The Raveonettes make beautiful but edgy music. For example, “Last Dance” has a simple upbeat melody, but is about a relationship with a drug addict.  They would probably be a much bigger band, if they “sold out” and wrote bubblegum lyrics to match their haunting melodies. I like to think of The Raveonettes as a long lost soundtrack to a forgotten David Lynch film.

The band is a duo of two Danes, Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo. I reached Sune Rose Wagner (the guy in the band) on his cell phone. I don’t know if the Danes are known for being succinct and frank, but Sune certainly is both.

Tracks played on the show... 

1) The Raveonettes "Last Dance"
2) The Raveonettes "Bang!"
3) The Raveonettes "My Boyfriend's Back" (The Angels cover)
4) The Raveonettes "Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)"
5) The Raveonettes "Heart Of Stone"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Raveonettes #23

My phone call woke up Little Dragon singer (and all-around indie goddess) Yukimi. She was napping before the show while on tour with Gorillaz. Yukimi and the band are from Gothenberg, Sweden, a town known more for its metal than its chill electronic indie pop. You'll have to listen for when I get poor groggy Yukimi to give me her best metal GROWL.

No one knows who Little Dragon is YET, but everyone I have introduced to the band loves ’em. Check out “Feather.” This song Yukimi wrote because she resented being told that women are not risk-takers.

Tracks played on the show...

1) Little Dragon, Machine Dreams "Feather"
2) Gorillaz (feat Little Dragon), Plastic Beach "Empire Ants" (partial)
3) Jose Gonzalez "Love Will Tear Us Apart" (cover) (background only)
4) Little Dragon, Machine Dreams "Never Never"
5) Dark Tranquility, Damage Done (2002) "The Treason Wall" (background only)
6) Brandy (feat Monica), Never Say Never "That Boy Is Mine" (background only)
7) Little Dragon, Machine Dreams "Runabout"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Little Dragon #56

This interview was one of the most crazy ones I’ve done recently.

Deep into a grueling tour, Skrillex did not want to do any more interviews. He was getting burned out from press (in our chat he tells me why), but somehow he got convinced to meet.

We did the interview in the basement of Celebrities nightclub, since Skrillex would only talk inside. His tour manager stood beside us during the entire chat, handing Skrillex cigarettes and drinks. If you listen closely, you can hear the beats and the taps of feet on the dancefloor above us. Pieces of the ceiling were falling down around us as we chatted.

A completely insane situation, but completely worth it for the chance to talk to one of the most interesting, not to mention most talented, upstarts in electronic music.

Tracks played in the show...

1) Skrillex “My Name Is Skrillex” (Skrillex remix)
2) Skrillex “Kill Everybody” (Original mix)
3) Skrillex “With You Friends” 

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Skrillex #80

You may know local beatmaker Tarun Nayar from his very popular touring group Delhi 2 Dublin or from Beats Without Borders. This year, Tarun released a solo album 22º of Beatitude. 

Like all Tarun's projects, the new record is a fusion of more mainstream beats and music from Eastern cultures. But the record also serves as a travelogue of sorts, compiling of all the sounds Tarun has collected from over 10 years of traveling around Asia.

Join us this week as we talk about Tarun’s fantastic journeys.

Tracks played on the show...

1) Tarun Nayar, 22º of Beatitude "Turkish Spice"
2) Tarun Nayar, 22º of Beatitude "Kezang La"
3) Tarun Nayar, 22º of Beatitude "Daybreak" 

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Tarun Nayar #84

K.Flay is a SF-based rapper who makes her own beats. She's got one foot in hip hop and the other in indie rock. I discovered K.Flay's music because one of her fans emailed me and demanded I have her on the show. 

Check out her stuff and listen to our chat. You won't be disappointed. Did I mention that I get her to do a freestyle ode to Cheerios?

Tracks played on the show...
 
1) K.Flay, Eyes Shut EP "Stop Focus"
2) K.Flay, MASHed Potatoes Mixtape "CRAZYtown"
3) K.Flay, Eyes Shut EP "10th Ave"
4) K.Flay, Eyes Shut EP "Sunburn"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with K.Flay #99

THEESatisfaction is Cat and Stas. The pair live, laugh, love, dance and create in Seattle. They were one of the first hip hop acts signed to legendary indie music label Sub Pop. This might have been seen as a bit of a weird move for an indie music label… (Sub Pop is remembered as the epicenter for all things “alternative” in the 90s–they were the home of Nirvana among many others) …But really, good music is good music.

Check out “Do You Have Time?” In the words of THEESatisfaction: “A love song about pot, or is that a pot song about love?” Take a listen to THEESatisfaction, though, and you can see why Sub Pop snapped up these two talented women.  They are a potent mix of introspective Slam Poetry, Black Jazz and Sunday morning soul–100% hip hop. Listen to our chat.

Tracks played on the show...
 
1) THEESatisfaction, Transitions mixtape "Do You Have Time?"
2) THEESatisfaction, Transitions mixtape "Foliage"
3) THEESatisfaction, Transitions mixtape "Morning SAMO"
4) THEESatisfaction, Snow Motion mixtape "Bisexual"
5) THEESatisfaction, Transitions mixtape "I Nigress"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with THEESatisfaction #111

No one can deny that Toronto’s favourite indie rockers The Darcys are ambitious. Back when they announced their debut record on Canada’s legendary Arts & Crafts record label, they also declared the record would be the first in a trilogy. You have to admire that.

Their latest record Warring is the final part of this trilogy and the culmination of their work so far. Jason and Wes from the band were happy to sit down and talk openly about the band’s wild and rocky career. I start the interview with a cheesy, icebreaker type question. The reaction from these serious but ultra-charming fellows is hilarious and our chat only gets more amusing from there. Listen!

Tracks played on the show...
  
1) The Darcys, Warring (2013) “The River” 
2) The Darcys, Warring (2013) “Horses Fell” (partial/background)
3) The Darcys, Warring (2013) “Muzzle Blast” 
4) The Darcys, Warring (2013) “Lost Dogfights” 
  
ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Darcys #156

When I met DJ and electronic music producer Ryan Hemsworth outside the club, he had just gotten handed a large brown paper bag. Ok… I wasn’t quite sure what kind of deal I had accidentally walked into, so I decided to roll with it and we did the interview in an especially shady parking lot. It seemed like the perfect place to release all my lingering questions.

Listen to my chat with Ryan Hemsworth for the answers to these following questions… What was in that brown paper bag? What was the last song that got him super emotional? Why has he marked all my emails as SPAM? And more!

Tracks played on the show...

1) Ryan Hemsworth, Guilt Trips (2013) “Small + Lost” (ft Sinead Harnett)
2) Ryan Hemsworth, No Plans (2011) “Good Things Can Never Last” 
3) Squadda B, Back Sellin/ Crack (Mixtape 2011) “Mama House” (produced by Ryan Hemsworth) **
4) Ryan Hemsworth, Guilt Trips (2013) “Against A Wall” (ft Lofty 305) 
  
ALL songs CANCON except **

The Interview Show with Ryan Hemsworth #158

Brody Dalle started performing in bands when she was barely a teenager in Australia. Just as she turned 18, she married Tim Armstrong, the frontman of Rancid. (Their divorce inspired many of the songs on Rancid‘s 2003 album Indestructible.) From there, Brody has led several bands, proving music is one of the true loves of her life. She is also currently a parent of two children with her husband Josh Homme, the frontman of Queens of the Stone Age.

I had a chance to sit down with Brody Dalle while she was on tour to promote the release of her current record, Diploid Love. (The first record she has released under her own name.) You have to listen to my chat with this complicated individual.

Tracks played on the show...
  
1) Brody Dalle Diploid Love (2014) "Meet The Foetus/Oh The Joy"
2) Brody Dalle Diploid Love (2014) "Parties For Prostitutes"
3) The Distillers Coral Fang (2003) "Drain the Blood"
4) Brody Dalle Diploid Love (2014) "Don't Mess With Me"
  
NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Brody Dalle #174

The Perfume Genius track “Queen” was one of my favorite songs of last year and the song is the jewel in the crown of Perfume Genius‘ triumphant third record Too Bright.

I caught Mike Hadreas aka Perfume Genius behind the Vogue Theatre when he was in town opening for Belle & Sebastian. He had snuck out back for a quick vape and I got him to talk about his bubbling anger, his growth as a songwriter, the fact that every article about him uses the word "sexuality" and more. Listen to our chat!

Tracks played on the show...
  
1) Perfume Genius, Too Bright (2014) "Queen"
2) Mary Margaret O’Hara, Miss America (1988) "Body’s In Trouble" (background/partial) **
3) Perfume Genius, Too Bright (2014) "Grid"
4) Perfume Genius, Put Your Back N 2 It (2012) "Normal Song"
5) Perfume Genius, Too Bright (2014) "Fool"
6) Perfume Genius, Too Bright (2014) "All Along"
 
NO songs CANCON, except ** 

The Interview Show with Perfume Genius #184

Like fellow indie music weirdo Ariel Pink, Montreal's TOPS get a lot of credit for subverting pop music. TOPS is also a very well-connected band at the centre of the flourishing Montreal indie scene with music pals like singer-songwriter Sean Nicholas Savage and rapper Cadence Weapon. In fact, TOPS bestie and indie superstar Mac DeMarco even flashed his testicles in the TOPS video for "Way to be Loved."

I wanted to do the interview in the tour van, but TOPS members Jane Penny (vocals), Jenny Roberts (bass) and David Carriere (guitar) were afraid I couldn't handle the intense smells inside. What strange odors were inside the TOPS tour van? How does it feel when one of your friends flashes his nuts in your music video? What does "Viva Las Vegas" have to do with any of this? If you listen, you'll find out all this and more!

Tracks played on the show... 

1) TOPS, Picture You Staring (2014) "Outside"
2) TOPS, Picture You Staring (2014) "Way to be Loved"
3) TOPS, Tender Opposites (2012) "Evening"
4) TOPS, Picture You Staring (2014) "Change of Heart"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with TOPS #190

You may know Jay Malinonwski from the 2000s reggae-rock band Bedouin Soundclash. When that band took a hiatus, Jay took some time off. He started researching his family's past. This work led to his solo debut double-length nautical concept album “Martel.”

When I hung out with Jay Malinowski at a Gastown coffeehouse, he had been holed up for weeks writing his book, “Skulls & Bones” (an illustrated novel and companion piece to Martel). He was definitely not prepared for a Scott Wood interview, which made this chat hilarious. Listen to this episode. It's one of my recent favorites. 

Tracks played on the show...

1) Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, Martel (2014) "Patience Phipps (The Best of You)"
2) Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, Martel (2014) "The Tall Shadow From Saint-Malo"
3) Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, Martel (2014) "Low, Low, Low"
4) Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, Martel (2014) "Donzoko Blues (April's Fool)"
5) Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, Martel (2014) "Dying Californian" (feat. Zachary Richard)

ALL Songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Jay Malinowski #203

Indie icon Dan Boeckner is perhaps best known for his role in the legendary mid-2000s post-punk indie rock band Wolf Parade. Since Wolf Parade (sadly) went on hiatus, Boeckner was involved in a project called Divine Fits (with Spoon frontman Britt Daniel) and he started Handsome Furs (with his ex-wife Alexei Perry). Currently, Boeckner has a new band called Operators. Last Gang Records will release the Operators debut full length, Blue Wave, on April 1, 2016.

I chatted with the entire Operators line up including Boeckner (on vocals, guitar, and synths), drummer Sam Brown (New Bomb Turks and Divine Fits) and electro-wiz Devojka. Somehow I get this trio to talk about everything including Louis CK, using sex to sell, how Dan and Sam met, being a complete dick, Dave from Japandroids, how collaboration works in Operators, and the beauty of starting over again.

I think this is the only interview I've done with a group hug. You'll have to listen.

Tracks played on the show...

1) Operators, "Ecstasy In My House" single (2015) 
2) Operators, EP 1 (2014) "Truth"
3) Divine Fits, A Thing Called Divine Fits (2012) "Flaggin' A Ride" **
4) Operators, EP 1 (2014) "Start Again" 

ALL songs CANCON except **

The Interview Show with Operators (Dan Boeckner) #205

The Growlers call the strange mix of garage, psychedelic, and surf rock that they make "Beach Goth."  The term started from a combination of the surf sound on the Growler's 2010 Hot Tropics EP and the dark themes (like poverty, death and addiction) that singer Brooks tends to sing about. But soon for the band, the Beach Goth label grew to become a blanket term for what the band is about:  budget recording--the band recorded in a minimal home studio--budget surfing--surfing on a crummy board--and beach living--even thought the band never lived on the beach. Beach Goth eventually became an annual Orange County music festival that the Growlers put on and headline.

I hung out with Brooks and his dog Jonesey at the end of an era for The Growlers. The band used to live together in a camp (which included their recording studio), but tragically the camp had burned down. Sitting in the alley behind Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre, I got Brooks to open up about bringing girlfriends on the road, the fire that destroyed the band's home, if writing songs for your girlfriend works to keep her happy, how to keep peace in the tour van, the difference between drinking beer vs drinking whiskey onstage, and much more. Listen.

Tracks played on the show...

1) The Growlers, Chinese Fountain (2014) "Going Gets Tuff" 
2) The Growlers, Chinese Fountain (2014) "Good Advice"  
3) The Growlers, Hung at Heart (2013) "Someday" 
4) The Growlers, Gay Thoughts/Feelin' Good single (2011) "Gay Thoughts"  
5) The Growlers, Hung at Heart (2013) "Beach Rats"  

NO songs CANCON 


The Interview Show with The Growlers #208

One of my favorite indie dance bands right now is called RÜFÜS or RÜFÜS DU SOL. The name of the band depends on where you live.  I hung out with the three Aussies (Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt) who make up RÜFÜS / RÜFÜS DU SOL in a dark alley behind the venue while they waited for opening act and Aussie pals Hermitude to finish. 

What's the deal with the two band names? What strange connection does RÜFÜS DU SOL have to singer Rufus Wainwright? Which RÜFÜS DU SOL track was born one night trying to make something that sounded like Booka Shade and Trentemøller? Where was the craziest place the boys have partied in Berlin? Which band member sleepwalks? What advice do the boys have for my interview style? Which member of the band owes everyone drinks? Listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the show...

1) RÜFÜS DU SOL, Atlas (2013) "Desert Night"
2) RÜFÜS DU SOL, Atlas (2013) "Modest Life"
3) RÜFÜS DU SOL, RÜFÜS EP (2011) "We Left"
4) RÜFÜS DU SOL, Atlas Light/Dark Deluxe Edition (2014) "We Left (Night Version)"
5) RÜFÜS DU SOL, Atlas (2013) "Sundream"

NO SONGS CANCON

The Interview Show

The Interview Show with RUFUS / RUFUS DU SOL #222

NY indie rock band The Lemon Twigs at its core is brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. The band’s debut record Do Hollywood  came out last year and each brother wrote five songs on the record. When you see them play live, the brothers switch instruments, so they can sing the songs each wrote. Although young–the youngest D’Addario is still a teenager–the brothers have been immersed in music since they were born. Their father is a professional musician and their mother is a lifelong music fan.
Do Hollywood got started after the brothers sent Jonathan Rado, frontman of California indie rock band Foxygen, some demos over Twitter. Before they knew it, the band was signed to legendary label 4AD (home of SOHN, Deerhunter, Future Islands, The National, among others) and working with Rado on what would become Do Hollywood.
I got to hang out with the brothers the last time they were in town. Do the brothers really fight a lot? What was it like working with Jonathan Rado from Foxygen? What are the details behind the secret debut record that the D’Addario brothers have disavowed? Which legendary musician’s career would each brother like to have? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

My hang sesh with The Lemon Twigs turned out to be so fun, there was a lot of talk I couldn’t fit into the radio version of the show. In the extended version of the show, I talk with the brothers about growing up in a musical family, two more songs from the Do Hollywood record (“Hi+Lo” and “As Long As We’re Together”) and the other secrets the brothers are hiding.

Tracks played on the extended version of the show...

1) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "These Words"
2) Foxygen, ...And Star Power (2014) "Brooklyn Police Station" (background)
3) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Baby, Baby" (partial)
4) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "I Wanna Prove To You"
5) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "As Long As We're Together" 
6) The Lemon Twigs, What We Know (2014) "The Corners I Was Locked Behind (When I Was There)"
7) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Hi+Lo"
8) The Lemon Twigs, Do Hollywood (2016) "Haroomata"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Lemon Twigs (podcast edition) #224

I hung out with Warp Records electronic, experimental, ambient, drone producer Daniel Lopatin aka Oneohtrix Point Never (or sometimes OPN) in an unusually busy alleyway behind Vancouver’s Venue nightclub. He sipped tea the whole time to massage his vocal chords for that night’s show. 
 
