If you've been following my Instagram stories lately, I've been in a bit of a 90's R&B mood. Different Ways from Toronto-based R&B singer Cyokilo (produced by Paul Nanuwa@nanuwamusic & Dj DMS) is giving me that same vibe, so into the "Chill Tunes" playlist it goes!
I love a good R&B song, especially if the artist happens to be from Toronto and has an esthetically-pleasing music video (directed by Gifty Singh) to match!
It's always exciting to see artists from your local scene get out there and do big things like gearing up to tour Europe and opening for national acts at a notable music festival in your city.
I got the chance to chat with frontman and guitarist, J.C. Sandoval of Toronto-based alt-rock band The Crooked about all that and then some! Here is the interview:
How did you all meet?
I’ve known our drummer Dell’Orso through the Toronto music scene for many years now and then the both of us met our bassist Russ in a similar fashion. We may or may not have met our lead guitarist Neelesh through the Casual Encounters section of Craigslist.
[laughs] What are the highlights of the band’s career so far?
We've done many things in a short time, but getting asked to play the main stage at Norway’s Rockstream Festival this summer is it for us right now. We’re beyond excited for this show when we tour Europe
Photo: Kirsten Sonntag
this summer. We’ll announce dates soon.
That's amazing! Congratulations! That sounds like an amazing opportunity! Favorite thing about playing your style of alternative rock?
From the start, we’ve always tried to be unconventional within rock music. For example, we fused calypso rhythms with heavy guitar riffs on our song Tarot Cards. Lately, we enjoy adding subtle dissonance to our songs. We’re essentially tricking the audience into liking something “ugly” by rewarding them later with something pretty or familiar. What is your favorite song you guys play live?
At the moment it’s an unreleased song called Villain. It’s getting a really good reaction from the crowd. We’re planning on recording it this month, and releasing it in the fall as a single. I see you guys are playing a showcase at CMW on May 11. How do you prepare for events like that? Is the prep any different than that of regular shows around the
Photo: Dylan Weller
city?
Nothing prepares you for a big show like hitting the road. We’ve almost completed the Uncivil Service Tour. We have one more show in Barrie on May 9, and then play with Danko Jones at Horseshoe Tavern for CMW the following Saturday.
Photo: Kirsten Sonntag
If you were to form a dream tour with artists -dead or alive- who would be on it with you?
We would love to form a tour where we open for ourselves in disguises and play extremely bizarre music. That “band” would then amass a large cult following, which would demote The Crooked to openers for the next tour. This is the kind of stuff we think about. [laughs] I would be interested in seeing this happen! If there was one message you would like to spread to your fans, what would it be?
We think the world right now could use less conformity and a lot more of the peculiar. Open your ears, open your mind and open your heart.
Amen! Thank you so much for your time, J.C and I look forward to seeing what's next for the band! For upcoming tour dates, announcements and new music, get social! Follow The Crooked on Spotify, Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter! @thatchickkrys
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
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}
{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!
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?
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.
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
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, andYouTube! @thatchickkrys
There's no better way to kick off my return to the world of band interviews and music blogging than by interviewing Canadian punk/rock band We Outspoken, whose 13-track album State Of The Art is set for release on May 17, 2019 through Cyber Tracks (label owned by Jen Abeyta and El Hefe of NOFX), who they have recently signed with!
I got the chance to interview to lead vocalist/ rhythm guitarist, Anthony Mascarin to discuss their journey to this major milestone in their career! Here is the interview:
Congrats on the new record deal! What are 3 major moves you had to make on your journey to getting signed?
AM: Thank you so much. It has been surreal. To be honest, I wouldn’t say that we made moves. For every record that we have done, we have sent it out, got opinions and put out feelers to see if anyone would be interested in working with us. We did the same with this record and we caught the attention of a few companies and had to decide what was the better fit.
Photo: Fernando Aragon
I would say it’s more about timing, the right sound, etc. But if I were to pick three moves that brought us to today, I would say:
1. We practice and write songs all the time.
2. We made our own way, booked our own tours and took a leap of faith.
3. We never gave up.
You guys have done a lot of touring over the years. What is your favorite part of touring, and your least favorite part?
AM: We love touring. You get locked into a groove with your best friends and you get to see the world. Our favorite part about touring is that we get to see all of our friends again, be it other bands, fans, or family.
Our least favorite part is how fast we are in and out of cities. Sometimes it nice to have a few days in one particular city, but our schedules are so hectic.
Touring for long periods of time can be mentally taxing. How do you stay centered and focused?
AM: Good question! Touring is not glamorous. It is emotionally exhausting at times, and can wear you down if you are not use to it or not prepared. What helps us is that we
Photo: Fernando Aragon
are all going through it together. We can tell if one of us is not having a great day on the road. The important things are communication, space, and LOTS OF SLEEP. I can’t stress this enough.
We used to sleep on floors, share beds- we would take whatever we could get. After a while, you find that the schedule is so hectic that you need a good night's sleep to deal with performing and traveling, as it plays a big part on your mood.
What has been the toughest hurdle you had to overcome to get to this point in your career, and how did you overcome it?
AM: We are still jumping over hurdles! Ha! I would say the hardest thing is to keep going. It takes real strength to do what we do. Looking back, what we have accomplished has pushed us to this point, and that is what has kept us going. We also love songwriting, so if we are not touring we can be in the studio or at each other’s houses, coming up with ideas. Especially when we finish a new record- we can’t wait to play the songs live! With your busy schedules, how do you balance your work life and personal life? AM: Scheduling. We know when we record, we know when we tour, so we know where we can fit in our personal life. We are in control of the when and where, so it’s easy to fit everything in. If a restaurant were to name a burger after the band, what would be in it? AM: Lettuce, Mayo, Ketchup and hot peppers!
Photo: Brendan Purdy
Any tour hacks you would like to share?
AM:Always carry those Tide travel packs. You can do laundry anywhere. This saved us countless hours. Any shout-outs?
AM: Thank you Krystal for another great interview!
Thank you, Anthony for your time! Always a pleasure!
For upcoming We Outspoken tour dates near you, get social! Give these guys a follow on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram
