FOREST CITY AURORARVNNERSBLACK NOTE GRAFFITINVSVEDEN WARSAWTHE BLOODSHOTSWAITING FOR HENRYBLOOD AND GLASSPARASONAWE ARE MONROESCALENEATLAS : EMPIREEARLY HOURSLYRIC DUBEEEINARINDRAHIGH HEELS LO FISHAE DUPUYUNIDENTIFIED FUNK OBJECTPOOR NAMELESS BOYMATT YORKKINGDOM OF BIRDSTHE FALLINGBIG LITTLE LIONS
ADRIAN PAIN & THE DEAD SEXYCHRIS GOSTLING & THE TEMPO
ARTIST NAME: FOREST CITY AURORA
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
All the fun bands you get to meet and hang out with while playing great venues. Also the cool little secret house shows people host (we have one to announce that’s happening Nov 11th. π Stay tuned on our InstagramΒ @forestcityaurora).
2. What should we expect from your live show?
We are normally a 2-piece, but we’ll be getting extra loud and rockin’ with 2 more of our buddies playing alongside us! Fun exciting and lots of emotion!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We just released 3 songs on our SoundcloudΒ – all co-produced/mixed and mastered by our good friend Greg Alsop of Tokyo Police Club! All of which we will be playing for both our shows!
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
I think we would pick something weird and funny like Spaceballs and make corky sounds and fart noises. I don’t think we would get much music done…
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Gotta pick Bruce. He’s got the moves, looks and the rock!
ARTIST NAME: RVNNERS
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
All praise Darryl Hurs the indie messiah who maketh rain the stages and plane tickets. Indie week and RVNNERS go way back. A sordid past… We love the culture and this festival brings it all together. Always really good vibes at shows. Always about friendly community and music not status.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
RVNNERS takes perfecting its live set beyond perfectionism to a binary computer. Itβs good or it sucks. Donβt talk to us before. The set is heavily influenced by our guitaristβs singing bowl ceremony. After is not good either. In fact you may only speak to us through our facebook page. Especially directly after the show.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Weβll tell you after we win.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
The Lion King. We wouldn’t change any of the songs, but we’d change who sings them. So Scar would sing “Hakuna Matata” and Simba would sing “Be Prepared”. If Scar’s songs were happier, maybe things would have been different.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
The Boss.. Always. Neil Young donβt play saxaphone. Charlie donβt surf.
ARTIST NAME: BLACK NOTE GRAFFITI
1. What’s your favorite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
The bands are all indie so the energy is amazing.Β Think of it like college football compared to pro football. You see young people out there playing there asses off with nothing to lose!
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Huge! We have added a fifth member to our band Gabrielle who can sing her ass off.Β This has brought BNG to another level of diversity and excitement.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We have independently licensed out material to MTV, NASCAR, Discovery, E!TV, Fox Sports, Netflix.
And worked with Instinct Ent. which is based in Canada. We love Canada – we are from Michigan, how can we not!
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
The Good The Bad The Ugly.Β Spaghetti-western meets rock-a-billy grunge.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Neil Young – one of the forefathers of grunge music scene (props)!! And he is Canadian! Coolβ¦
Have you seen him play that Gibson with the Bigsby whammy bar. Itβs killer!
ARTIST NAME: NVSV
1. What’s your favorite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
I think it’s dope that independent artist have a platform this major. Iβm excited to hear everyones music.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Bars!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Everything is self produced.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Bronx Tale. It would sound like the Harlem renaissance if Dipset played at The Cotton Club.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Neil Young. Iβll come out on stage with Frankie Munez and perform my new album, LVL 3.
ARTIST NAME: EDEN WARSAW
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival likeΒ Indie Week?
When festivals support independent artists it gives us a larger platform to reach a new audience. We just won a Toronto Independent Music Award for our new single ‘Somebody Tell Me’ so we’re all huge advocates of supporting unsigned and growing independent artists, especially from Toronto.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
It’s a completely different experience. We’ve definitely gone more ‘alternative’ in our live show, so it adds a ton of energy to the songs. We’re also testing out a lot of our unreleased material from the new album so we like to have fun on stage. We literally only play 2 released songs in our set right now depending on the night and the rest are new + unreleased.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Myself, Troy and Kyle have been playing in bands together for over 10 years, and we met PChan through a mutual friend on facebook a few years ago. He was djing one night so Troy and I went to meet him to see if he was cool, we didn’t even know he could play guitar when we asked him to join the band and it changed the band dynamic completely – for the better!