His latest record, Garden of Delete, started when Daniel got really obsessed with top 40 music and wondered what it would be like to create an entire album from the discarded song ideas of top 40 pop songwriters. The record ended up being about an adolescent alien meeting a made-up hyper-grunge band called Chaos Edge and their musical collaboration.  
 
Which song on his record is about how absurd it is to ejaculate for the first time? How did top 40 song writers react when Daniel approached them for their discarded song ideas?  Which is his favorite track on Garden of Delete? Which top 40 song is Daniel’s current guilty obsession? Which Garden of Delete track does Daniel call his "psychotic clown" song? In how many different ways can our interview get interrupted by this abnormally busy alleyway? You’ll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the the show…
 
1) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Sticky Drama”
2) Rae Sremmurd, SremmLife (2015) “No Type”
3) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Mutant Standard”
4) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “Animals”
5) Oneohtrix Point Never, Replica (2011) “Replica”
6) Oneohtrix Point Never, Garden of Delete (2015) “I Bite Through It”

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Oneohtrix Point Never (podcast edition) #233

Twins Wyatt and Fletcher Shears formed the Southern California punk duo called The Garden in 2011 (when they were 17). They have even invented a name for what they do, "vada vada."  The Shears brothers always seem to be making music. Even when they take a break from The Garden, each twin has his own side project, Wyatt's is called Enjoy and Fletcher's is named Puzzle.

I hung out with the brothers one cold night outside the  Cobalt while The Prettys did a soundcheck inside. 

What is "vada vada"? Do the Shears have a secret twin language? How is The Garden's songwriting evolving over time? How did their Dad's involvement in the SoCal punk scene influence the brothers? Why is it important for each brother to have his own side project? Will The Garden project ever add a third member? Which sport do the brothers still enjoy when they have the time? You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) The Garden, Haha (2016) "All Smiles Over Here"
2) The Garden, Haha (2016) "Crystal Clear"
3) The Garden, Haha (2016) "This Could Build Us a Home"
4) The Garden, The Life And Times of a Paperclip (2013) "I'm a Woman"  
5) Puzzle, And Then Suddenly, Like Magic! (2014) "Would You Mind Coming Along With Me" (background/partial)
6) Enjoy, Legacy (2014) "Party Bounce" (background/partial)
7) The Garden, Haha (2016) "I Guess We'll Never Know"
8) The Garden, Haha (2016) "Together We'll Be Great"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with The Garden (podcast edition) #241

When I found Australian garage punk band Dune Rats (Danny, BC and Brett) behind Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre, they were already many, many, many beers into their evening. Somehow I coaxed these charming party animals from their beers towards a quiet place in the alley to chat.

The Rickshaw is located in the heart of Vancouver's downtown lower east side and that evening the alley was completely littered with used needles. When we started the interview a woman was standing halfway up the alley beside a dumpster, facing the wall and eerily dancing. After we started chatting, a pigeon touched down on the dumpster beside her and she suddenly came alive, capturing the bird. Why am I telling you this? She becomes a recurring feature in our chat and a special guest.  

Dune Rats were in Canada touring their latest record, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit. The record's title was inspired by words from Courtney Taylor-Taylor (from  Dandy Warhols) and the record was produced by Zac Carper (from American punk band FIDLAR)--so naturally the Dune Rats wanted to talk about Courtney's allegedly "large cock" (as well as the sizes of Dune Rats' own dicks) and the time their producer Zac made them buy dresses at a thrift shop to wear while performing. 

This interview is one of the more crazy, chaotic and fun ones I've done this year. Listen! 

Warning: this interview does contain a lot of drunk and very course language. To give you an idea, I probably won't do a radio edit of this chat because it would be mostly bleeps.

Tracks played on the podcast edition...

1) Dune Rats, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit (2017) "Scott Green"
2) Dune Rats, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit (2017) "Bullshit"
3) The Dandy Warhols, Welcome to the Monkey House (2003) "We Used to Be Friends" (background/partial)
4) Dune Rats, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit (2017) "Braindead"
5) Dune Rats, Dune Rats (2014)  "When You're Around"
6)  Dune Rats, Dune Rats (2014)  "Funny Guy"
7) DZ Deathrays, Brutal Tapes (2011) "The Party (House Party Version)" (background/partial)
8) FIDLAR, FIDLAR (2013) "No Waves" (background/partial)
9) Dune Rats, The Kids Will Know It's Bullshit (2017) "6 Pack"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Dune Rats (podcast edition) #243

You'd think a guy who named his band STRFKR would be able to scream the correct pronunciation of his band from the rooftops, but in fact the man behind STRFKR, Joshua Hodges, says "Starfucker" in hushed tones like it's a very bad word--despite the fact that he prefers the "real way of saying it" over what the band is usually called on the radio, S-T-R-F-K-R or Star-eff-er.  Don't worry--you'll have to listen to the podcast edition of the show to hear me try to get Josh to own saying the band's real name.  Somehow I edited this interview to be radio-ready. 

I sat down with Josh backstage and he was a big nervous ball of energy. Why did the autobiography of one of the first western Buddhist nuns inspire the new record? What was it like to go to a BDSM club for the first time? Would he go back? What is Josh's favorite podcast? (Other than The Interview Show.) Which STRFKR track was inspired by a band member's tattoo? What was it like being raised by a mom who is a "fag hag"? Is "fag hag" a term we should be using anymore? Who is "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" in real life? Why did Josh decide to release all the old demos (that he found on his failing hard drive)?  How does Josh keep present and in the moment at every show? Which song on the new record was a collaboration with the STRFKR drummer? Which snack does Josh eat right before the interview? Listen!

