I Heart the Music: Your Online Source for Live Music Reviews and Interviews in Toronto!

Often described as one of Canada’s best up-and-coming acts, Hey Ocean! are a young band with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles into a brand of infectious pop that is uniquely their own. Their second album, It’s Easier to be Somebody Else, was released in late 2008 and they’ve gone on to do extensive touring in Canada since; when we heard they were coming to Toronto we couldn’t pass up the chance to speak with them. iheartthemusic was first introduced to the foursome back in September when we happened to catch their performance at Mod Club and were immediately hooked by their laid back spirit and pop-folk sound, not to mention their sweet live performance skills! Hey Ocean! has already shared the stage with the likes of Bedouin Soundclash, Shad and gone South to play SXSW, and they’re making a name for themselves in a big way along the way. We caught up with Ashleigh (vocals/flute), David (vocals/guitar), Dave (bass) and Dan (drums) at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Check out what they had to say!

iheartthemusic: Traveling seems to be a huge part of your lives, Ashleigh and Dave actually spent some time in Costa Rica together, am I right?

David: Yeah, that’s actually where our name came from.

iheartthemusic: Yeah, there seems to be a lot of water references with your band, and not just in your band name, what’s thereasoning behind that?

Ashleigh: The name came from that trip [Costa Rica] where it had rained for, like, 14 days straight. We went down to the water and yelled, “hey ocean, why are you so mighty?” and started throwing things because we had cabin fever. We were just going nuts, so it came from this angry “hey ocean” and then came up again in a conversation when we were looking for a band name. Band names are really hard to get, but I think it kind of suits us because we are very tied to the West Coast.

David: As far as the oceanic references in the songs, we were actually talking about that the other day because we were writing a lot and some of the new songs for our next album have oceanic references too. I think for all of us the ocean connects everything in the world. You think of the ocean and you think that it’s out there and how big it is and how that connects you to other people. That’s kind of why it comes up.

Ashleigh: Or when we are travelling or touring we miss home, so we are kind of like drawn to this thought of the ocean and the mountains.

iheartthemusic: In addition to writing for this next album, you also just shot a video for “A Song About California.”

Ashleigh: We actually shot three videos!

iheartthemusic: Three videos! I’ve only seen the one so far, so how did you come up with the concept for it?

Ashleigh: We met with these guys called The Studio Movement and they really liked our band and wanted to do three videos in a really short time frame. Two of them were done overnight, like 8pm to 8am… we are all very tired! The concept for “California” was thrown together at the last minute. JP, who directed the video, at the last minute was like, “I got this idea about a laundromat and then it breaks into this musical theatre kind of world”, and we were all into it. I have musical theatre roots so I was totally into it. I got to do a dance break in the middle.

iheartthemusic: Was it shot out West?

Ashleigh: Yeah, it was a freezing day in December and the store owner had turned off the heat and I literally got in the dryer in between takes because it was so cold in there. I don’t think we did the dance break until 4:30 in the morning and the dancers were being so positive and great!

iheartthemusic: So you shot all three videos in the span of how long?

David: Probably about a week.

Ashleigh: We did another one for a song that Dave sings called “Fifteen Words” and also “Too Soon”, which will be the next video that comes out. It was an organized chaos thing that another director came up with.

iheartthemusic: You guys were one of the Canadian bands to play SXSW, what was the response like down there?

Ashleigh: It’s such a crazy, crazy place.

David: You are competing with like eighteen hundred other bands for audience. I think the show we did on the Friday night, we were competing with, like Metallica. There are just so many bands and so much music going on that your head definitely explodes with music.

iheartthemusic: Was there anyone there that you were able to check out that blew you away?

David: Sam Roberts.

Ashleigh: He’s got a man boner for him.

David: [laughs] It’s true, he’s awesome.

Ashleigh: Yeah! I also saw this crazy band from Seattle called Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head.

iheartthemusic: They actually opened for Lily Allen in Toronto a few weeks ago. Were they good?