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Blade Runner, either one. I love Sci-Fi and creating new atmospheres musically. I feel like songs in the same vain as Deftones’ “White Pony” would sound good with a film like that.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Neil Young, I think we went to the same high school (Pickering High?) a few years apart (haha) plus I find I’ll listen to more Neil Young songs than Springsteen. Tough Question though.
ARTIST NAME: CHRIS GOSTLING & THE TEMPO
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
βThe mix of experience amongst the artists. Everyone I have met over the years has a few great stories and sage words of wisdom.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
βAll four members of the band have alot of fun playing live together. Normally we play full evenings with three sets, which gives us time to build up the energy and connect with the audience. Our gig on the 9th at The Painted Lady is only 30 minutes, so we get about 7 songs to make that happen, so it should be a special night.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Violinist, Andrew Procter has no tattoos. We can’t imagine you would know that.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
β”All Is Lost” with Robert Redford. The film is about a man on a sailing boat that hits a floating sea container. He doesn’t actual speak the entire film and there is no soundtrack behind it which makes it haunting. I think I would want to record it live in a room with many people on different instruments and “sound making” things while the movie was playing.
The story ramps up slowly and then gets pretty hectic and desperate and beautifully sad at the end. I think it would be amazing to have to “feel out” the experience with music as the story progresses in real time.
5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
βBruce.Β Then we could watch his show from side stage after which I feel would be amazing. I have never seen him perform and I would love to from that vantage point.
ARTIST NAME: THE BLOODSHOTS
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
A week long rock’n’roll party. Who wouldn’t like that part?! Along with the experience of being around lots of people in different areas of the music industry, meeting other bands and schmoozing.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
A LOT of energy and catchy songs that you will be singing by the end of the night. Not to mention that we have a reputation of the bars we play running out of Jack Daniel’s wherever we go. So it’s fitting they are the main sponsor of indie week!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We were nominated for rock album of the year at the Indigenous Music Awards this year. Had a blast at the awards show and meeting and greeting with some big names. Not to mention finding out how rad FRED PENNER IS and partying with him!
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Probably some sort of horror movie or action scenes in any movie. Our songs would be great for a car chase scene or something that gets your palms sweaty and your heart palpitating. Either that or some nice porn groove tunes cause I feel like they’d be fun to write. Haha.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Tough one. being a bigger Neil Young fan we’d think he would be the obvious pick. He’s like the godfather of grunge. BUT Springsteen would probably draw more girls and have a higher energy crowd (Sorry Uncle Neil). Gotta go with the boss for the chick aspect. It IS rock’n’roll after all.
ARTIST NAME: WAITING FOR HENRY
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
It’s in Toronto and its not in January.Β Plus… Toronto is one of the coolest music cities anywhere… and you gave the world Blue Rodeo.Β No one thanks you enough for that.Β So thank you.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Fans of the band before us running for the door.
Β 3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We were the first band they asked toΒ write the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever, but we had a bar gig that night.
Oh, yeah, and we’re going back into the studio in January to track our next record with Tommy Stinson of The Replacements and Bash & Pop producing. Still can’t freakin’ believe that…
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Saturday Night Fever.Β But, this time we’d blow off the bar gig.Β Songs would sound likeΒ Merle HaggardΒ wearing a tight white leisure suit.Β Β We’d make enough money to buy a new van.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Neil Young.Β Why…?Β We’re from New Jersey.
ARTIST NAME: BLOOD AND GLASS
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Musical festivals bring raw energy to the city streets. So many artists are out ferociously running to the next show in their eccentric clothingβ¦ itβs EYE CANDY! I love that Indie Week happens in the fall, where there is magnetism and magic everywhere.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Itβs like Alice Cooper and Kate Bush took ecstasy and had a magical evening howling wildly at the moon.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We are a quartet and the band consists of two married couples. Pretty sexy.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Any film by Dario Argento.
