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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?

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?

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?

M: Metropak, Arab on Radar, Skeeter Davis = wild.

G: Favorite 'new' band?

M: Metz from Toronto.

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?

M: Yes. The album was recorded under very strange circumstances in a variety of locations in various states of consciousness.

G: Last book read?

M: Kafka on the Shore. The kid has sex with his mother. . . . . .

G: Last film watched?

M: Man on Wire

G: Favorite piece of musical equipment?

M: My garbage guitar. It's in C#

G: Favorite band from Canada or Calgary, specifically?

M: No More Shapes from Calgary.

G: If the self-titled record was a drug, which one would it be?

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?

M: Melodiya Records

G: Is there a stateside tour in the works currently?

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!

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"?

M: He plays the glockenspiel.

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.
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WOMEN is available for purchase via Jagjaguwar

WOMEN - "Black Rice"

Labels: chad van gaalen, jagjaguwar, psych pop, women

posted by Gaurav, 2:31 PM | Link It! | 2 comments |

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