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) STRFKR, Being No One, Going Nowhere (2016) "Open Your Eyes"
2) STRFKR, Being No One, Going Nowhere (2016) "Never Ever"
3) STRFKR, Miracle Mile (2013) "While I'm Alive" 
4) STRFKR, Starfucker (2008) "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second"
5) STRFKR, Vault Vol. 1 (2017) "Basically"
6) STRFKR, Being No One, Going Nowhere (2016) "In the End"

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with STRFKR (radio edit) #250

Post-punk band Ought was born when three Americans and an Australian came to Montreal for school and got caught up in a whirlwind of friendship, music and protest. I climbed into the tour van with Tim Darcy (vocals, guitar) and Matt May (keyboards) from Ought and we talked about the band's latest record Room Inside the World. 

How did the 2012 Montreal protests kickstart the band? Which Ought song was inspired by Bruce Springsteen? What was included in the vision board the band shared before writing the newest record? Which Ought song did New York composer Arthur Russell inspire? What place does protest and politics have in Ought's music and lyrics? Was Tim Darcy's solo record the beginning of something new for Ought? What about Matt's solo project? Which song from Room Inside the World does the band still not play live? You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Ought, Room Inside The World (2018) "Desire"
2) Ought, Room Inside The World (2018) "These 3 Things"
3) Ought, Room Inside The World (2018) "Disgraced in America"
4) Ought, More Than Any Other Day (2014) "The Weather Song"
5) Tim Darcy, Saturday Night (2017) "Joan, Pt. 1, 2"
6) Countrywide, Ownership (2013) "you are the river, I am the swimmer"
7) Ought, Room Inside The World (2018) "Brief Shield"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Ought (podcast edition) #265

DCF (aka David Charles Fischer fka Prince Caspian) is a pop artist who sometimes sings, sometimes sorta raps. He also writes for other artists. He's very connected in the Toronto music scene. Rapper Jazz Cartier is a former roommate. Electropop superstar Lights is an older sister type bud. Nate Motte from party rap band 3OH!3 is a writing partner. 

I hung out with DCF backstage when he came to Vancouver on his first bus tour. He was opening for Lights. Backstage at the Vogue Theatre, we hung out in Lights dressing room while she was at a VIP meet and greet. DCF was incredibly chill considering he was about to go onstage and open for Lights insanely dedicated fans.

DCF is signed to Last Gang Records (which is owned by international  juggernaut Entertainment One Music). He was set to release his debut record in 2018 tentatively titled High School Forever. That record didn't come out this year. But you should be on the lookout for this guy, either onstage or writing for your favorite pop superstars, you'll be hearing from DCF! 

What does DCF do to get ready to go on stage? Why did he write a song named after actor/singer Sky Ferreira?  Did DCF once break up with someone by text? What's it like writing with Nathaniel Motte (from party rap band 3OH!3)? What does Nate tell DCF not to do if he wants to be popular on a bus tour? Which DCF song was inspired by (former roommate) Jazz Cartier's "Red Alert"? Which song did DCF write for someone else and then decide to keep for himself (after listening it 16 times)? Which pop vocalist does DCF want to write for? Which Wu-Tang song did DCF hear first? Which Lights song is DCF's favorite? Which DCF song is about him being catfished? Which songs from his youth will he torture his kids with in the future? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) DCF, single (2017) "Sky Ferreira (Looks Like I'm Going To Have To Break That Promise)"
2) DCF, unreleased "Bring a Friend"
3) DCF, Pop Songs EP (2014) "John Cuzak"
4) Lights, Little Machines (2014) "Muscle Memory"
5) DCF, unreleased "One Time"
6) DCF, unreleased "Three Steps (To Leave Your Mans)"

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with DCF (podcast edition) #286

Electronic dance duo Adventure Club started as an unlikely side project. Montreal high school pals, Christian Srigley and Leighton James were busy with their hardcore emo pop-punk band, but after finding success with a dubstep remix of "Daisy" by American alternative-rock band Brand New, Adventure Club was born. 

I hung out with Leighton one crazy night backstage at a weird time in the band's history. His bandmate Christian had been sidelined by back surgery and Leighton was trucking along solo. The band had just released "Thunderclap"--a song that was a departure from their signature sound--female vocaled, heart-soothing dubstep. 

How did Christian's back injury effect his bro? Can I get Leighton to wear shoes? Which local Vancouver celebrity crashes our interview? Why has Leighton never missed a single Warped Tour? Which hardcore song gives Leighton the feels right now? What's the toughest part of being in a duo? How do the guys handle music disagreements and different tastes? Who are Adventure Club's favorite superheroes and why? What's the band's pre-show ritual? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Adventure Club, Calling All Heroes (2013) "Gold" (featuring Yuna)
2) Adventure Club, Calling All Heroes (2013) "Thunderclap" 
3) Flight Facilities (featuring Giselle Rosselli), single (2011) "Crave You" (Adventure Club Remix)
4) Adventure Club, Calling All Heroes (2013) "Gold" (featuring The Kite String Tangle)

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Adventure Club (radio edit) #287

I met Danish punk rock band Iceage on the humid Toronto curb after an incredible show at NXNE festival. Their set was incredible. They writhed around the stage like a bunch of vengeful serpents trying to escape a religious snake-handling ceremony. Outside the club, I struck up a conversation with them as they lit cigarettes, eventually gaining enough courage to ask them for an interview. Instead the band started furiously making out with each other.

I got another chance to hang out with Iceage when they came through my hometown, Vancouver. I started out interviewing Dan, Elias and Jakob, but everyone quickly lost interest in chatting, wandering off, leaving singer Elias to talk with me as he smoked. Every once and a while I meet a band that are so solid in their conviction that interviews must happen completely on their own terms. 

