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!
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 podcast edition 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" 7) Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, Club Meds (2015) "Vessel" ALL songs CANCON
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
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
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
Here's the story behind Tokyo Police Club's latest album TPC: In the last few years, the band grew apart and started to consider a "slow fade." During the 10 Year Anniversary tour for their 2010 breakthrough EP, A Lesson in Crime, one member made a passionate plea for the the band to continue. All four members agreed and they rediscovered their love of making music together, re-enlisting producer Rob Schnapf to help rekindle the enthusiasm of making 2010's endlessly charming Champ. I had dinner and drinks with Graham Wright and Josh Hook from Tokyo Police Club in Vancouver's Rumpus Room the last time the band toured thru Vancouver. We talked about nearly breaking up, being in a band after ten years and had a few laughs about mid-career band press release cliches. What strange dishes and drinks did the guys order? What's it like to re-evaluate your life after 10 years playing in a band? Why did the band nearly break up? Who wanted the band to continue? Why did Graham and Josh decide to double-down on Tokyo Police Club? What's it like to try to recapture the magic? Which old songs do they guys miss playing live? Which song on the new record makes Graham feel like a guitar god? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "Hercules" 2) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "Simple Dude" 3) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "New Blues" 4) Tokyo Police Club, Champ (2010) "Gone" 5) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "One of these Days" ALL songs CANCON
Here's the story behind Tokyo Police Club's latest album TPC: In the last few years, the band grew apart and started to consider a "slow fade." During the 10 Year Anniversary tour for their 2010 breakthrough EP, A Lesson in Crime, one member made a passionate plea for the the band to continue. All four members agreed and they rediscovered their love of making music together, re-enlisting producer Rob Schnapf to help rekindle the enthusiasm of making 2010's endlessly charming Champ. I had dinner and a few drinks with Graham Wright and Josh Hook from Tokyo Police Club in Vancouver's Rumpus Room the last time the band came thru Vancouver. We talked about nearly breaking up, being in a band after ten years and had a few laughs about mid-career band press release cliches. What strange dishes and drinks did the guys order? What's it like to re-evaluate your life after 10 years playing in a band? Why did the band nearly break up? Who wanted the band to continue? Why did Graham and Josh decide to double-down on Tokyo Police Club? What's it like to try to recapture the magic? Which old songs do they guys miss playing live? Which song on the new record makes Graham feel like a guitar god? How many Eminem references will there be in this interview? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "Hercules" 2) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "Simple Dude" 3) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "New Blues" 4) Tokyo Police Club, Champ (2010) "Gone" 5) Tokyo Police Club, TPC (2018) "One of these Days" ALL songs CANCON
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
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 podcast edition 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 except **
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
John Grant is known for his staggeringly honest songs about coming to terms with self-destructive behaviors, self-doubt, ex-lovers, and relationship implosions. He released his latest record, Love Is Magic, in October 2018. He's heading around the world on tour. Catch him when he comes to your town. I hung out with John Grant one sunny day in a stinky Vancouver alley. He was wearing a baseball cap with "GLOOM" on it, but I managed to make him chuckle once or twice. Which song on Pale Green Ghosts is about coming to terms with his HIV status? Does John Grant have a songwriting process? How did John Grant go from working on his first solo record with Texas folk rockers Midlake to moving to Iceland to work with electronic music producer Biggi Veira? Which song on Pale Green Ghosts is John's favorite? How did John Grant get pop legend Sinead O'Connor to sing on the record? Which 90s band would John like to influence his 90s record? Why does John want to go to Cedar Point, Ohio? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Pale Green Ghosts" 2) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Ernest Borgnine" 3) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Blackbelt" (background) 4) Sinéad O'Connor, How About I Be Me (and You Be You)? (2012) "Queen of Denmark" (John Grant cover) (background) 5) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Glacier" NO songs CANCON
John Grant is known for his staggeringly honest songs about coming to terms with self-destructive behaviors, self-doubt, ex-lovers, and relationship implosions. He released his latest record, Love Is Magic, in October 2018. He's heading around the world on tour. Catch him when he comes to your town. I hung out with John Grant one sunny day in a stinky Vancouver alley. He was wearing a baseball cap with "GLOOM" on it, but I managed to make him chuckle once or twice. Which song on Pale Green Ghosts is about coming to terms with his HIV status? Why is John a big fan of Earnest Borgnine? Does John Grant have a songwriting process? How did John Grant go from working on his first solo record with Texas folk rockers Midlake to moving to Iceland to work with electronic music producer Biggi Veira? Which song on Pale Green Ghosts is John's favorite? How did John Grant get pop legend Sinead O'Connor to sing on the record? Which 90s band would John like to influence his 90s record? Why does John want to go to Cedar Point, Ohio? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Pale Green Ghosts" 2) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Ernest Borgnine" 3) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Blackbelt" 4) Sinéad O'Connor, How About I Be Me (and You Be You)? (2012) "Queen of Denmark" (John Grant cover) 5) John Grant, Pale Green Ghosts (2013) "Glacier" NO songs CANCON
