to hear from folks and if you've got an interesting story we're all ears.

Thank you so much for your time, Scott! 

For upcoming announcements, new music, and shows near you, get social! Follow Northern Heirs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

@thatchickkrys