We would make Italian Horror Disco from the 1970s and use a wind machine, arpeggiators, lush violins, sick beats and hot, breathy vocals. It would play in dance clubs on Halloween.
5. Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
That is the most difficult interview question I have ever had to answer in my life. I was going to say Neil Young because he is so genuine and his music literally saves me every time I put it onβ¦ but Bruce Springsteen hams it up so well on stage (Iβm big into hamming it up, I canβt help it) and Bruceβs pop sensibility suits our music a bit moreβ¦ Iβm a huge fan of bothβ¦. Aaaaaaah I’m gonna have to say…. Neil Young. I write songs with Montreal artist Little Scream and on the wall in her jam space she has a huge poster that says, βWHAT WOULD NEIL YOUNG DO?β. Neil Young.
ARTIST NAME: PARASONA
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
It creates a fantastic vibe & atmosphere throughout the city. Having that big city Β festival feel really brings out people to come discover new bands & their music.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
We embody the eccentricity & spirit of a Mick Jagger performance. The point of coming to a live show is to be entertained and we will do just that.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We were discovered by producer Arnold Lanni (Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan) because of Adams quirky/ strange singing voice.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
I would write for Suicide Squad. We were so bothered by the execution of that film. There were too many cooks in the kitchen and not a strong enough direction. I would want to make it more intense. Almost like a Hans Zimmer The Dark Knight feel.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Definitely Neil Young. Itβs already a given that Bruce is gonna play for over 3 hours and that means no one would have the patience to listen to us.
ARTIST NAME: WE ARE MONROE
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Not getting paid lol. Discovering music and meeting bands and realizing we all struggle equally, but are all just as passionate. It’s a beautiful thing.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
Ass-crack sweat for sure! Our shows are high energy but also very dancy once the crowd stops being shy. It gets hot, so don’t skip the deo! π
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
PETE (the bassist) HAS WEB FEET!!!
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Dirty Dancing – It would’ve been awesome on some like Death Metal Core. That lift would’ve been next level legendary.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
This one is up for debate between the band.Β Neil Young but only with Crazy Horse cause that for sure would’ve been a real rock and roll show. Otherwise, if it’s just Neil Young… we’d prefer The Boss. I’m mean he’s the boss ain’t he?
ARTIST NAME: SCALENE
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
In festivals like the Indie Week we get to be in touch with band for all over the world, with many diffente backgorunds and music genres and that is really exciting. We also get a chance to connect withΒ different audiences and spread our music.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
Lots of energy and good old fun. Things usually get wild during our performances
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
All of us are friends since we were kids and grew up together. Being friends with you band mates is really important in this business
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
We’ll have to choose Inception. It would be really dark and intense, like emerging in a dream.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
That’s a hard one. But I guess we’d choose Neil Young because he is a great influence for bands that influence our sound.
ARTIST NAME: ATLAS : EMPIRE
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
This will be our first time at Indie Week – So our favourite thing has got to be the opportunity these types of festival present to bands. We’re crossing an ocean to play our music to an entirely new audience. That’s awesome!
2. What should we expect from your live show?
We’re big believers that engaging your audience is a huge part of live shows – we get pretty animated on stage! We want you to leave with your ears ringing & our songs stuck in your head!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Although we’re based in Glasgow, Scotland – our bassist, Rob, is actually from Toronto. So these upcoming dates at Indie Week will be his first hometown shows.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
This is possibly the most difficult question we’ve ever been asked…I’m going to go for Masters of the Universe. We’d throw some weird time signatures in there, so it’d be epic but proggy.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Springsteen. Why? Cos he’s the Boss.
ARTIST NAME: EARLY HOURS
1. Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
The Toronto music scene is overflowing with energy and talent. There is something remarkable about the city. Where else in the world are you able to find over 30 live music venues within a 10 mile radius?