Some bands like to do all their interviews "in character" and this makes the chats SUPER FUN. The conversation ends up becoming a game of chicken where we see who can make the other laugh first and break character. I had a few beers in the van with White Cowbell Oklahoma members Clem C. Clemsen and South Paul Jones when the band stopped in Vancouver celebrating their 15th anniversary tour. Never heard of WCO? Well the band is wildly popular in the Toronto area and has a devoted global fan base. The many many members of Southern fried boogie rockers White Cowbell Oklahoma have earned a reputation for their bizarre, outrageous and very memorable stage shows. I suspect many many more years of hard drinking and hard living are in store for White Cowbell Oklahoma. Did the band start after members ate some hallucinogens? What erotic German gift did South Paul and Clem get their band members to celebrate 15 years together? What's the weirdest thing to happen to the band on stage? Which WCO track was inspired by mind altering drugs while watching a Disney film? What is the White Cowbell Oklahoma cocktail recipe? How does the band negotiate "alone time" while on tour? Which song is the band's answer to Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" and Johnny Cash? Who is White Cowbell Oklahoma's arch enemy? Which band members would Clem and South Paul choose as their prison brides? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Buenas Nachas (2012) "Get Back to the Grove" 2) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Cencerro Blanco (2003) "Monster Railroad" 3) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Cencerro Blanco (2003) "Shot a Gamblin' Man" 4) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Buenas Nachas (2012) "Flush in the Pocket" ALL songs CANCON
Some bands like to do all their interviews "in character" and this makes the chats SUPER FUN. The conversation ends up becoming a game of chicken where we see who can make the other laugh first and break character. I had a few beers in the van with White Cowbell Oklahoma members Clem C. Clemsen and South Paul Jones when the band stopped in Vancouver celebrating their 15th anniversary tour. Never heard of WCO? Well the band is wildly popular in the Toronto area and has a devoted global fan base. The many many members of Southern fried boogie rockers White Cowbell Oklahoma have earned a reputation for their bizarre, outrageous and very memorable stage shows. I suspect many many more years of hard drinking and hard living are in store for White Cowbell Oklahoma. Did the band start after members ate some hallucinogens? What erotic German gift did South Paul and Clem get their band members to celebrate 15 years together? What's the weirdest thing to happen to the band on stage? Which WCO track was inspired by mind altering drugs while watching a Disney film? What is the White Cowbell Oklahoma cocktail recipe? How does the band negotiate "alone time" while on tour? Which song is the band's answer to Kenny Roger's "The Gambler" and Johnny Cash? Who is White Cowbell Oklahoma's arch enemy? Which band members would Clem and South Paul choose as their prison brides? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Buenas Nachas (2012) "Get Back to the Grove" 2) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Cencerro Blanco (2003) "Monster Railroad" 3) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Cencerro Blanco (2003) "Shot a Gamblin' Man" 4) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Cencerro Blanco (2003) "Put the South in Your Mouth" 5) White Cowbell Oklahoma, Buenas Nachas (2012) "Flush in the Pocket" ALL songs CANCON
Howler was an indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band quickly received international acclaim, most notably from legendary UK music magazine NME, which named Howler their No. 3 Best New Band of 2011 and included lead guitar and vocalist Jordan Gatesmith in their 2011 Cool List. This led the band to getting signed to Rough Trade Records. When I hung out with the band, they were at an interesting place. Lead singer Jordan Gatesmith had recently caused an uproar when he trashed his local music scene by saying, "They'll really build up these bands...that I will hate.... And then, of course, nothing will happen outside Minneapolis for them." And the band had just released World of Joy--the first record after all the UK hype. Going in I knew this would be a fun chat. Jordan is a smart guy and talking with him would be combative and hilarious. (Howler have now disbanded. Jordan Gatesmith has since moved to LA and started a new project called Wellness.) What's it like to survive the hype? How did Jordan make up with the Minneapolis scene? What is everybody's star sign? What's the band's drink of choice? What happened when the rest of the band crashed the interview? How does the band balances influences with finding their own sound? What music does the band love but you can't tell from their music? What's the weirdest thing the band has done to impress a music hero? Which band member had to leave to call his girlfriend? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit... 1) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Don't Wanna" 2) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Indictment" 3) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Al's Corral" (background) 4) Howler, America Give Up (2012) "Told You Once" 5) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Drip" NO songs CANCON