What brand of cigarettes do Dan, Elias and Jakob smoke? How did the band balance doubt and perfection while making their record? Why does Elias consider a sense of urgency important when making music? How did Iceage avoid the snakes that inhabit the music industry? Which songs from the older records do Iceage still play in the live show? You'll have to listen to find out!  

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "The Lord's Favorite" 
2) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "How Many" 
3) Iceage, You're Nothing (2013) "Ecstasy" 
4) Iceage, New Brigade (2011) "New Brigade" 
5) Iceage, You're Nothing (2013) "Morals" (partial/background)
6) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "Forever"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Iceage (podcast edition) #289

I met Danish punk rock band Iceage on the humid Toronto curb after an incredible show at NXNE festival. Their set was incredible. They writhed around the stage like a bunch of vengeful serpents trying to escape a religious snake-handling ceremony. Outside the club, I struck up a conversation with them as they lit cigarettes, eventually gaining enough courage to ask them for an interview. Instead the band started furiously making out with each other.

I got another chance to hang out with Iceage when they came through my hometown, Vancouver. I started out interviewing Dan, Elias and Jakob, but everyone quickly lost interest in chatting, wandering off, leaving singer Elias to talk with me as he smoked. Every once and a while I meet a band that are so solid in their conviction that interviews must happen completely on their own terms. 

What brand of cigarettes do Dan, Elias and Jakob smoke? How did the band balance doubt and perfection while making their record? Why does Elias consider a sense of urgency important when making music? How did Iceage avoid the snakes that inhabit the music industry? Which songs from the older records do Iceage still play in the live show? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "The Lord's Favorite" 
2) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "How Many" 
3) Iceage, You're Nothing (2013) "Ecstasy" 
4) Iceage, New Brigade (2011) "New Brigade" 
5) Iceage, You're Nothing (2013) "Morals" (partial/background)
6) Iceage, Plowing Into the Field of Love (2014) "Forever"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Iceage (radio edit) #289

Ibeyi is the music project of twin sisters Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz. The duo sings in English, French, Spanish and Yoruba (a Nigerian language spoken in West Africa by their ancestors before being taken to Cuba as slaves in the 1700s). In Yoruba, Ibeyi (Ìbejì) means "twins". Their father was the famed Cuban percussionist Anga Díaz, who was also a member of Buena Vista Social Club.

I hung out with the sisters and their mom who is their tour manager (or momager) backstage at Vancouver's Fortune Sound Lounge. 

Which Ibeyi track was written on the way home from a concert? Do the sisters like being asked about being twins? Who is the unofficial third member of the band? What does Yoruba culture mean to the sisters? What was it like working with XL Recordings record label founder and music legend Richard Russell? Which Ibeyi track is a tribute to a failed relationship? How is the first tour going? You'll have to listen to find out. 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Ibeyi, Ibeyi (2015) "River" 
2) Ibeyi, Ibeyi (2015) "Mama Says"
3) Ibeyi, Ibeyi (2015) "Oya" 
4) Ibeyi, single (2015) "Exhibit Diaz" (Jay Electronica "Better In Tune With the Infinite" cover)
 
NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Ibeyi (radio edit) #290

Dan Mangan is Vancouver's indie music golden boy. He started from humble beginnings and now tours the world and tells stories about that time he hung out with Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and members of Radiohead. I was kind of geeking out when I met Dan Mangan in the backstage area of the Vogue Theatre and of course he was a really down to earth guy--he even gave me an Easter Egg. 

Which musicians make Dan Mangan geek out? Did he turned down a chance to smoke up with Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg? What was it like getting his band Blacksmith back together after a long break? Is Dan always writing songs--even during interviews? What is his idea for a sequel to his fan-favorite song "Robots"?  How does he react to people saying that he's left his singer-songwriter roots behind? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Vessel" 
2) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Kitsch" (background/partial)
3) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Pretty Good Joke" (background/partial)
4) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Mouthpiece" 
5) Dan Mangan, Nice, Nice, Very Nice (2009) "Robots"  
6) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Kitsch"  

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Dan Mangan (radio edit) #291

I hung out with Meredith Graves, Ray McAndrew and Shaun Sutkus from  Syracuse, New York punk band Perfect Pussy one windy summer day as the band took a smoke break. The band tour van was noticeably dented from a collision, so we sat on the grass in the sun.  

Perfect Pussy began as a "fake band" that singer Meredith Graves pulled together for her film director friend Scott Coffey's 2013 film,  Adult World. But Perfect Pussy ended up becoming a real project and the band were quickly touring North America. Lead singer Meredith Graves was also very vocal about the abuse of power by older men in the music industry--when it was something that people were afraid to do. https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/515-sun-kil-moon-yells-at-cloud-war-on-drugs-suck-my-cock-and-the-language-of-male-violence/   

What happened to the tour van? Why did Meredith choose that band name? What was it like to get such quick success? How did Meredith react to pressure to be the focal point of the band? Which song does everyone think about is about sex (when it's really about something else)? What was it like for the band when Meredith decided to call out bad behavior in her hometown music scene? Which Perfect Pussy song is "the hard one" to play? Which song did Ray want to sound like Sonic Youth's "Daydream Nation"? What is "band feelings time"? Which Perfect Pussy song is the first Meredith duet with... Meredith? You'll have to listen to find out.

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Driver" 
2) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Dig" 
3) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Advance Upon the Real" 
4) Perfect Pussy, I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling (2013) "i" 
5) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Interference Fits"  
6) Perfect Pussy, I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling (2013) "iii" 

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Perfect Pussy (podcast edition) #292

I hung out with Meredith Graves, Ray McAndrew and Shaun Sutkus from  Syracuse, New York punk band Perfect Pussy one windy summer day as the band took a smoke break. The band tour van was noticeably dented from a collision, so we sat on the grass in the sun.  