Festivals like Indie Week take this to a whole new level. Venues are filled with artists and fans from around the world. You meet new friends, you collaborate, and you learn from some of the best in the biz. For a week, music brings us all together.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Colorful sounds, bright smiles and boundless energy, baby!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Weβre based across three continents: South Africa, the UK and the United States.Β Distance doesnβt stop us though, it only makes us stronger.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Charlie ChaplinβsΒ The Kid.Β Itβs silent so it would require very little effort on our partβ¦ but maybe weβd go full on UK grime with it? Fast paced British rap and slapstick comedy sounds like a match made in heavenβ¦ or hell.
5. Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Springsteen. Because he is the boss.
ARTIST NAME: LYRIC DUBEE
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
My favorite thing about festivals like Indie Week are the connections and the live shows. You get to meet so many amazing people both playing and in the industry. Itβs an invaluable experience.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Our live show has the energy of a classic rock show, with modern day music. You can expect a lot of live hype, crazy guitar, good tunes and good times.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Though we mostly play rock/alternative live, the band is composed fully of jazz musicians. All of us are working session players, and all of us hold a deep appreciation for all styles of music.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
If I could write the soundtrack for any existing film I would want to write for the first Transformers. While not my favorite movie, I remember the Linkin Park soundtrack absolutely changing my music life. It got me into rock/metal/alternative along with many of its sub-genres. I would love a chance to inspire those influences on a generation like Linkin Park had. I also think it would be extremely fun to add more guitar to the mixes and use it to build suspense.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
If only I could open for both on the same bill. Both are amazing storytellers and songwriters. While I would love to open for my fellow Canadian Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen is the identity of an βAmerican Singer/Songwriter. If I could only choose one, Springsteen would be my choice.
ARTIST NAME: EINARINDRA
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Meeting new people, hearing new music and seing new places
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Well who knows what to expect from anything hopefully you will get something completely unexpected that will be a new experience for you, hopefully the same will apply for us.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
The live shows started out with a full time harmonica player
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Blade Runner. They would of course sound completely epic
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Love Neil Young, makes beautiful songs and lyrics So yea Neil Young any day.
ARTIST NAME: HIGH HEELS LO FI
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Everyone goes out to see their friend’s band, or a band they already like. At festivals they are exposed to more random bands on the bill and almost always accidentally discover something fabulous. Also, sometimes the bands you dig are playing at a venue you don’t visit very often. It’s great to check out more of the scene, and places you may have forgotten about. Or venues that have hugely improved over the past several years.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Hilarious songs about drinking and sex, naughty jokes, bouncy rock & roll, killer guitar solos, random weirdness, cheerleader pom poms, YOU singing along, and YOUR butt on stage dancing! Plus free buttons.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
One of us was an exotic dancer, one was an assistant librarian, one was a casino chip runner, and one is a budding seamstress. So, basically we’re a bunch of weirdos, in the best of ways. Also, for some reason we break in new members with a gig in Brantford. Oh – and one member we found on Craigslist, and the second they hugged me hello I knew it was meant to be.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Can we do a mashup of Animal House and The Runaways? Sort of classic rock, but more hilarious and dirty. Our toga party would have fancy tiki drinks, and half of the songs would be about rock & roll itself. Plus we could get Joan Jett to do a guest spot on one song and we’d get to meet her.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
We would be wildly inappropriate for either audience, but we would win over the Springsteen crowd by the middle of the first song, since they are basically party people.
ARTIST NAME: SHAE DUPUY
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
I love anytime thereβs a festival that gives an opportunity for up and coming artists to showcase, I think itβs amazing.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
Lots of energy and some killer guitar solos.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Theyβre constantly finding something to tease me about, itβs like having 5 older brothers.
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
The movie Balto was released the same year I was born and itβs still my favourite movie to this day. I love the Disney movie soundtracks like Tarzan and Brother Bear that Phil Collins wrote, so if I could remake the Balto soundtrack I would try to do something similar to that.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Bruce Springsteen. Mostly because opening up for him would mean I get to go to the concert and hopefully get the chance to learn from him, and I mean who wouldn’t want to learn from the Boss!!!