Howler was an indie rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band quickly received international acclaim, most notably from legendary UK music magazine NME, which named Howler their No. 3 Best New Band of 2011 and included lead guitar and vocalist Jordan Gatesmith in their 2011 Cool List. This led the band to getting signed to Rough Trade Records. When I hung out with the band, they were at an interesting place. Lead singer Jordan Gatesmith had recently caused an uproar when he trashed his local music scene by saying, "They'll really build up these bands...that I will hate.... And then, of course, nothing will happen outside Minneapolis for them." And the band had just released World of Joy--the first record after all the UK hype. Going in I knew this would be a fun chat. Jordan is a smart guy and talking with him would be combative and hilarious. (Howler have now disbanded. Jordan Gatesmith has since moved to LA and started a new project called Wellness.) What's it like to survive the hype? How did Jordan make up with the Minneapolis scene? What is everybody's star sign? What's the band's drink of choice? What happened when the rest of the band crashed the interview? How does the band balances influences with finding their own sound? What music does the band love but you can't tell from their music? Which Howler's song is Jordan's least favorite? What's the weirdest thing the band has done to impress a music hero? Which band member had to leave to call his girlfriend? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition... 1) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Don't Wanna" 2) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Indictment" 3) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Al's Corral" (background) 4) Howler, America Give Up (2012) "Told You Once" 5) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Louise" 6) Howler, World of Joy (2014) "Drip" NO songs CANCON
I hung out with the UK post punk band Cymbals one hot summer night in 2014. Sweat dripped down our foreheads and we drank ice cold beverages to keep cool backstage while the opening act completed soundcheck. It was the last show of a North American tour. The band was equal parts excited and exhausted. As the band would later reveal "2014 was a really intense year. One-by-one the other guys in the band couldn't face it anymore, so we widened the family, met new people and worked with them, until they had to move on and then we worked with others. It was hard on a personal level, but as a band, it also felt like a kind of chrysalis." Cymbals would continue as Jack Cleverly and Dan Simons after some soul-searching. Why did vocalist/guitarist Jack name their record, Age of Fracture, after the history book by Daniel T. Rodgers? How does the band like being described as having "rough edges"? How did the band write the record while keeping full time jobs? What does it mean when the band says they need to become more ruthless as songwriters? Does the band have two to three versions of each song laying around? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "The Natural World" 2) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "Erosion" 3) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "You Are" 4) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "The End" NO songs CANCON
I hung out with the UK post punk band Cymbals one hot summer night in 2014. Sweat dripped down our foreheads and we drank ice cold beverages to keep cool backstage while the opening act completed soundcheck. It was the last show of a North American tour. The band was equal parts excited and exhausted. As the band would later reveal "2014 was a really intense year. One-by-one the other guys in the band couldn't face it anymore, so we widened the family, met new people and worked with them, until they had to move on and then we worked with others. It was hard on a personal level, but as a band, it also felt like a kind of chrysalis." Cymbals would continue as Jack Cleverly and Dan Simons after some soul-searching. What was the highlight and challenge of the tour? Why did vocalist/guitarist Jack name their record, Age of Fracture, after the history book by Daniel T. Rodgers? How does the band like being described as having "rough edges"? How did the band write the record with full time jobs? What does it mean when the band says they need to become more ruthless as songwriters? Does the band have two to three versions of each song laying around? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "The Natural World" 2) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "Erosion" 3) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "You Are" 4) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "Like An Animal" (partial/background) 5) Cymbals, Age of Fracture (2014) "The End" NO songs CANCON
Do you remember the movie School of Rock? The 2003 comedy directed by Richard Linklater with Jack Black playing a down and out rocker who poses a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school who helps his students learn to rock? The members of The Skins know this story well--they graduated from the program that the film was based on. The Skins are a five piece, made up of Bayli (vocals), Kaya (bass/vocals), Daisy (guitar), Reef (drums), and Russ (guitar/synths). They hail from New York City and formed in 2011 when the band were teenagers. I hung out with the band backstage while they were on tour with Jake Bugg. At the time, the band had only released a few singles--and the classic rock influences were really apparent. Since we talked, they released a more mainstream pop radio-friendly record, Still Sleep (2016). They are currently managed by Adrian Grenier (the actor who played Vince on HBO's Entourage). How do you take a perfect selfie? Which song was influenced by Jane's Addictions song "Stop"? What was it like to go to the real "School of Rock"? Why would the band prefer music journalists not focus on their age? What's each member's track of the day recommendation? What typical teenage experiences have The Skins given up to pursue their dreams? Which song has a Black Sabbath inspired riff? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) The Skins, self-titled EP (2012) "Summertime" 2) The Skins, unreleased "Killer" 3) The Skins, unreleased "Dead Hands" 4) The Skins, unreleased "Surf" NO songs CANCON
I hung out with Glassnote Records singer-songwriter Tor Miller one summer night in Vancouver's Gastown by the railroad tracks. The trains are a constant noise in the background. This is a fun interview because we talked about his song "Follow Me," which still hasn't been released. Tor Miller is a young guy who loves the past and making his music sound like all the classic records that he's listened to all this life. He left university when Glassnote Records wanted to sign him--the same record label as Mumford & Sons, Phoenix, Childish Gambino and Chvrches. His latest record, Surviving The Suburbs, just came out and he'll be coming to your town soon on tour. Which celebrity does Tor get mistaken for? Which baseball player does Tor admire? Did the girl in his song "Hold the Phone" forgive Tor? What is the weirdest thing that's happened in an audience which Tor has been on stage? Who does Tor play when he wants to get romantic? What do we talk about while we wait for the trains to pass? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Tor Miller, Headlights EP (2015) "Midnight" 2) Tor Miller, Headlights EP (2015) "Hold the Phone" 3) Tor Miller, unreleased "Follow Me" 4) Tor Miller, Headlights EP (2015) "Now And Again" NO songs CANCON
Vancouver then New York and now LA-based electronic duo Bob Moses (aka Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance) have hit the road to tour their second record Battle Lines. Their 2015 debut album, Days Gone By, was a surprise success and the RAC remix of their song "Tearing Me Up" won a Grammy Award for best remixed recording, non-classical. I caught up with Jimmy backstage at the Commodore Ballroom when the band made a stop in their childhood hometown, Vancouver. What's the first thing Jimmy did when he visited his mom? Which members of the band interrupted our interview? Which song on the new record happened after a long night of fun? What does Jimmy do to keep morale up while logging long hours on the road? Which Vancouver Canucks hockey jersey does Jimmy wear while DJing? How does Jimmy like his band being compared to Coldplay? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "Backdown" (radio edit) 2) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "Enough to Believe" 3) Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral (1994) "Hurt" (background) 4) Bob Moses, Heaven Only Knows single (2018) "Heaven Only Knows" (Matthew Dear remix) 5) Bob Moses, Far from the Tree EP (2013) "Far From the Tree" 6) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "The Only Thing We Know" ALL songs CANCON except Nine Inch Nails
Vancouver then New York and now LA-based electronic duo Bob Moses (aka Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance) have hit the road to tour their second record Battle Lines. Their 2015 debut album, Days Gone By, was a surprise success and the RAC remix of their song "Tearing Me Up" won a Grammy Award for best remixed recording, non-classical. I caught up with Jimmy backstage at the Commodore Ballroom when the band made a stop in their childhood hometown, Vancouver. What's the first thing Jimmy did when he visited his mom? Which members of the band interrupted our interview? Which song on the new record happened after a long night of fun? What does Jimmy do to keep morale up while logging long hours on the road? Which Vancouver Canucks hockey jersey does Jimmy wear while DJing? How does Jimmy like his band being compared to Coldplay? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "Backdown" 2) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "Enough to Believe" 3) Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral (1994) "Hurt" (background) 4) Bob Moses, Heaven Only Knows single (2018) "Heaven Only Knows" (Matthew Dear remix) 5) Bob Moses, Far from the Tree EP (2013) "Far From the Tree" 6) Bob Moses, Battle Lines (2018) "The Only Thing We Know" ALL songs CANCON except Nine Inch Nails
You might be wondering how I made a radio edit of an interview with a band called "Fuck Buttons"... but don't worry! I did it. Like many others, I was really into last year's Blanck Mass record, World Eater (2017, Sacred Bones Records). I was surprised to discover that Blanck Mass is the side project of Benjamin John Power who is also one half of Fuck Buttons. I spent one hot summer night with both members of Fuck Buttons (Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power) in their tour van. The duo were in good spirits, despite the fact that we were all sweating profusely. Rumor has it that the band is working on new material as I write this. Hopefully we'll see some new Fuck Buttons music soon. How do you say "Fuck Buttons" in a family friendly radio environment? How do you make a great radio edit of a long track? What's it like to "jam" when you are in an electronic act? What's it like to have your music selected to be in the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games? What place does patriotism have in the lives of Fuck Buttons? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Fuck Buttons "The Red Wing" (radio) edit (12"/download single, ATPR, 2013) 2) Fuck Buttons "Surf Solar" (radio) edit (7?/download single, ATPR, 2009) 3) Fuck Buttons, Slow Focus (2013) "Stalker" (background) 4) Fuck Buttons "Olympians" (radio) edit (12"/download single, ATPR, 2010) 5) Fuck Buttons "Brainfreeze" (radio) edit (12"/download single, ATPR, 2013) NO songs CANCON
Like many others, I was really into last year's Blanck Mass record, World Eater (2017, Sacred Bones Records). I was surprised to discover that Blanck Mass is the side project of Benjamin John Power who is also one half of Fuck Buttons. I spent one hot summer night with both members of Fuck Buttons (Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power) in their tour van. The duo were in good spirits, despite the fact that we were all sweating profusely. Rumor has it that the band is working on new material as I write this. Hopefully we'll see some new Fuck Buttons music soon. How do you say "Fuck Buttons" in a family friendly radio environment? What were these guys like in art school? What's it like to "jam" when you are in an electronic act? What's it like to have your music selected to be in the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games? What place does patriotism have in the lives of Fuck Buttons? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Fuck Buttons, Slow Focus (2013) "The Red Wing" 2) Fuck Buttons, Tarot Sport (2009) "Surf Solar" 3) Fuck Buttons, Slow Focus (2013) "Stalker" (background) 4) Fuck Buttons, Tarot Sport (2009) "Olympians" 5) Fuck Buttons, Slow Focus (2013) "Brainfreeze" NO songs CANCON
Singer-songwriter Matt Costa (you might know him as the guy who wrote "Mr. Pitiful") is back on the road this fall, touring his latest record, Santa Rosa Fangs. The new record is about three siblings in California as they deal with life, love and death. Costa built the story partially from his own experiences growing up in California. I hung out with Matt when he visited Vancouver over this past summer. It was a beautiful summer evening outside the Biltmore and we chatted while watching people go about their evening routines. At one point, the interview was interrupted by three frisky dogs and that moment this interview one of my favorite interviews this year. In which strange place did Matt find a band brother? Why did he include two versions of the same song on the new record? What's he been up to in the five years since his last record? How does Matt know his wife is getting stoned while he is on tour? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Sharon" 2) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "I Remember It Well" 3) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "I Remember It Well #2" (background) 4) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Real Love" 5) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Grudge" NO songs CANCON
Singer-songwriter Matt Costa (you might know him as the guy who wrote "Mr. Pitiful") is back on the road this fall, touring his latest record, Santa Rosa Fangs. The new record is about three siblings in California as they deal with life, love and death. Costa built the story partially from his own experiences growing up in California. I hung out with Matt when he visited Vancouver over this past summer. It was a beautiful summer evening outside the Biltmore and we chatted while watching people go about their evening routines. At one point, the interview was interrupted by three frisky dogs and that moment this interview one of my favorite interviews this year. In which strange place did Matt find a band brother? Why did he include two versions of the same song on the new record? What's he been up to in the five years since his last record? How does Matt know his wife is getting stoned while he is on tour? Which old Matt Costa track does his band want him to revive in the live show? What can he tell me about the California only he knows? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Sharon" 2) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "I Remember It Well" 3) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "I Remember It Well #2" (background) 4) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Real Love" 5) Matt Costa, Mobile Chateau (2010) "Johnny's Love of Majik" 6) Matt Costa, Orange Sunshine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2016) "A Separate Peace" (background) 7) Matt Costa, Santa Rosa Fangs (2018) "Grudge" NO songs CANCON
This week I got to chat with the creators behind the new documentary Sharkwater Extinction (2018). The film was one of the must-sees at this year's Vancouver International Film Festival. Sharkwater Extinction is the sequel to the successful Canadian documentary Sharkwater (2008). The first film showed how sharks are being hunted to extinction for their fins. That film was not only a financial success, but the film lead to shark finning being banned worldwide. Both films were helmed by Rob Stewart. Tragically Stewart died during the filming of Sharkwater Extinction. His friends and collaborators Brock Cahill (diver, activist and friend of Rob's for over 10 years) and Julie Andersen (grassroots activist, marketing consultant and founder of the non-profit Shark Angels) completed Sharkwater Extinction and are carrying on with their friend's work. Sharkwater Extinction shows how--even with the shark finning ban--sharks are still being hunted to extinction because surprisingly shark by-products are present in many common household items and shark meat is hidden in many common foods. If you get a chance, check out both films. Sharkwater Extinction is both tragic (they deal with Stewart's death), informative and empowering (the film also serves as a call to action to help save sharks.) Tracks played on the show... 1) John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra, John Williams Greatest Hits 1969–1999 (1999) "Jaws - Theme" (snippet) 2) Grouplove, Spreading Rumours (2013) "Shark Attack" 3) John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra, John Williams Greatest Hits 1969–1999 (1999) "Jaws - Theme" (snippet) 4) John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra, John Williams Greatest Hits 1969–1999 (1999) "Jaws - Theme" (snippet) 5) Yo La Tengo, Summer Sun (2003) "Season of the Shark" NO songs CANCON
This summer The Interview Show went on the road to Alberta's Canadian Rockies to attend the Banff World Media Festival 2018. At the festival, I got to hobnob with actors, directors, producers and writers creating innovative content for a world audience. In the palatial Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and Luxury Hotel, I hung out with Canadian born, now US-based TV showrunner David Shore. You may know him as the creator of the Fox medical procedural blockbuster House MD, but he was at Banff to talk about his new ABC show, The Good Doctor. This series is based on an award-winning South Koren show of the same name and the new US series stars Freddie Highmore as Shaun Murphy, a young savant autistic surgical resident at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. What part of David is still Canadian at heart? What about the South Korean show drew David to adapt it for American audiences? Was he nervous about following House MD with another medical show? Is it hard to write such research-heavy medical shows when he does not practice medicine? Does he still think about ideas for House while in the shower? What adventures did he write for Jerry, Elaine and the gang in his Seinfeld spec script? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) The Good Doctor theme, unreleased (background) 2) House MD theme song, unreleased (background) 3) House MD theme song, unreleased (background) 4) Massive Attack, Mezzanine (1998) "Teardrop" NO songs CANCON
This summer The Interview Show went on the road to Alberta's Canadian Rockies to attend the Banff World Media Festival 2018. At the festival, I got to hobnob with actors, directors, producers and writers creating innovative content for a world audience. In the palatial Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and Luxury Hotel, I hung out with Josh Heald and Hayden Schlossberg, two guys in the Cobra Kai creative team. Cobra Kai is the new comedy-drama web television series available on YouTube's new premium service. The series continues the Karate Kid movie saga... 34 years later. And the series takes some risks, the story is told from the perspective of Johnny Lawrence--the bully in the original film. What legal rights nightmare did the creators have to go through to get this project off the ground? How did these guys stop themselves from geeking out when writing the first season? What's one thing they wouldn't do in the new series to appease hardcore fans? How are they using archival footage from the original film in the new series? What happened to Elizabeth Shue's character from the original movie? Could Hilary Swank's character from the unpopular fourth movie (in the original movie series) return? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Joe Esposito, The Karate Kid: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1984) "You're the Best Around" (background) 2) Joe Esposito, The Karate Kid: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1984) "You're the Best Around" NO songs CANCON