Ashleigh: Very crazy! They are all super young and have so much energy. I felt like after every song they should be like, “end scene”, like an improv musical act.

iheartthemusic: Let’s talk about how you guys self-released your last album, what was that like?

Ashleigh: Great! It was so cool working with someone that just got what we wanted to do and was always there for us.

David: Releasing it on our own has been rad because when you are growing up as a band you kind of have the same insecurities that a lot of people growing up would have and, as a result, a lot of bands sign contracts earlier than they probably should have. They sign wanting someone else to help them out and because they’re nervous to do it on their own.

Ashleigh: Doing it on our own was pretty gratifying.

iheartthemusic: Has the recession affected you at all?

Dave: I think music is very important to people, especially in difficult times. You definitely see that in the previous depression, that was basically the time when jazz and swing exploded – it came in huge because that’s how people relaxed and got away from the stress of it all. So I think I’ve personally noticed more people coming to the shows.

iheartthemusic: Well, if anything, the live performance has become so important because people are not buying albums like they used to.

David: I think for us, we’ve never really been a band whose record is flying off the shelves – we’ve always made an impression at the show.

iheartthemusic: Funny you should say that because I actually caught you guys in September when you opened for Shad and went out and bought the album right away based on that performance! How did you get hooked up with Shad?

Ashleigh: We got introduced to him through friends and then he actually moved in with Dave.

Dave: I’ve actually played with him a bunch as well -playing bass for his band. He’s just a rad guy and what makes his music so great is that he doesn’t just listen to rap but listens to everything. He even tends to appreciate music that he doesn’t even like, so we are fairly similar in that regard. We all enjoy listening to a broad spectrum of music so that connection was pretty immediate.

iheartthemusic: Is there anyone that you aspire to play with?

Ashleigh: Said The Whale.

iheartthemusic: Aren’t you buddies with them?

Ashleigh: [laughs] Yeah, we want to tour with them.

Dave: I would love to play with The Cat Empire. That would be awesome. 

Ashleigh: Feist.

Dave: Cake.

iheartthemusic: It’s tough, there is so much talent to choose from, especially in Canada! I find there is such a sense of community amongst Southern Ontario bands, do you find that same vibe out West?

David: I noticed when we came here [Toronto] that sense of community amongst bands and the interplaying. Everyone knows each other – I like that. Vancouver is becoming more like that but it used to be a bit more of a competition. I remember when we first started playing gigs with other bands the opener and the headliner had a bit of a vibe between each other. We’ve definitely got a really good crew of bands that we are super tight with and we all go out to each other’s shows and support each other.

Dave: I think in the last six to eight years in B.C. there has been a movement going on and because of that more venues were opening up and more bars were doing open mics and people were starting bands and buying equipment and spending their time doing that. I think that now we are seeing that maturing a bit and there are some really dope artists coming out of B.C right now.

iheartthemusic: So what’s up next after this tour?

Ashleigh: We will be writing on this tour and then festivals in the summer and then hopefully in the fall getting back into the studio to record our new album.

David: That’s the focus, but we will hit some festivals this summer, which are always fun. We are really trying to hit Hillside and Virgin Festival Toronto. I’d like to come out here again in the summer. We really like coming here. 

Hey Ocean! put on a stellar show at the Horseshoe, playing to an almost sold out crowd! Their performance included a plethera of musical intruments such as the cow bell, glockenspiel, flute and more. They even had a surprise on-stage appearance by headliners for the evening, Spiral Beach. This group just keeps on getting better. Their videos for “Too Soon” and “Fifteen Words” are now out and can be seen on their MySpace!

photography provided by Kristin M.

After laying eyes on riveting UK band Noah and the Whale at the Mod Club, iheartthemusic was extremely eager to chat with the insanely talented quartet. Shortly after the performance iheartthemusic had the pleasure of chatting with lead singer Charlie while the rest of the crew held down the fort at the merchandise stand. While they were selling t-shirts and chatting with fans until everyone left the joint, Charlie took the time to fill me in on great Canadian bands, his love of film, and the new album, which is going to be quite a departure from your regular 12-track disc. Charlie was a pleasure to talk to and the music ain’t so bad either!

iheartthemusic: First and foremost, I love your music! You have many songs about love and heartache. What inspires you to go there lyrically?