Perfect Pussy began as a "fake band" that singer Meredith Graves pulled together for her film director friend Scott Coffey's 2013 film,  Adult World. But Perfect Pussy ended up becoming a real project and the band were quickly touring North America. Lead singer Meredith Graves was also very vocal about the abuse of power by older men in the music industry--when it was something that people were afraid to do. https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/515-sun-kil-moon-yells-at-cloud-war-on-drugs-suck-my-cock-and-the-language-of-male-violence/   

What happened to the tour van? Why did Meredith choose that band name? What was it like to get such quick success? How did Meredith react to pressure to be the focal point of the band? Which song does everyone think about is about sex (when it's really about something else)? What was it like for the band when Meredith decided to call out bad behavior in her hometown music scene? Which Perfect Pussy song is "the hard one" to play? Which song did Ray want to sound like Sonic Youth's "Daydream Nation"? What is "band feelings time"? Which Perfect Pussy song is the first Meredith duet with... Meredith? You'll have to listen to find out.

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Driver" 
2) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Advance Upon the Real" 
3) Perfect Pussy, I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling (2013) "i" 
4) Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love (2014) "Interference Fits"
5) Perfect Pussy, I Have Lost All Desire for Feeling (2013) "iii"    

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Perfect Pussy (radio edit) #292

You might remember Ryan Karazija as the frontman of the Oakland, California indie rock band Audrye Sessions. Just as that band was starting to see some success, Ryan got divorced and relocated to Reykjavík, Iceland. Next, he started a new dream pop band, called Low Roar. You might have heard Low Roar's track  "I'll Keep Coming" in a trailer for the Death Stranding video game.

I had a few drinks with Ryan in his deluxe tour van one hot summer night. The van had a leaky roof and one seat needed a bucket to collect water when it rained. Things got pretty sweaty. 

Which band member has to sit in the leaky seat? What made Ryan decide to leave the Bay area indie rock music scene? What was it like to start over in a new country? Was it easy to find a new music community? Does Ryan ever get tired about being asked about Iceland? Which song title as taken by the first thing Ryan saw when he looked up from saving the file? What's the story behind my favorite Low Roar song? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Low Roar, Remix EP (2015) "Breathe In" (Carmen Rizzo Remix) 
2) Low Roar, Low Roar (2014) "Friends Make Garbage (Good Friends Take It Out)"  
3) Low Roar, Remix EP (2015) "Vampire On My Fridge" (Farao Remix) 
4) Low Roar, 0 (2014) "Dreamer"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Low Roar (podcast edition) #293

You might remember Ryan Karazija as the frontman of the Oakland, California indie rock band Audrye Sessions. Just as that band was starting to see some success, Ryan got divorced and relocated to Reykjavík, Iceland. Next, he started a new dream pop band, called Low Roar. You might have heard Low Roar's track  "I'll Keep Coming" in a trailer for the Death Stranding video game.

I had a few drinks with Ryan in his deluxe tour van one hot summer night. The van had a leaky roof and one seat needed a bucket to collect water when it rained. Things got pretty sweaty. 

Which band member has to sit in the leaky seat? What made Ryan decide to leave the Bay area indie rock music scene? What was it like to start over in a new country? Was it easy to find a new music community? Does Ryan ever get tired about being asked about Iceland? What's the story behind my favorite Low Roar song? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Low Roar, Remix EP (2015) "Breathe In" (Carmen Rizzo Remix) 
2) Low Roar, Low Roar (2014) "Friends Make Garbage (Good Friends Take It Out)"  
3) Low Roar, 0 (2014) "Dreamer"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Low Roar (radio edit) #293

36? started as Taylor Cochrane's solo project when he was a teenager. As he says, "36? emerged at a very difficult and incomprehensible time in my life. I existed in a constant state of medically induced psychosis. I wrote and recorded songs on a daily basis, a mechanical imagination running wild in a zombie suit. Appearing as a hazy shell of a human being to the outside world, a blank dead eyed slate sitting at the back of the classroom, but on the inside I was in a constant state of creation." 36? has evolved since it's 2006 beginnings and now Taylor has folded many of his Calgary music scene friends into the band. They've recently released a new record Milk Mountain. 

The last time 36? were in Vancouver, I had a few drinks with Taylor and his new bandmates Kerry and Laura Hickli. When I brought up one of the first songs Taylor wrote for the project "So what if I feel like bondage?" it turned out Kerry and Laura had never heard the song before--so I get their reaction after hearing the track for the first time! 

How do you pronounce "36?" Why does Taylor find it strange observing the many ways people move on from a broken heart? How did Taylor cope with his mental health issues? Which other "crazy artists" does he admire and why? Why record a piano version of a punk rock song like "So What?" Which 36? song requires a power tool? You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) 36?, Vic single (2019) "Vic" 
2) 36?, Milk Mountain (2019) "I Think My Dog Knows I'm High" 
3) 36?, So what? single (2019) "So what?" (piano version) 
4) 36?, love.hate.bondage (2006) "So what if I feel like bondage?" 
5) 36?, Milk Mountain (2019) "Sell U Love / Rip U Off"     

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with 36? (podcast edition) #294

36? started as Taylor Cochrane's solo project when he was a teenager. As he says, "36? emerged at a very difficult and incomprehensible time in my life. I existed in a constant state of medically induced psychosis. I wrote and recorded songs on a daily basis, a mechanical imagination running wild in a zombie suit. Appearing as a hazy shell of a human being to the outside world, a blank dead eyed slate sitting at the back of the classroom, but on the inside I was in a constant state of creation." 36? has evolved since it's 2006 beginnings and now Taylor has folded many of his Calgary music scene friends into the band. They've recently released a new record Milk Mountain. 

