By BD Marie Hughes

Kalle Mattson, an experimental / folk / pop / rock band, from Sault Ste. Marie, gigs out of Ottawa, ON, where 3 of the 4 band members are attending Carleton University, University of Ottawa and Algonquin College in Bachelor of Music programs as well as Pre-Music Production.

Kalle Wainio – Lead vocals, guitar, songwriting

Rory Lewis – Lead guitar, synth

Théan Slabbert – Bass, backing vocals

Jimmie Chiverelli – Percussion

BD:  When did you guys get together as a band?  Kalle, were you just songwriting and playing on your own before connecting with Rory, Théan, and Jimmie?  Is that right?  What can you tell us about it?

Kalle:  Rory and I have been friends for a long time now.  We met in the first few days of high school and have been best friends since. I began writing songs about two years ago and began performing as a Dylan-influenced solo act. Rory then joined me and we became a duo where things became much more experimental which is pretty well documented on our “Telescope” EP. Eventually turning Kalle Mattson into a full band
was a logical next step to go to.  We then recruited Théan and Jimmie. We knew Théan from high school.  We knew he’d be a really positive influence on the band and bring so much energy and enthusiasm to it.  Jimmie we knew from playing with other bands he was in at the time. He was just a solid drummer and super nice guy. Rory made it
a point when we were looking for a drummer and a bass player to only find people who were really enthusiastic about playing music and being fully committed to the band.  I think we’ve found that now.

BD:  How did you discover your passion for music?  Did things change much (or a lot) when you became a full band?

Kalle:  Music for me didn’t really become a realization until much later in life than it does for lot of people. My dad is a huge music fan and musicologist and it was basically just his constant reinforcement that made me eventually take notice of it. He introduced me to stuff like Wilco, Neil Young, Ron Sexsmith, Ryan Adams, The Smiths, all of which have become my favorite artists and songwriters today.  But it took me a long time to appreciate the genius of it all. I don’t think things necessarily changed when we became a full band in terms of my passion for music.  But it gave me an even deeper appreciation of the possibilities that four people can have when playing in a room together. There’s something almost spiritual about it.  It’s really quite great.

BD:  How did it all turn out that you’re in Ottawa together?  That’s a long way from home in The Soo?  (laughs)  Isn’t your drummer still back there?  Bitch of a commute to gig!  (laughing)

Kalle:  Yeah. (laughing)  For Théan and I, Ottawa seemed like a pretty logical city to go to in terms of schooling. We’re both classical guitar majors and Ottawa has a pretty deep community in that and Carleton and Ottawa U. are great schools to study for that. Rory is much more interested in the production and technical side of things and Algonquin seemed like a good choice, along with keeping the band together. Jimmie does still live in Sault Ste. Marie and it does put a damper on jamming.  But he does visit on a pretty regular basis now.  We really try to keep motivated with Théan, Rory in writing, and jamming and recording new material. Jimmie’s mom works for Air Canada so he gets really cheap flights.  So really the commute isn’t too big of a deal.  Things just need to be planned out.

BD:  What did you learn from recording your first EP “Telescope” that prepared you for your first album “Whisper Bee”?

Kalle:  I’m not sure “Telescope” prepared us or taught us much really. It was a
basement EP that Rory and I recorded over three weeks almost obsessively.  It was a total DIY project right down to the sewing of the album covers. With “Whisper Bee” we were going for a much more polished product that was more representative of our sound at that
point in time.  It was a full-on studio effort and we were very privileged to have Mark Gough working with us in the studio. He really helped us make the songs sound as good as they possibly could.

BD:  When did “Whisper Bee” drop?  Did you have a release party?

Kalle:  We released “Whisper Bee” independently in late May 2009.  We had two large release parties in Sault Ste. Marie that were a blast! We had great turnouts for both.  Everyone has really been digging the tunes and has been really supportive of us and what we are doing.

BD:  What can you tell us about your touring this summer?  Did it coincide with your album release?

Kalle:  Yeah, we did a full-on Ontario tour this summer that we booked ourselves. It ran for the last two weeks of July where we played pretty much every somewhat-major city in Ontario. It was a great experience and the gigs were great.  Audiences were really receptive and into it. It certainly made us realize how much we love doing this and that we were even capable of doing it. Just a lot of fun!

BD:  Your band’s sound description truly warps my brain!  (laughing)  The mix totally tests my grey matter.  How are you pushing boundaries, and possibly the law of physics, with your music?  (still laughing)  Maybe you can start with your influences…

Kalle:  (laughing) I don’t know about physics… Everyone in the band really
digs more experimental music and likes hearing new, interesting sounds.  We really love bands like Wilco, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Grizzly Bear, and Pavement.  So I think a lot of that comes out in the wash. Really, all of our “weirder” sound can be credited to Rory.  Without him, we’d be much more of a conventional band. It’s those guitar pedals!

BD:  What is your writing scenario?

Kalle:  I write all the songs and almost all of them, including the rock numbers, start out as quite simple and as quiet folk songs. I, basically, develop the chord changes, melodies, lyrics and arrangement and then I bring the song to the band. We then jam it, talk about it, and see what direction we’re going to take.  Eventually it becomes comfortable enough to play it live.

BD:  What sorts of things interest you, things you want to write about, make statements about, or take a stand on?

Kalle:  I really don’t think I take any sort of stances in my writing.  I’m not really interested in having political content in music.  Maybe I’m just not interested in it but I do prefer to have a barrier between politics and music. I am really interested in the poetic side of lyrics and the ability to try and evoke a feeling or describe a scene to the listener without actually coming right out and saying it bluntly. Jeff Tweedy, Dylan and Neil Young are easily my favorite songwriters.  Each one of them can do this masterfully.  It’s really what I strive to do. Most of what I write about is love.  I’m pretty content with that. John Lennon said that the one thing people are never going to get bored of hearing are songs about love.  I think that’s a pretty truthful statement.

BD:  Describe your ideal jam space…

Kalle:  (laughing) Basically, anywhere we don’t need to worry about disrupting people with noise and with a nice PA. We aren’t hard to please!

BD:  How do you prepare before a show?

Kalle:  I think the main thing I get anxiety about before a show is the technical side of things.  Making sure all the machines work, the pedals, cables, amps, guitars and so on.  Other than that, it’s a pretty natural process. Nervousness is an issue sometimes but it’s really just about getting into the right head space and focusing on putting on a good show.

BD:  Do you have a really memorable show?  One where everything lined up for the band?

Kalle:  I think playing The Drake Hotel in Toronto was a real highlight. There was a great audience that was totally into it.  I think we really won them over which, I hear, is quite a tough thing to do in Toronto.  We sold a ton of cds that night and met a lot of really great people.  So I think it was really memorable for all of us.

BD:  When you’re first starting out, everyone’s a critic.  What sorts of things have you had to face and, ultimately, overcome?

Kalle:  I think the geography of where we grew up and started has really put a hinder on the band in a lot of respects. Not that the Sault wasn’t a great place to grow up and play.  But for an up and coming band, it’s really, really tough to get your name out there and get noticed in any respect. The age thing has also been really tough on us. Since we’ve just turned 19, a lot of the logistics in touring have become troublesome – cars, getting into gigs like that. I think now that we’ve moved to a new city and the record and the band is starting to get more and more attention things will become easier in a lot of respects.  These things just take time.

BD:  What strategies do you have to get your music out there?

Kalle:  I’m a firm believer in word of mouth.  It’s certainly the most effective way in getting anyone to listen to a band and actually pay attention. We’ve been very fortunate that a lot of big Canadian music blogs have reviewed our album and shows.  Those are great ways in getting people to check you out and maybe come to a show later on.

BD:  Statement for you:  Hits aren’t really hits anymore.  They’re sparks in a world full of fires.  Your thoughts?

Kalle:  I can agree with that. Nowadays there are a million bands and a million records being released. Back in the 60’s there would be, say, 10,000 records released in one year.  Now there’s that same amount every two weeks. You really have to sift through everything to find out what you like and what’s good. I’m not sure any of the bands I
like even had any true “hits” but I think I get what you’re trying to say.

BD:  Do you have a motto you live by?

Kalle:  I really like this one quote by Jeff Tweedy (Wilco).  “I think there must be a time in your life when you realize the concept of failure is absurd.”  Not sure if it’s exactly a motto but I think it’s a really truthful statement.

BD:  What’s next?

Kalle:  We’re just finishing up recording a new EP that we’ll be releasing at Christmas time and I believe we’ll be giving away for free on myspace with artwork and the whole bit. After that, we’re going to keep on playing shows in and around Ottawa and do some touring in Ontario in the new year.  Then it’s a full-on Canadian tour come May 2010 as
well as recording a new record next year. It’s going to be a really big year for us and I can’t wait!

www.myspace.com/kallemattson

The Sound Technicians are a power pop band from Ottawa, ON.  The band’s self-titled album was just recently released in April 2009.  I had a chance to talk with the band’s bassist, Pete Ling, after their set at the TIMA Showcase (“Indie/Pop/Rock”) at The Central in Toronto on August 19.

BD:  You’ve infiltrated the U.S.!  How does it feel to go international?  (101.7 fm WFNX.com – Boston for a month starting Aug. 7.2009, and 95.5 fm WBRU – Rhode Island, 2 songs “Reset” and “Looking at You” in rotation the month of Sep. 2009)

Pete:  Yeah, thanks!  We’ve been very fortunate to have a over a dozen stations pick us up for regular rotation in the States.  It’s early days and we have a long way to go.  We don’t have any label horsepower or machine helping us.  For some reason, Boston has provided a hot-bed of attention to The Sound Technicians, while at the polar opposite end of the country, Los Angeles is starting to buzz.  We’re playing to a packed house at the Whiskey a Go-Go (in West Hollywood, on Sunset Blvd.) on October 8th, as part of the L.A. Music Awards.  Incidentally, we are also nominated for International Showcase Artist of the Year at the L.A. Music Awards.  Ah, yes, the sole Canadians up against acts from China, Russia, Argentina & the UK.  Should be cool and will be broadcasted via satellite feed to over a dozen countries.

BD:  You were selected by Sonicbids for Spotlight Artist Feature the week of August 17.2009.  What kind of feedback are you getting?

Pete:  We’ve had a pretty constant flow of feedback from promoters and media outlets we would have never even had the chance to get access to.  So, thanks to Sonicbids, we’ve had some great traction there.  You know, at the risk of sounding cliché, it’s a classic example of only getting something out of an opportunity based on the level of effort and resources you put into it.  How well you read the opportunity for fit and probability for success takes time.  But within a year or so, if you have a solid electronic press kit and use the service properly, you become a bit ballsier and take more risks with your submissions.  We did and had a few pan-out nicely.  We tend to have between 150-200 submissions on the go at any given time during the year.  It’s an exercise that is not for the faint of heart.  Outside of Sonicbids, we’ve had a sudden discovery-surge in Canadian teens from coast to coast with Facebook.  So, thanks cats!  (laughing appreciatively)

BD:  What is some of the toughest criticism you’ve faced to date?  How do you work past that?

Pete:  While I can’t think of any specific or recent nasties off-hand, rejection is a constant variable that you have to get used to, particularly in this space.  So we just keep our heads down and plough through.  We have been told everything from “Suck it” to “Not today thanks.  Next!”  So what do you make of that? You keep trying, you keep marketing and networking.  Our families think we’re a bit nuts for being so tenacious.  But the way I see it is that our behaviour is analogous to playing scratch-lottery tickets.  If one doesn’t pan out, you can always get another or not.  Funny how you never brag about the ones you didn’t win, huh?  (smiling)  Hey, I won 25 bucks!  Very similar.

I guess we take a bit of flack from people who are expecting something like a solo in a particular part of a song but get another verse.  Or some silly section where we yell something like, “We’re having a party!  You’re all invited!  But don’t bring any losers!”  We like to play with and work from formulaic structure.  But we never bind ourselves to a given or static formula or approach.  Makes for some great comedy when people are dancing to your songs and they have to stop because a certain part is a wee bit whacked!  (we both laugh)

BD:  Do you consider you’re pushing boundaries with your music?  What is your writing scenario?

Pete:  Nope.  We’re all just singing something clever, aren’t we?  Not really sure what boundaries there are left to push.  We’ll leave that effort to keener explorers.  In fact, maybe we’re pulling back from those “boundaries”.  Don’t get me wrong.  We like to do cool guitar tricks to get neat sounds and play with structures.  But we are trying to write songs that have mass appeal yet are personable and memorable to each listener.  You know, like a few of the best kisses you’ve ever had.  I want to take the listener into a 3 or 4 minute story after which they walk away feeling something cool just happened.  Just a bit though, ‘cause we’d want them back for another.

BD:  What sorts of people do you surround yourself with?

Pete:  We are a very tight-knit bunch of guys and have been playing together since we were kids.  We’re like extended family and hang a lot when not playing or recording.  Friends around us are a clever bunch with amazing families, often musically rooted in one way or another.

BD:  Do you have a really memorable show?

Pete:  Yes, but I can’t remember!  (laughing)  Terrible, I know!  We’ve had a number actually opening for so many great bands since the late 90’s from Cracker, Our Lady Peace, Tripping Daisy, The Headstones, Age of Electric, I Mother Earth, By Divine Right, The Devlins, The Rheostatics,  Finger Eleven, Big Wreck, Econoline Crush and many others.  If I had nickel for every really memorable show I’d probably net a dollar.

BD:  Do you have a motto you live by?

Pete:  Two actually.  “Take it on the chin, son.  Never raise your hand.  Never let your friends down and be an honest man.”  And  “Don’t hate me for who I am but for who I am trying to be.”

BD: What advice would you give to up and coming artists and bands?

Pete:  At the risk of sounding like a village elder, here’s our list.

“If you’ve got decent material (songs) either in the can, or released, get over it.  Now market the piss out of yourselves!  They don’t sell themselves.”

“Master the value and proper use of viral and social media and, for shit’s sake, stay on message.”

“Avoid cheese or doing stupid things like playing useless or embarrassing gigs that may haunt you later or have no purpose.  Do things in order.  Kind of like a business plan:  crawl, walk, and then run.”

“Once you get some momentum, you absolutely cannot stop the effort or it will drop like a lead-balloon.”

“You and your music combined are a brand.  Your efforts will dictate whether you stay local, regional or go national or international.”

“Network like a whore at a picnic.”

BD:  What life advice would you give them?  What have you learned?  About yourself?  About life?

Pete:  Life advice?  Family first.  Deny that anything else matters (smiles) if they ask.

No seriously, we’ve learned that, with a tolerant family support structure, your life of rock and day-to-day career, if outside of rock, can co-exist in a freakishly amazing way if you manage the balancing act responsibly.  It helps to have amazing ProTools studios in all of our homes.  But you don’t need to blow all your cash on expensive gear like we did to bang out or regularly get material into the right hands.

What have I learned?  Nobody gives a shit about anything you are doing unless you give them a reason to.

About myself? I wish I knew then what I know now.  Seventeen years in the international high-tech business has given me an edge to navigate and has shown me how to build and grow a brand.

About life?  Execution and making connections is essential.  Creating music or anything is great.  But getting it into the right hands is the key.  Pick your target market or partner prospects and stick with them – relentlessly.

BD:  A music industry insider has recently made the statement that artists are in partnership with their audience and that the long-term, more affordable route is where it’s at – as opposed to a Top 40 track and instant tour.  Basically, don’t go for world domination.  Go for a little piece of the whole rock.  What are your feelings on this?

Pete:  World domination attempts rarely materialize or take shape in any industry.  With music being such a free-for-all including a lot of stinky songs and material out there, it’s very hard to get noticed, unless you have something that cuts through.  When I say that I mean to the right people.  It’s about networking, building trust that you can deliver from both a material and marketing perspective. Relationships still matter.  As I mentioned a bit earlier, if your music, work ethic and efforts warrant movement and some level of success, something may happen.  Take “it” whatever “it” is and be grateful that you’re seeing any traction at all.  Leave attempted world domination to despots, dreamers and mineral water companies.

BD:  What’s next?

Pete:  We plan on getting back into the studio this fall and bang out another album.  We have so much material buried in our 4 brains these days that we just need to extract it.  Maybe we should build a song juicer.  We’d really like to work with a leading name producer who can help operate said juice machine.  While “hope” is not a strategy, we still hope to get some attention from the publishing and distribution world.

www.myspace.com/soundtechies

www.thesoundtechnicians.com

www.facebook.com/thesoundtechnicians

Presented by the Toronto Independent Music Awards and Mill Street Brewery

We’ve got beer, prime radio coverage and a highly anticipated CD release party to kick off the Season in style!

On December 9th we’re back at the Central with a brand new season of awesome live music to determine which three independent artists and bands rock the best live show in the city.

Up for grabs are three industry sponsored prize packs valued at $15,000 each. Winners will be announced at the 2009/2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards in July 2010.

PRIME RADIO COVERAGE – NEW FOR SEASON TWO We love our TIMA artists, so naturally it makes our hearts swell up with pride when we hear them on the airwaves. This season we’ve teamed up with 102.1 The Edge to give one performer from each showcase prime radio exposure on Toronto’s best new music radio station, The Edge. YOUR band could win a spot in the Edge’s weekly concert announcement, which will air eight times leading up to your TIMA BEST LIVE gig. Want your name to be heard by thousands of people all over the GTA? Submissions for Season Two of BEST LIVE showcases are still being accepted, apply under the “Entry: tab. The Best Live category is open to ALL GENRES.

CD RELEASE PARTY
2008 TIMA winners of Best Alternative Rock and Best Song, Moeraes Fate (formerly known as DAME) will be helping us give birth to Season Two with a performance and the official release of their brand new album “Making of the New Me”. The powerhouse rock trio’s live show is not to be missed! (www.myspace.com/moeraesfateband)

WHERE, WHEN, HOW MUCH, etc…
The December 9th show starts at 7 PM at the Central, located at 603 Markham Avenue. Bring $7 for the door or pick up your Season Two pass (available online www.ticketbreak.com/event_details/3301) which will get you in to all Season Two BEST LIVE Showcases. Season Two runs from November 2009 until June 2010.

The bands showcasing on December 9th are:
The Compound (www.myspace.com/thecompoundband)
Your Heart (www.myspace.com/yourheartisbreaking)
The Balance (www.myspace.com/thebalancemusic)
MOERAES FATE (formerly known as DAME), TIMA 2008 Winners of “Best Alternative” Rock and “Best Song” (www.myspace.com/moeraesfateband)
Blazen Angelz (www.myspace.com/brazenangelzuk)
Alison Jane (www.myspace.com/alisonjanemusic)
Kid Coma (www.myspace.com/kidcomaband)

Need extra incentive to pull on your Canada Goose and brave the cold? Be one of the first people there on December 9th and get a delicious Mill St. beer, on us!

Hey everyone,

join us for our last “Best Live” Season 1 showcase, to be followed by the start of Season 2 in Nov! Look out for a major “Best Live” Sponsorship announcement in November!

VENUE: The Central http://www.thecentral.ca

DATE: Wed. October 28th, 2009 TIMA ALT ROCK SHOWCASE

19+/$7.00 at the door or FREE ENTRY with TIMA SEASONS PASS/Doors 7:00

SET TIMES:

7:30PM – 8:00PM Montague Street

8:00PM – 8:30PM  Symphony of Nine

8:40PM – 9:10PM   The Shout

9:25PM – 9:55PM   The Free Press

10:10PM – 10:40PM   The Weeds

10:50 – 11:20PM   A Fourth World

If you have been selected via Sonicbids to perform and participate in the TIMA “Best Live” Showcases but have not been contacted via our booking department yet, DO NOT DESPAIR! The TIMAs are getting ready to announce two new huge sponsorships and are booking for Season 2 of the TIMA “Best Live” showcases on a rolling-basis. THERE  ARE A TON OF SHOWCASE SPOTS! EVERYONE WILL BE ACCOMMODATED AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED! However, it may us a few months to get through the submissions. We have an extremely high volume of submissions, and an equally high volume of emails. Your patience is appreciated and we promise the sponsorship announcement is worth it!

If you have any immediate concerns, questions etc. please contact our Exec. Producer: daniela @ torontoima . com

Thank you,

-TIMA TEAM.