This summer The Interview Show went on the road to Alberta's Canadian Rockies to attend the Banff World Media Festival 2018. At the festival, I got to hobnob with actors, directors, producers and writers creating innovative content for a world audience. In the palatial Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and Luxury Hotel, I hung out with TV director Jeremy Podeswa. He's got a very impressive CV that includes episodes of Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, The Handmaid's Tale, American Horror Story, Nip/Tuck, and Six Feet Under--to name a few. He directed some of the most controversial episodes of Game of Thrones' seventh season--Sansa's rape scene, Jon Snow's resurrection and that Ed Sheeran cameo--but in person Jeremy is such a kind fellow. What was it like to be an essential part of Toronto's 1990s New Queer Toronto Wave and Toronto New Wave with other Canadian film icons like Atom Egoyan? What was it like to follow legendary director Martin Scorsese on Boardwalk Empire? Which character from Game of Thrones would he bring back to life and why? What were his biggest directing challenges on Game of Thrones? What's the ideal relationship between a TV director and showrunner? What's is his process once he has the script he will be directing? Would Jeremy be interested in helming his own TV show? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Ramin Djawadi, Game of Thrones (season 1) (2011) "Game of Thrones theme" (background) 2) I Hate You Just Kidding, single (2017) Pure as Snow (Mike Raznick Remix) (background) 3) The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Take It from the Man! (1996) "Straight Up And Down" (background) (Boardwalk Empire theme song) 4) I Hate You Just Kidding, Pure as Snow single (2017) "Pure as Snow" (Mike Raznick Remix) NO songs CANCON
This summer The Interview Show went on the road to Alberta's Canadian Rockies to attend the Banff World Media Festival 2018. At the festival, I got to hobnob with actors, directors, producers and writers creating innovative content for a world audience. In the palatial Fairmont Banff Springs Resort and Luxury Hotel, I hung out with Emily Andras, the showrunner of Wynonna Earp, a supernatural Western horror television series, airing on Syfy and Space, starring Melanie Scrofano. This scrappy indie Canadian TV series has carved out a devoted fan following (of people who like kickass female gunslingers and unkillable gays.) The show is about to launch its third season July 16th, so we chatted about the challenges and successes the show has faced so far. What was it like turning an indie comic book (created by Beau Smith) into a TV show? What is the Bury Your Gays TV trope? How did Wynonna Earp start the Unkillable Gays TV Trope? How do you raise the stakes in a show about battling demons if some characters can't die? What's it like when you lead actor tells you she's pregnant after you've already written six scripts for season two? Which Canadian Icon will play Wynonna's long-lost mother in season three? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Wynonna Earp opening, unreleased... edit of Jill Andrews, Tell That Devil single (2016) "Tell That Devil" 2) Jill Andrews, Tell That Devil single (2016) "Tell That Devil" NO songs CANCON
This summer, California's boundary-pushing post-metal band Deafheaven will be releasing their long awaited fourth record, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, on ANTI- records (July 13th). The band will be out on the road for the rest of this year touring the new material. Catch them when they come through your neck of the woods. I had a beer with Deafheaven singer George Clarke behind Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre the last time they were in my hometown. We watched a rat gang war erupt in the alley as we sipped local brews and I teased George, complaining about how long Deafheaven songs tend to be--too long for radio edits! Which band did George need to make sure was on the guestlist that night and why? What's it like to play music on Ketamine? How do Deafheaven piece together the different parts of their long songs? What's George's relationship with his audience when the fans need to seek out what he's saying in the songs (because of his vocal style)? What were the core struggles George was dealing with on the band's third record, New Bermuda? Why are metal fans so passionate about the genre? What do George and Stéphane from Alcest have long conversations about? What's the funniest mean thing that George has read about himself? What does Burt Bacharach have to do with anything? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Come Back" 2) Deafheaven, Sunbather (2013) "Dream House" 3) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Brought to the Water" NO songs CANCON
This summer, California's boundary-pushing post-metal band Deafheaven will be releasing their long awaited fourth record, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, on ANTI- records (July 13th). The band will be out on the road for the rest of this year touring the new material. Catch them when they come through your neck of the woods. I had a beer with Deafheaven singer George Clarke behind Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre the last time they were in my hometown. We watched a rat gang war erupt in the alley as we sipped local brews and I teased George, complaining about how long Deafheaven songs tend to be--too long for radio! Which band did George need to make sure was on the guestlist that night and why? What's it like to play music on Ketamine? How do Deafheaven piece together the different parts of their long songs? What's George's relationship with his audience when the fans need to seek out what he's saying in the songs (because of his vocal style)? What were the core struggles George was dealing with on the band's third record, New Bermuda? Why are metal fans so passionate about the genre? What do George and Stéphane from Alcest have long conversations about? What's the funniest mean thing that George has read about himself? How did The Cranberries and Sixpence None the Richer influence Deafheaven? What does Burt Bacharach have to do with anything? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Come Back" 2) Deafheaven, Sunbather (2013) "Dream House" 3) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Brought to the Water" 4) Deafheaven, Sunbather (2013) "The Pecan Tree" (snippet/background) 5) The Cranberries, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? (1993) "Linger" (snippet/background) 6) Deafheaven, Sunbather (2013) "The Pecan Tree" (snippet/background) 7) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Brought to the Water" (snippet/background) 8) Sixpence None the Richer, Sixpence None the Richer (1997) "Kiss Me" (snippet/background) 9) Deafheaven, New Bermuda (2015) "Brought to the Water" (snippet/background) NO songs CANCON