ARTIST NAME: UNIDENTIFIED FUNK OBJECT
1. What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Unidentified Funk Object is always excited to play festivals where a large concentration of humans are present. Humans at events like this have been known to respond positively to stimuli such as the Funk. I particularly like Indie Week – we’ve played at similar festivals on other planets but I find they’re less sincere. It’s a different vibe.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Dr G’s theremin acts as a conduit for “positive funk vibrations,” so while you’re getting down to some stone-cold old school funk beats, you’re also being exposed to the PFVs which have been scientifically proven to have a wide range of beneficial effects. But don’t take my word for it!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Unidentified Funk Object is not only a band but also a science experiment. I, Dr G, was contacted one night by interplanetary beings from the funkiest depths of space, and was tasked by them with conducting ufological studies on this world. I don’t usually talk in too much detail about that because I’m already unfairly called a mad scientist, but since you asked…
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
We would most likely choose Metropolis by Fritz Lang. It’s a silent film from the 1920s, but you can tell from watching it that if it had been possible, Lang would have scored it with some deep funky beats. Watch Brigitte Helm in either human or robot mode – you can almost hear the pulsating bass!
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Neil Young for sure. Most people don’t know that Neil Young’s guitar solos are actually an alien language. For example, the solo in “Cinnamon Girl” is the Earth’s coordinates in a language spoken by hyperintelligent gelatinous spaceborne beings. No one knows how Neil learned this language or why he’s broadcasting our planet’s location, but I’d be very interested to talk to him about everything.
ARTIST NAME: POOR NAMELESS BOY
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
It’s always wonderful to be able to perform for people who have no idea who you are or what kind of music you make. It’s like crashing a party where you don’t know a face in the crowd.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
I tell a lot of stories within the songs and outside of the songs. I’m not fully sure what the venues will be like but if it’s noisy you can feel free to come in close to listen close.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
I usually perform in all sorts of variations. Sometimes solo. Sometimes a full band. I’ll be performing with my violin player and with a local electric guitarist.
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Good Heavens. Maybe a film directed by Zach Braff. Garden State or Wish I Was Here. The songs would be crazy, emotional, and hopefully let the movies shine.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Probably Neil Young. The fans of Bruce might wonder why I’m there.
ARTIST NAME: MATT YORK
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
I love meeting bands I’ve never heard of or seen before. This festival sounds like it has bands from all over the planet so it’ll be fun to see such an eclectic lineup.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
I’m doing the solo acoustic troubadour thing. I try to keep the music upbeat and noisy enough that people don’t feel like their sitting in a church or coffeehouse though.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
I’m based in Boston and had a reasonably good run as a musician back in the late 1990’s/early 2000’s and then stopped altogether. I kinda accidentally started playing music again after a twelve-year break and have played approximately a million shows over the past two years.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
I’d probably write the music to Crazy Heart. I loved that music so much and the soundtrack is very much inline with the style I play. I loved Jeff Bridges’ character in the movie and would probably write a bunch of drinking songs..
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Bruce. I love Neil but my love for Bruce is borderline disturbing. To me, nobody tells better stories and I love his musicianship, voice and chord changes.
ARTIST NAME: KINGDOM OF BIRDS
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
I think my favouriteΒ thing about these kindsΒ of festivals is getting to meet the countless cool people that you might not have otherwise met.
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Our show will mostly be songs from our soon to be released new album Pretty; aΒ mixture of slower moodier songs and uptempo energetic ones. And a little bit of dancing of course!
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
The name Kingdom of Birds comes from a chapter in the book Wildwood by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
I would love to write the soundtrack to We Are the Best, a Swedish movie about kids starting a punk band. I would obviously write a lot of punk music, but it would also be interesting to cover folkier songs in a punk style.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
I would have to say Neil Young. I love his music, especially the unique sound of his voice.
ARTIST NAME: THE FALLING
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?Β
As an indie band from MontrΓ©al playing Indie Week means the world to us as we get to showcase our material in Toronto the biggest music market in Canada. Thanks to these indie week shows we can expand our following and make new fans. We can also meet and network with industry leaders through the indie week panels. Coming to indie Week is like an inclusive package for musicians all within one week. You can meet with Labels, radio directors, managers and bookers during the day and then play an awesome show at night! What more can we ask for!!!
