When weighing the most rockin’ bands in Montreal, it would be a grave mistake not to include NOBRO in the discussion. Their live shows are a pure fireball. The energy, the contagious fun and the massive catchiness will have you convinced within the first song that you’ve known ’em forever. Is it the thunderous drums? Is it the bass and guitar’s drive? The sweeping keys? All valid answers but I personally have a very soft spot for Kathryn McCaughey’s yell and the perfect bound of gang vocals that’ll make you feel like you’ve been dropped in the band’s van, right as they break into an impromptu karaoke session of their favorite song of the moment. The four women’s adventure as NOBRO is quite recent too, which have us all the more excited about what’s to come. After a couple of early singles, the band released the head-turning Sick Hustle EP in 2020, followed in short order by the Live Your Truth, Shred Some Gnar EP in 2022 which expanded the boundaries of their sound. Now that the roads are finally open, NOBRO can finally do what they do best and set fire to stages everywhere.
Catch them at Envol et Macadam, September 17th in Quebec City, or for the lucky UK rockers, opening for PUP in October. All dates available at https://nobroband.com/.
Pick up NOBRO’s EPs through Dine Alone Records.
Name five songs that you consider perfect songs and explain why or what they mean to you.
1- Toxic – BRITNEY SPEARS
2- Wannabe – SPICE GIRLS
Those two songs have such bold arrangements in terms of instrumentations and parts. It’s like nobody said “mmm I think this country electric guitar riff doesn’t fit with that string part.” That’s what makes them so good and still relevant.
3- Sexy Boy – AIR
4- New York California– SKEGSS
Proof that you don’t need more than 2 chords and a hook.
5- Any CELINE DION song. They’re all perfectly written. You don’t even realize the complexity of it because it’s so flawless.
Your five favorite rappers of all time?
Can I say four? MEGAN THEE STALLION, VINCE STAPLES, KANYE WEST, JAY-Z.
What are some of your favorite song lyrics? Lyrics that have been important to you or that had an impact on you?
They would be from JOHN LENNON/Plastic Ono Band.
What are your ten favourite albums of all time (all genres)?
- PUP – Morbid Stuff
- JOHN LENNON/Plastic Ono Band
- PARQUET COURTS – Content Nausea
- BOB DYLAN – The Bootleg Series Volume 1
- VINCE STAPLES – Summertime ’06
- JAY-Z – The Black Album
- FRANK OCEAN – Blonde
- THE BEATLES – White Album
- TANGERINE DREAM – Phaedra
Do you remember the first time you really appreciated an album or a song?
Yes, JOAN JETT’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll. I was 6, it was sweet.
What were you listening to in elementary school? Then in high school? How much of that music is still a part of your playlists today? How have your musical tastes evolved since?
I was listening to whatever was on the radio when I was a kid. And then the internet and streaming really started to pick up as I got older and I was introduced to so many other genres and styles.
What beloved music do you share with your parents? Any specifics memories?
Classical music. Just driving in the van going anywhere. The BEE GEES and dancing with my mom.
Most memorable show you’ve ever seen? What makes it stand out?
ANDREW WK. Austin, Texas. SXSW 2012. It was in a tent.
Is there any band that you’ve always wanted to see live but never had the chance to catch them?
Jay Reatard.
Is there any classic / universally acclaimed artist that you missed out on when they first came out and discovered way later? Any artist that you didn’t like at first and learned to appreciate over time?
I learned to appreciate BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. As I become more and more of a woman, he’s beginning to make more and more sense, if ya know what I mean.
Do you have an artist that you love in a genre that you don’t usually listen to? What makes them stand out?
We listen to pretty much every genre so it’s hard to find one that stands out. We find inspiration and pleasure in so many different styles and artists. I guess nobody really know that we’re hardcore fans of CELINE DION, SHANIA TWAIN and SHERYL CROW!
Do you have any controversial/unpopular music related opinions that you would like to defend?
I just hate RUSH, but I feel like everybody else does? Or maybe it’s just me.
What band or artist do you believe has achieved the most flawless sequence of 3 records in a row?
RADIOHEAD, any sequence of 3.
Can you think of a band or artist that put out only one fantastic release (album, EP or demo) and then disbanded? One that you really wish would have kept going?
BEAST, a band from Montreal with amazing musicians. One great album.
What albums have been on heavy rotation lately?
WET LEG – Wet Leg
ARIANE ROY – medium Plaisir
REMI WOLF – Juno
What are some up and coming artists that you would recommend?
ALLÔ FANTÔME, JUNIOR MESA, PALE BLUE EYES.
Is there a band that you’ve discovered live recently that blew you away?
BIBI CLUB
What are you listening to right now, while answering these questions?
The sweet sound of L.A. BIRDS.
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