One of the greatest feelings in doing this blog is to discover a band we love, contact them about a feature, and get it done almost instantly. Bonus points if the band already has multiple releases, while still on the right side of their evolution curve, and even more points if the band is local.
Montréal’s Population II and their perfectly executed Psych Rock get a perfect score here. Signed to the genre’s powerhouse label Castle Face Records after two very solid independent releases, the band is primed for a breakthrough with their new LP À la Ô Terre, released on October 30th. Exploiting the power trio format’s strength to its fullest, their playing is super precise and deliberate, always in tight complement to one another. In these times of live music draught, videos show us a ferocious live machine that you won’t want to miss. I know that they sure enter quite high on my personal list of “first bands I want to see once shows are being played again”.
Do you remember the first time music had an impact on you?
When I first heard and saw ROBERT WYATT I knew that I wanted to play faster and more precise.
What beloved music do you share with your parents? Any specifics memories?
My father turned me and the band on to JIMI HENDRIX’s Machine Gun and told us how insane his guitar playing was. And he’s right! The sounds and the vibe that he has is really wonderful on this track.
What are some of the most memorable shows you’ve ever seen? What makes them stand out?
PAUL JACOBS around 2017 or 2018 was so intense and good. Seeing OH SEES doing a 20 minutes version of Henchlock was a big slap in the face.
Your five favorite rappers of all time? Name one song that best exemplifies what makes them great.
MF DOOM – Kookies
NOTORIOUS BIG – Things Done Change, it really starts an album
NAS – Illmatic
J DILLA – Donuts
MALCOLM MOONEY –Delay 1968
What are some of your favorite song lyrics? Lyrics that have been important to you or that had an impact on you?
NEIL YOUNG – On The Beach
KEVIN AYERS – Whatevershebringswesing
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND – Ocean
BAD BRAINS – Big Take Over, Attitude
Is there any band that you’ve always wanted to see live but never had the chance to catch them? Any classic show that you wish you could have experienced?
NICK DRAKE performing Pink Moon. Or San Diego Jazz/Prog Rock band PSICOMAGIA, that must’ve been a really incredible show.
SPACEMEN 3, BAD BRAINS, THE STOOGES, MILES DAVIS 70’s, HAWKWIND, MATCHING MOLE, SIMPLY SAUCER, SILVER APPLES, too much to list….
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?
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART. I first heard Trout Mask Replica and thought it was really challenging and not really fun. Then I started to listen to his earlier stuff and found myself really quickly loving all of his discography.
LES RALLIZES DÉNUDÉS. I didn’t know at first how you could make some albums that chaotic, blurry and at the same time really melodic and beautiful. Kinda had the same feeling about LIGHTNING BOLT when I was younger.
Do you have an artist that you love in a genre that you don’t usually listen to? What makes them stand out?
JOHN DENVER and WILLIE NELSON, they have the great outdoor sound.
Do you have any unpopular music opinion that you would like to defend? Something that you love and yet can hardly find anyone to agree on how great it is?
THE BEATLES
What band or artist do you believe has achieved the most flawless sequence of 3 records in a row?
Hey, The first three STOOGES and FUNKADELIC albums are always go-to’s. TRAD GRAS OCH STENAR/INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER, etc… made a pretty solid list of records. And the first three SOFT MACHINE are insane, they each have their own vibe and kinda predicts the next one.
Or every MILES DAVIS album from the late sixties to the early 70’s.
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?
T2 a band from the UK in the early 70’s put a very great demo album that was never released (Self Titled ep). The drummer, who also sings and plays Mellotron, made some very great and touching tracks. Or SAM GOPAL also, they put a great album and disbanded, but at the same time it adds to the mystery.
Is there a song that you would die to hear live but the artist/band never played it, every time you’ve seen them live?
SUNWATCHERS – Herd of Creeps, OH SEES – Palace Doctor, Flies Bump Against The Glass
What albums have been on heavy rotation lately?
Full Circle by HOLGER CZUKAY, JAKI LIEBZEIT AND JAH WOBBLE.
The Giant is Awakened by HORACE TAPSCOTT
What are some up and coming artists that you would recommend?
NATURAL INFORMATION SOCIETY, SHOGUN KUNITOKI, BLOOD SKIN ATOPIC, FERAL OHMS, SIX ORGANS OF ADMITTANCE
Is there a band that you’ve discovered live recently that blew you away?
No shows 🙁
What are you listening to right now, while answering these questions?
ZAPPA’s Peaches en Regalia, LAURENCE VANAY’s Evening Colors, FELA KUTI Open and Close.
Final thoughts? Anything you would like to promote?
We’re proud of being Canadian Eh! because; SYRINX, NEIL YOUNG, L’INFONIE, FÉLIX LECLERC and Elvis Gratton. EH!
Think Big, Population II
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