2. What should we expect from your live show?Β
Lots of energy, anthem sing alongs and a party atmosphere. There is nothing worse than a band taking the stage and immediately putting people on edge!! We on the other hand do lots of preparation for our shows and we like to take the stage and make people feel at ease. We let everyone just relax and let them know we got this under control and that we want to have a good time playing but most importantly we want them to have a good time with us. People pay their hard earned money to see our show and we recognize and appreciate that. So when we perform we take it very seriously and give it our best to deliver a great experience.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.Β Β
Our new album is now available on all digital stores. Our drummer Pierre Luc loves to communicate with gifs via Facebook.
Our guitarist just got married and got a dog within the same month. On a serious note…
We are also official ambassadors of a foundation calledΒ TRF (the Tyler Robinson Foundation) which raises money for families with children suffering from pediatric cancer. We’ve been working with them by creating events and raising money for the cause. It’s a foundation started by our friends Imagine Dragons and we are happy to be partnered up with them on this great venture. When you are given a great talent or gift in life you should do great things with it. This is our way of giving back to our community and to society and our way to use our music to do great things.
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
Transformers….every single one. Simply because I was the biggest transformers fan growing up. We have a couple of songs on our album that would fit perfectly! Check them out. Our album is on Spotify and iTunes.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Bruce Springsteen 100% because he’s the boss. I’ve always been a fan of his work and his music is what I listened to growing up. It’s part of my life sound track!! Opening for him would be lots of fun.
ARTIST NAME: BIG LITTLE LIONS
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
Getting to meet and hear a great bunch of musicians, learning a whole bunch of stuff and playing… of course!
2. What should we expect from your live show?
Our live show is two people using every limb, and then some, to sound like a full band, Between us we play bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, foot percussion, harmonica… all while singing… and usually all at the same time.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
We live in different countries and every time we meet up (which is a LOT) we eat pizza and drink wine. Also… we’ve had our songs on IKEA ads… in Bulgaria π
4. If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
We’d do a mix of indie singer/songwriter and classic rock sounding songs for Forrest Gump.Β Would be a fun challenge.
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?
Bruce Springsteen. He seems like a really nice, cool guy.
ARTIST NAME: ADRIAN PAIN & THE DEAD SEXY
1.Β What’s your favourite thing about a festival like Indie Week?
What I (Adrian Pain) love most about a festival like Indie Week is representing the great city of Toronto and performing Adrian Pain & the Dead Sexy’s music for everyone.Β Indie Week is so much more than just a gig or tour date. The performances and conference panels together give you so much to do, and there are so many great artist and venues to get out and enjoy live music.
2.Β What should we expect from your live show?
What you should expect from Adrian Pain & The Dead Sexy’s LIVE performance is Toronto & Canada’s very best post-metal hybrid, performing music that bring every splintered off subgenre back into one incredible sound.
3. Tell us something we probably don’t know about your band.
Adrian Pain & The Dead Sexy is a family band formed by songwriter and vocalist Adrian Pain, and his son Ethan Clark who plays drums in the band. It is the family business really.
4.Β If you could write the soundtrack for any existing film (from any decade) which film would you choose and what would the songs sound like?
We would choose Heavy MetalΒ because there really wasn’t any heavy metal in “Heavy Metal”. We like when we’re referred to as ‘Post Metal’ because we feel like we are something beyond the known limits of Rock & Metal music to date. We are what comes next. So if Ivan Reitman ever decides to remake this awesome film, we are his band!
5.Β Would you rather open for Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen, and why?Β Β Β
Without a shred of doubt it would have to be Neil Young. For starters we are Canadian and Neil is a Canadian living legend! Neil Young has also been an influence in our music from Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Buffalo Springfield,Β his solo workΒ and even Neil Young & Crazy Horse with the format of our band name. Neil was a front-runner and considered the granddaddy of the grunge movement, and we are the same for where Canadian Rock and heavy music is going.
Indie Week Links
SPILL FESTIVAL FEATURE: SPILL MAGAZINE PRESENTS INDIE WEEK TORONTO 5 QUESTIONS – PHASE TWO