Charlie: I don’t really know, to some extent I write from experience, but I think it depends, there are some songs that aren’t necessarily like that though. I guess it’s whatever comes to me when I write.

iheartthemusic: Life experiences?

Charlie: Exactly

iheartthemusic: I read in an interview that you describe yourself as “post-grunge folk.” Does this description transform when a new song or album is released and as the bands grows, or do you try to keep within this genre?

Charlie: To be honest, I find each definition as banal as the other one, so that one sounds good. I think the new record sounds pretty different to the previous record; I would never want to constrict myself writing one type of music.

iheartthemusic: I totally agree. You guys just performed at Coachella, what was that experience like?

Charlie: It was OK, I couldn’t sing at all, though! The funny thing is, people came up and said that they enjoyed it, but before I went on stage none of my pedals were working, my amp wasn’t working and I couldn’t sing.

iheartthemusic: Oh no!!!

Charlie: It looked like it was going to be a major disaster, but we made it through… it was kind of weird.

iheartthemusic: How does a huge festival differ from just traveling with the band?

Charlie: It was a surprisingly big crowd at Coachella, I wasn’t expecting that. I feel more comfortable in a venue like this [Mod Club], I feel more conversational and relaxed, where at Coachella, how do you expect to make an impression on the guy way over there? That is the challenge, I guess.

iheartthemusic: I also read in an interview that you were inspired by Canadian band Arcade Fire. Since we’re in Canada, any other Canadian bands that you admire or are inspired by?

Charlie: There are loads of Canadian bands we like. Actually, since we’re in Canada, today in the van since we listened to only Canadian bands. We’ve actually toured with Broken Social Scene and Feist. But the Arcade Fire is great! I love Neil Young, obviously… there are tons. The band and I were actually talking about it, apparently if you’re a Canadian band you get funding from the government, the government will pay to help you make a record. That’s Incredible! That is the best thing I’ve ever heard!

iheartthemusic: The Canadian government are great… sometimes. In being an important part of the UK music scene, do you think the scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves in other parts of the world?

Charlie: The music industry is really good right now; there are some good stuff and not so good stuff, but there are definitely a lot of great bands in England. It’s funny, I never really think if it like that.

iheartthemusic: I heard you guys were huge movie buffs… do films inspire your song writing?

Charlie: Yeah, a lot. Actually, I just made a film for the new album… The album has this kind of narrative and the film has a sort of dual narrative with the album. It’s hard to explain but essentially it’s like the film is set after the album and there are musical parts that help tell the story.

iheartthemusic: Is it like the Pink Floyd/Wizard of Oz thing?

Charlie: Sort of like that, but purposeful, I guess. But yeah, I like films by Lynch, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson… lots of different films. Oh, I just thought of an amazing film that I saw recently, the Swedish Vampire film called Let the Right One In. [Emer's ed note: Such a good film!!! If you haven't seen it, remedy that!]

iheartthemusic: I’ve never heard of it.

Charlie: Incredible film, it’s phenomenal. I saw it in New York about two months ago, it’s out on DVD now.

iheartthemusic: I’m going to have to check that one out. Now about the new album, when will it be released and what shall we expect from it?

Charlie: I think in the UK it will be August, and the last I heard we are doing a dual release so hopefully in August here as well.

iheartthemusic: Should expect something very different with the film aspect?

Charlie: What we’re doing in England is a tour in cinemas, like show the film and maybe do some songs as well and maybe talk a bit. It would be cool to bring something like that over here as well. I know that there is talk of doing it in L.A., which is where our label is, there is a graveyard that shows films, we’re talking about doing it there. It’s like where all these movie stars are buried, Marilyn Monroe is buried there. So hopefully we can show the film there.

iheartthemusic: Finally, what should the fans expect from your live act? How do you want your fans to feel after they leave your gig?

Charlie: That’s a good question, I don’t really know. I guess, hopefully, some sort of sense of satisfaction. I have to admit, I don’t really feel guilty saying this but, I’m always totally touched and moved when people enjoy the music and enjoy the show, but I always have to feel like I’m doing it for myself as well, otherwise it doesn’t make any sense. The ideal is if the song is good enough for me it’s good enough for you.

iheartthemusic: If you’re feeling it the audience is going to feel it too, you got to be passionate about it.

Charlie: That’s the thing, you can’t sing a song that you feel totally disconnected from, it’s as you just said.

Interview by Kristen Tignaneli

Photography by Daniel Cheddie

With two Juno nods under their belt, the guys from The Midway State have little to complain about these days. Having already toured with the likes of Shiny Toy Guns and others, including tours in both the US and Europe, it appears that there is no stopping them. They released their debut full length album Holes in July of last year and have been touring and promoting since (and getting amazing feedback in the process). They are currently on a cross-Canada tour with rock group The Envy, however as lead singer and all around great guy Nathan Ferraro told us, home is where the heart is and that home is right here in Toronto.

iheartthemusic: You have an interesting dynamic with your band because yourself and Daenen (drums) were best friends before the band started, and Mike K. and Mike W. were best friends as well, that must have made it easier to become a unit.

Nathan: It’s like a double date!

iheartthemusic: [laughs] You moved from Collingwood to Toronto to pursue music exclusively, was that a tough choice to make?

Nathan: Right out of high school a producer named Gavin Brown called me up and he said, “Nathan I got a demo of yours and I like what you are doing and I really want to work with you.” I was very excited and as soon as I graduated I canceled my plans to go to university and moved down to Toronto and started living with a friend of mine and working with Gavin.  We found Mike and Mike after that and it went from there.

iheartthemusic: How did Gavin Brown get your demo to begin with?

Nathan: A guy who is here tonight actually, who is the heart of our band named Jason Kimelman saw me and Daenen play in a bar when we were 17 in Toronto and just kept in touch with us. He had mutual friends and knew Gavin Brown and gave our demo to him.

iheartthemusic: That is pretty much fate right there!

Nathan: Exactly, and Jason went from discovering us to letting me move in with him and his fiancée when I moved out here. He also fed me and took care of me. He is a pretty amazing guy.

iheartthemusic: That’s so awesome! Well he must have seen the talent that still exists today as you were recently nominated for a Juno for your songwriting. You mentioned in an earlier interview that one of your dreams was to be recognized for your writing, so how did it feel to finally have that dream come true?

Nathan: It was absolutely insane! We were about to get on a plane and Daenen called me and he was really excited and told me. It was one of those things that actually meant something because since I’ve been 14 I’ve dreamed of being there for that award, so it was cool.

iheartthemusic: Your lyrics seem to be very love oriented. Do you draw from personal experience when you are writing?

Nathan: I’ve definitely been through my share of things but I just think that there is so much good in love and romance. It’s something that is so inspiring for me and I think really just rules everything. I want to tell people that it’s going to be OK – whether you are 10 or f40 or 50, whatever is going on in your life I want people to listen or come to our show and get filled up with that feeling that everything is going to be OK. That inspires me a lot, and so that’s what I like to write about.

iheartthemusic: This is your second tour with The Envy, what made you want to tour with them again?

Nathan: Shaun, the lead singer, is a great friend of mine now because we can relate on so many levels. I wrote a bunch of songs on their new record so we spent a lot of time together during that period. They are just an amazing band and amazing guys so we love to have them around.

iheartthemusic: How was it working with Stevo from Sum41 on your video for “Change For You”?

Nathan: Steve’s great! I grew up knowing him as the funny character from Sum41, but working with him you find out that he is very serious, very professional and very creative and artistic. It just meshed very well.

iheartthemusic: How did you come up with the concept for that video?

Nathan: Well, we didn’t have a lot of money to shoot the video so we had to come up with something that didn’t involve a lot of different settings. We still wanted something to move, so we thought wouldn’t it be amazing if we could make it look like magic where when you zoom in everything changes behind me, and when you zoom back out I’m in a different place. With music and videos it’s more about the feeling, the colours, and the vibe of it, that’s what you’re trying to get across. With music videos I want people to see what they are feeling, so it has a lot to do with the cinematography and the colouring and stuff like that.

iheartthemusic: Speaking of colours, I read somewhere that you hear colours and see music?

Nathan: It’s a thing called synesthesia. Whether it’s like a car engine or water running or one of our songs, I’ve always felt like my brain connects the sound to a colour. I’ve always kind of done that and I don’t know why. I would always talk to Daenen about it and he would be like, “oh cool, whatever”. None of us knew what it was and then one day Daenen heard of it and learned about it from his family doctor or something and was like, “oh my god Nate has that”, and we looked it up.

iheartthemusic: That’s amazing! I have two siblings and sometimes have a hard time with them, so I can’t imagine having eight siblings like you! Are any of them musically inclined as well?

Nathan: Yeah I have two little brothers, Dominic and Christian, and they are both incredible songwriters.

iheartthemusic: Well your parents must be very proud to have three songwriters in the family!

Nathan: I hope so!

iheartthemusic: You have been able to share the stage with some heavy hitters in the industry, who has been your favourite and why?

Nathan: I really like Jason from Lifehouse, we got along really well and now we are just good friends. He was a great guy to look up to and I learned a lot from him. Mika taught me a lot as well. He had a lot of really great advice. You can’t really get better advice than from the singers of other bands; they are the ones who know what it is like. Record labels and managers can give you ideas of what they think you need to do, but really it has to come from within. The only other people who know that are singers.

iheartthemusic: Favourite spot that you have toured?

Nathan: I love the countryside of France.

iheartthemusic: What was the response like there?

Nathan: Awesome! Our record is coming out in Europe in the next few months, in the summer or something, so I am really excited to get back there and get to those people again.

iheartthemusic: Are you aspiring to tour anywhere you haven’t been yet?

Nathan: I would love to go to Australia, I’ve never been there. Asia as well. I enjoy touring the American South a lot. I think it’s a great culture, I love the people down there because the people have really big hearts so I enjoy it a lot.

iheartthemusic: How about in Canada?

Nathan: I’m bias but I love Toronto. I’m always so happy to come home, I love this city.

iheartthemusic: Where in Toronto have you played that you loved?

Nathan: We played a show at Tattoo recently which was fun. I love The Phoenix and Koolhaus was cool, but mostly because I grew up going to shows there. I saw all my favourite bands play there so being on that stage is weird.

iheartthemusic: Favourite venue in Toronto to go see a show?

Nathan: I actually love this venue [Mod Club]. Have you ever heard of Jeremy Fisher?

iheartthemusic: No I haven’t.

Nathan: I came here a few weeks ago to see him and it always sounds amazing and is just small enough to feel connected. I don’t really like to go and see bands at places like the ACC, although I love bands like Coldplay and Kings of Leon where you have to go there for that.

iheartthemusic: What’s up next for you?

Nathan: The European release and then touring there. Whenever we are not on the road we are working on new songs just because we have a bit of time  so when the second record comes we aren’t scrambling.

iheartthemusic: You did some reporting for CHARTattack, so having been on both sides of the interview, is there anything that you wish you could ask yourself?

Nathan: I always just tried to keep the questions honest and asked what I wanted to know. Like when I was interviewing Simple Plan, I was thinking about when that song “Your Love Is A Lie” came on the radio because I remember thinking it was so catchy and different for them; I was always wondering what inspired that, so when I was interviewing them I asked them about that.

iheartthemusic: So there is nothing that you want to be asked?

Nathan: I don’t want to be asked about my hair, for one thing.

iheartthemusic: Well there goes my next question… I’m just kidding!

photography provided by Matt Vardy

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