Interview: Michou
MYATS: Hows the new album coming along?
Mike: We’ve never put so much work into a record. We are really challenging ourselves to step back and make our next record creative and unique. Being a songwriter for over decade can lead you into some ruts, and bad habits. Things feel fresh right now; we are cranking out demos and taking them into the studio to capture the best performances we can.
MYATS: I heard about your van accident! What did you guys do after it happened? How was the gear? Where were you going?
Mike: It was a very bad accident, but everything timed out in a way that nothing serious happened. No gear was in the vehicle. Stefan (our drummer) was on his way home when he was T-boned unexpectedly in the back left of our van. Crazy to think we drive around the country and get our van written off a few blocks from our homes. It’s been a challenge figuring out new wheels for our upcoming tour, but I don’t think anything could stop us from getting back on the road.
MYATS: Your Fleet Foxes cover is great – are they a big influence for you? Has their singing style changed the way you see folk music at all?
Mike: We are all Fleet Foxes fans but they haven’t been a major influence. The cover began as something our drummer Stefan would play at open mics in the Windsor area. I eventually started jumping up and doing harmonies in a way that lead the song to be more a capella. We had other local musicians start jumping up and singing with us. Eventually the band decided to record it.
MYATS: How do you like living in Windsor? Do you guys ever make day-trips over to the States?
Mike: It’s sad to say we’ve neglected our home town a lot over the past year. Somewhere between over working other markets, and having no energy upon getting home, we’ve left the Windsor area untouched for the better part of 2011. We hope to get back some of the hometown spirit in 2012, and play more often.
MYATS: What has been your best recent music find? Favorite recent release?
Mike: I’m always discovering new music, but our whole band has always been more interested in classics. It’s hard to stay fresh when you are still getting excited by Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, but that’s just the way it is for us. We work on our tunes in the studio room, then move to the nook, throw on classic records and try to give our ears a rest.
MYATS: What is your favorite city you’ve toured in?
Mike: Touring Canada, whether you signed up for it or not, is about sight seeing. We love the hidden gems of Canada: the small towns that are tucked away, with out-going patrons, and good beers on tap. I will say that we’ve always loved Montreal. We love the fans, and have close friends there that make it a highlight of our tour.
Interview conducted by Amelia Robitaille
We would like to thank Michou for talking with us. They will be playing November 23rd at Le Divan Orange with Current Swell and The Loodies, and we suggest you check it out. Tickets are $10 and the show starts at 9 pm. You can check out the Facebook event here for more info.