I hung out with Katie (from indie electronic band Austra) backstage at The Imperial the last time she was in Vancouver touring her third record, Future Politics. She had just finished a delicious sushi dinner and was planning to go eat a SECOND sushi dinner right after the interview. This latest record was influenced by isolation in Montreal, Star Trek: The Next Generation, heading to Mexico and forward-thinking books like The Accelerationist Manifesto--so I was excited to chat. How did bleak stuff like the environmental apocalypse get her into thinking about utopias? What sci-fi character would Katie like to be? How did her song "43" nearly kill her career and what is the real life tragedy that inspired the track? Why did Katie decide to have all-female production on this record? What kind of sushi did Katie want to eat after the interview? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Utopia" 2) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Gaia" 3) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "43" 4) Austra, Feel It Break (2011) "Beat and the Pulse" 5) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Future Politics" ALL songs CANCON
I hung out with Katie (from indie electronic band Austra) backstage at The Imperial the last time she was in Vancouver touring her third record, Future Politics. She had just finished a delicious sushi dinner and was planning to go eat a SECOND sushi dinner right after the interview. This latest record was influenced by isolation in Montreal, Star Trek: The Next Generation, heading to Mexico and forward-thinking books like The Accelerationist Manifesto--so I was excited to chat. How did bleak stuff like the environmental apocalypse get her into thinking about utopias? What sci-fi character would Katie like to be? How did her song "43" nearly kill her career and what is the real life tragedy that inspired the track? Why did Katie decide to have all-female production on this record? How did it feel to be judged for what she was wearing by Pitchfork during her Domino Records debut? What kind of sushi did Katie want to eat after the interview? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Utopia" 2) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Gaia" 3) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "43" 4) Austra, Feel It Break (2011) "Beat and the Pulse" 5) Austra, Future Politics (2017) "Future Politics" ALL songs CANCON
Andrew Lee was a self-described "indie rock guy" on the road in his indie rock band, In Medias Res, when he found out his father was dying. With this news, he quit music entirely to be with family. Later, he turned back to music to deal with his loss. This new genre-defying music was meant just for himself, until a string high profile artists released records about losing a loved one. These albums from artists he admired (Nick Cave's Skeleton Tree, Sufjan Stevens' Carrie & Lowell, and Mount Eerie (Phil Elverum)'s A Crow Looked at Me) convinced Andrew to release this music under the name Holy Hum. A few Appendices came first, crowned by his 2017 EP, All Of My Bodies. I had coffee with Andrew (who now lives in New York with his girlfriend) the last time he was in his hometown Vancouver. We hung out in the same apartment where he had lived with all the members of his old band, In Medias Res. How did the loss of his father change everything about Andrew's life? What's it like to be back in the old band apartment? How is making music about death and loss (just for himself) incredibly freeing? Which songs from his music heroes inspired him to release music as Holy Hum? Is his music "aural monomyth" or something else? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "All of My Bodies" 2) In Medias Res, It Was Warm and Sunny When We First Set Out (2011) "Come Back Down" 3) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "Flower in the Snow" 4) Mount Eerie, Now Only (2018) "Earth" ** 5) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "White Buzz" 6) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "Ready to Have It" ALL songs CANCON except**
Andrew Lee was a self-described "indie rock guy" on the road in his indie rock band, In Medias Res, when he found out his father was dying. With this news, he quit music entirely to be with family. Later, he turned back to music to deal with his loss. This new genre-defying music was meant just for himself, until a string high profile artists released records about losing a loved one. These albums from artists he admired (Nick Cave's Skeleton Tree, Sufjan Stevens' Carrie & Lowell, and Mount Eerie (Phil Elverum)'s A Crow Looked at Me) convinced Andrew to release this music under the name Holy Hum. A few Appendices came first, crowned by his 2017 EP, All Of My Bodies. I had coffee with Andrew (who now lives in New York with his girlfriend) the last time he was in his hometown Vancouver. We hung out in the same apartment where he had lived with all the members of his old band, In Medias Res. How did the loss of his father change everything about Andrew's life? What's it like to be back in the old band apartment? How is making music about death and loss (just for himself) incredibly freeing? Which songs from his music heroes inspired him to release music as Holy Hum? Is his music "aural monomyth" or something else? What's it like performing songs about an incredible loss night after night? What's it like to move from Vancouver to the centre of art and culture, New York? Who or what is Lunchbox and did Andrew take Lunchbox to New York? You'll have to listen to find out. Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "All of My Bodies" 2) In Medias Res, It Was Warm and Sunny When We First Set Out (2011) "Come Back Down" 3) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "Flower in the Snow" 4) Mount Eerie, Now Only (2018) "Earth" ** 5) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "White Buzz" 6) Holy Hum, Appendix A + B (2015) "Appendix A" 7) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "Sex at 31" 8) Holy Hum, All of My Bodies EP (2017) "Ready to Have It" ALL songs CANCON except**
I met Swedish DJ and electronic music producer Kasbo (aka Carl Garsbo) right after a post-show meet-and-greet. I was nervous to hang out after the show, but Kasbo assured me the only thing I was keeping him away from was sleep. He describes his music as "dance music that makes you want to cry" and memorable quotes like that had me looking forward to this chat. This year, Kasbo has released his debut full length record, Places We Don't Know, on Counter Records (indie electronic superstar duo ODESZA's record label) and he's touring North America on his first headlining tour. Pretty cool accomplishments for a guy who's barely the drinking age in the US, right? What's it like signing a fan's butt? Which music performer hero does Kasbo want to sign his own buttocks? What was it like working with famous actor Keiynan Lonsdale on a song? What music makes Kasbo want to dance and cry? Which one of his songs is about being ok with being sad and alone for the rest of his life? What were the big lessons when working with all the different vocalists on the record? How do ODESZA mentor young Kasbo? What kind of escape world is Kasbo trying to create? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Lay It On Me" (feat Keiynan Lonsdale) 2) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Snow In Gothenberg" 3) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Aldrig Mer" (feat TENDER) 4) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Stay With Me" 5) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Bara Du" NO songs CANCON
I met Swedish DJ and electronic music producer Kasbo (aka Carl Garsbo) right after a post-show meet-and-greet. I was nervous to hang out after the show, but Kasbo assured me the only thing I was keeping him away from was sleep. He describes his music as "dance music that makes you want to cry" and memorable quotes like that had me looking forward to this chat. This year, Kasbo has released his debut full length record, Places We Don't Know, on Counter Records (indie electronic superstar duo ODESZA's record label) and he's touring North America on his first headlining tour. Pretty cool accomplishments for a guy who's barely the drinking age in the US, right? What's it like signing a fan's butt? Which music performer hero does Kasbo want to sign his own buttocks? What was it like working with famous actor Keiynan Lonsdale on a song? What music makes Kasbo want to dance and cry? Which one of his songs is about being ok with being sad and alone for the rest of his life? What were the big lessons when working with all the different vocalists on the record? How do ODESZA mentor young Kasbo? What kind of escape world is Kasbo trying to create? Who does Kasbo want to remix next? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Lay It On Me" (feat Keiynan Lonsdale) 2) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Snow In Gothenberg" 3) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Aldrig Mer" (feat TENDER) 4) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Stay With Me" 5) Big Gigantic, single "The Little Things" (Kasbo remix) 6) Kasbo, Places We Don't Know (2018) "Bara Du" NO songs CANCON
This year indie rapper Rollie Pemberton aka Cadence Weapon released his fourth album. This self-titled record was four years in the making and is intended to be his "creative rebirth" after a period where he debated giving up being Cadence Weapon. I had some beers with Rollie when he was in Vancouver for Juno Fest. We talked about his roots in Edmonton, his time as a DJ in Montreal and his current hometown Toronto, which he is finding, tough but invigorating. Yes this episode will be very Canadian. Why did Rollie become an ordained minister and how did it lead to him nearly falling to his death into Topanga Canyon? Which Kaytranada beat did Anderson Paak steal away from Rollie? What role did Montreal play in Rollie's existential crisis? How is Cadence Weapon's music a reaction to the nihilism dominating mainstream hip hop? What does Rollie think about streaming services compared to releasing an album? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the radio edit of the show... 1) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Infinity Pool" (ft. Casey MQ) 2) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "My Crew (Woooo)" 3) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Soju" 4) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Don't Talk To Me" 5) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "High Rise" ALL songs CANCON
This year indie rapper Rollie Pemberton aka Cadence Weapon released his fourth album. This self-titled record was four years in the making and is intended to be his "creative rebirth" after a period where he debated giving up being Cadence Weapon. I had some beers with Rollie when he was in Vancouver for Juno Fest. We talked about his roots in Edmonton, his time as a DJ in Montreal and his current hometown Toronto, which he is finding, tough but invigorating. Yes this episode will be very Canadian. Why did Rollie become an ordained minister and how did it lead to him nearly falling to his death into Topanga Canyon? Which Kaytranada beat did Anderson Paak steal away from Rollie? What role did Montreal play in Rollie's existential crisis? How is Cadence Weapon's music a reaction to the nihilism dominating mainstream hip hop? What forced competition gave Rollie an unlikely lifelong friend and older brother in music? What does Rollie think about streaming services compared to releasing an album? You'll have to listen to find out! Tracks played on the podcast edition of the show... 1) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Infinity Pool" (ft. Casey MQ) 2) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "My Crew (Woooo)" 3) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Soju" 4) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Destination" (ft. Deradoorian) 5) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "Don't Talk To Me" 6) Cadence Weapon, Cadence Weapon (2018) "High Rise" ALL songs CANCON