The last time 36? were in Vancouver, I had a few drinks with Taylor and his new bandmates Kerry and Laura Hickli. When I brought up one of the first songs Taylor wrote for the project "So what if I feel like bondage?" it turned out Kerry and Laura had never heard the song before--so I get their reaction after hearing the track for the first time! 

How do you pronounce "36?" Why does Taylor find it strange observing the many ways people move on from a broken heart? How did Taylor cope with his mental health issues? Why record a piano version of a punk rock song like "So What?" You'll have to listen to find out! 

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) 36?, Vic single (2019) "Vic" 
2) 36?, So what? single (2019) "So what?" (piano version) 
3) 36?, love.hate.bondage (2006) "So what if I feel like bondage?" 
4) 36?, Milk Mountain (2019) "I think my dog knows I'm high"     

ALL songs CANCON

The Interview Show with 36? (radio edit) #294

I chilled out backstage at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom with Taylor Rice and Kelcey Ayer from Silver Lake, Los Angeles, indie rock band Local Natives. It was the first night of their Spiral Choir Tour 2019  and they were on the road to promote the new record, Violet Street. 

It's always great to hang out with bands on the first night of a tour. Everything is fresh, everyone is well-rested, and bands are excited to hit the road to see their fans again. While we chatted, opening act Middle Kids finished their soundcheck and Taylor and Kelcey admitted they hadn't even met Middle Kids yet. 

Where does the tour title "Spiral Choir Tour" come from? Which song is about Taylor's relationship with his wife? How does Kelcey's partner feel about him writing about her? Does the new record Violet Street focus on "the unsung upkeep of relationships?" What is an "emotional check in" and how do they keep Local Natives a well-functioning band? What gross habits did Taylor and Kelcey have when they lived together in that band house, Gorilla Manor? Why does the band post all their song stems on their SoundCloud page? What is the band's secret pre-show ritual? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show...

1) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "When Am I Gonna Lose You" 
2) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "Megaton Mile"   
3) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "Tap Dancer"  
4) Local Natives, Sunlit Youth (2016) "Dark Days" (featuring Nina Persson) 
5) Local Natives, Gorilla Manor (2010) "Wide Eyes" 
6) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "Shy"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Local Natives (podcast edition) #295

I chilled out backstage at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom with Taylor Rice and Kelcey Ayer from Silver Lake, Los Angeles, indie rock band Local Natives. It was the first night of their Spiral Choir Tour 2019  and they were on the road to promote the new record, Violet Street. 

It's always great to hang out with bands on the first night of a tour. Everything is fresh, everyone is well-rested, and bands are excited to hit the road to see their fans again. While we chatted, opening act Middle Kids finished their soundcheck and Taylor and Kelcey admitted they hadn't even met Middle Kids yet. 

Where does the tour title "Spiral Choir Tour" come from? Which song is about Taylor's relationship with his wife? How does Kelcey's partner feel about him writing about her? What gross habits did Taylor and Kelcey have when they lived together in that band house, Gorilla Manor? What is the band's secret pre-show ritual? You'll have to listen to find out!

Tracks played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "When Am I Gonna Lose You" 
2) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "Megaton Mile"   
3) Local Natives, Gorilla Manor (2010) "Wide Eyes" 
4) Local Natives, Violet Street (2019) "Shy"  

NO songs CANCON

The Interview Show with Local Natives (radio edit) #295

Dear White People started as a 2014 American comedy-drama indie film, written, directed and co-produced by Justin Simien. The film focuses on escalating racial tensions at a fictitious, prestigious Ivy League college from the perspective of several black students. The film was a big hit, so Netflix commissioned a TV series and Justin remained behind the wheel of the new show. I got to hang out with him in the beautiful Rocky Mountains while he was at the Banff World Media Festival 2019 promoting the upcoming third season of Dear White People. 

Which member of the X-Men does Justin want to meet? Was it difficult to make the original film's story an open-ended TV series idea? How has the changing political landscape in the US changed the show? Which TV series does Justin watch when he begins a new relationship? What lesson did the TV series Breaking Bad teach him? Is campus radio and alternative media important to Justin? What is Justin proud about in season three of Dear White People? You'll have to listen to find out!

Track played on the radio edit of the show...

1) Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate (2016) "Love & Hate"  

This song is not CANCON

The Interview Show with Netflix's Dear White People (radio edit) #296

British TV writer Jed Mercurio is well-known for his medical drama, Bodies and cop show, Line of Duty. Last year, his six-part political thriller Bodyguard was a huge ratings winner for the BBC. Bodyguard stars Richard Madden as a war veteran assigned to protect the ambitious Home Secretary, played by Keeley Hawes, whose politics he despises. Like Jed's other shows, Bodyguard kept viewers on the edge of their seats with surprise twists and turns. I got a chance to hang out with Jed while he attended the Banff World Media Festival 2019. 

Did Jed have Bodyguard's crazy twists in mind from the beginning? What does Jed remember fondly about watching Star Trek as a kid? How much does audience reaction play into planning the next series? Does Jed want to do an American version of one of his UK TV series? Will there be a second series of Bodyguard? You'll have to listen to find out!

The Interview Show with Jed Mercurio creator of UK's Bodyguard & Line of Duty (podcast edition) #297

The Interview Show producer and host Scott Wood climbs into the tour van to hang out with your favorite indie bands. This podcast covers all kinds of music--anything from electronic to hip hop to indie to punk to metal. Listen!

interviewshow

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks