Alberta Calgary's WOMEN create my #1 record of 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
WOMEN are the type of band that makes you forget what time it is, where you are, and what the hell is going on around you. Their close attention to detail and tones is obvious, and their knack for creating riveting psych pop tunes is undeniable. Just listen to their song "Black Rice" and I think you'll understand exactly what it is I'm talking about. With an unassuming nonchalant demeanor and hyper-talented musicianship, Women have created one of the most timeless rock albums I have heard in some time. Take that, Arcade Fire! I sent some questions via e-mail to bassist Matt Flegel, who was kind enough to send me back some interesting responses...
Gaurav: How is playing Europe different than playing Canada and the States?
Matt: We like it more. It's fun to play anywhere but it is much more exciting to be far away from home. Also, WE LOVE CULTURE BABY!
G: How did you all end up befriending and playing with Chad VanGaalen's ensemble?
G: How did you all end up befriending and playing with Chad VanGaalen's ensemble?
M: Rumour has it Matt and Chad took MDMA in a hotel room in Toronto and have been pals ever since.
G:What was your favorite city/venue in Europe to play?
G:What was your favorite city/venue in Europe to play?
M: We played in a squat in Amsterdam for this Subbacultcha thing (http://www.subbacultcha.nl/) and it was amazing. A party/show with friends. Everywhere was nice though. The Windmill (Tim / Paul ) / Borderline in London were great. There are a bunch of really efficient venues in Holland/Belgium that feed you well and put you up extremely close to the venue. There was no favourite.
G: Three biggest musical influences on the band?
G: Three biggest musical influences on the band?
M: Metz from Toronto.
G: Are you all happy in Calgary? Do you have any intentions to relocate elsewhere?
G: Are you all happy in Calgary? Do you have any intentions to relocate elsewhere?
M: We have great friends here but we can't wait to leave this place. When you go other places and come back you wonder "Why do we live here?" and you realize it's because you were born here.
G: I feel like your music has a feverish intensity, slightly claustrophobic. Is this at all accurate in terms of where the songs come from?
G: I feel like your music has a feverish intensity, slightly claustrophobic. Is this at all accurate in terms of where the songs come from?
M: Yes. The album was recorded under very strange circumstances in a variety of locations in various states of consciousness.
G: Last book read?
G: Last book read?
M: Kafka on the Shore. The kid has sex with his mother. . . . . .
G: Last film watched?
G: Last film watched?
M: Man on Wire
G: Favorite piece of musical equipment?
G: Favorite piece of musical equipment?
M: My garbage guitar. It's in C#
G: Favorite band from Canada or Calgary, specifically?
G: Favorite band from Canada or Calgary, specifically?
M: It would be Salvia. There's a lot of talk about it and then you throw it on and never speak of it again.
G: Favorite record store?
G: Favorite record store?
M: Yes! We'll be in the states from March to April.
G: When can we expect another record or EP? Any plans to record with VanGaalen again? I read in an interview that you all are looking for new gear and possibly a tape machine!
G: When can we expect another record or EP? Any plans to record with VanGaalen again? I read in an interview that you all are looking for new gear and possibly a tape machine!
M: We actually just talked to Jagjaguwar and we're getting on the gear right now. Chad is going to record some things and the rest we're doing ourselves. We are ecstatic.
G: What auxilary instrument does your drummer utilize on "Black Rice"?
G: What auxilary instrument does your drummer utilize on "Black Rice"?
M: He plays the glockenspiel.
G: I know you guys are taking January off, do any of you all have big plans?
G: I know you guys are taking January off, do any of you all have big plans?
M: We are just writing and recording. Band style.
__________________________
WOMEN is available for purchase via Jagjaguwar
WOMEN - "Black Rice"
__________________________
WOMEN is available for purchase via Jagjaguwar
WOMEN - "Black Rice"
Labels: chad van gaalen, jagjaguwar, psych pop, women
2 Comments:
I had the mispleasure of actually talking with these people.. for how boring their music is, they sure are pretentious, and think they are awesome, while not giving a shit about their fans… from everything I’ve read, I can’t see where they appreciate their fans at all… it’s all about them… not cool!
commented by 
Anonymous, 1:57 PM
Anonymous, 1:57 PM
perhaps they are more focused on creating art than pleasing fans. what's so wrong about that? i think women are the quintessential musician's band. for all others, it might take a little bit of 'getting.'anyhow, i'd thought i'd throw in my two cents in response to your comment.
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