Published: September 13, 2009 10:53 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight September 2009 Edition
CHIWAWA
CHIWAWA
This next band's music is constantly evolving with a sound that is enriching and seductive and full of melodic tunes. One of the best parts to this band's music is the musical range of Laurie's amazing voice. A combination of pop and rock music with a beautiful mixture of bass, guitars, synths, drums and percussion CHIWAWA is going to excite and entertain music fans all around the world. In a recent interview with the band, our Webzine was fortunate enough to speak with the group about their amazing music. Enjoy!
Isaac: What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?
CHIWAWA: CHIWAWA. Liked the phonetic ring of it. As well, we SOMETIMES have respect for the top dog; and ALWAYS have sympathy for the underdog. No.
CHIWAWA: Alternative/Pop/Rock. Too many to list... But here are some: Funk, Motown, New Wave, Punk, Techno, Jazz, Classical, Rock, Hip-Hop, Communism, Existentialism, Realism, Materialism... (Copy-paste from our web site). ;-)
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
CHIWAWA: 18 years. I (Krassy) met Laurie in 1991. Essentially, she married me (without knowing me, at all) to save me from being deported back to Bulgaria. Consequently, I asked her out, saying "Now that we are married, can I get to know you a little?" 18 years! Still happily married!! Who would have thought?!
Isaac: Great Story!
Isaac: When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
CHIWAWA: CHIWAWA was formed in 1994 by Laurie Gordon and Luc St-Pierre. Luc left in 1997 to pursue music in film; I joined CHIWAWA in 1996. Music is what brought us together in the first place. We both live, breathe, eat, drink and think music.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
CHIWAWA: Yes, we have a vanity label (Satellite Records CA) with one band on the roster - CHIWAWA! Yes, SOCAN.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
CHIWAWA: An instrument (for me) is like a pair of jeans. It has to feel right from the moment you pick it up. And as the jeans - it gets better, dearer and more comfortable as it wears out.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
CHIWAWA: Montreal, New York, Toronto, Quebec, Ottawa... Favorite venues - the ones that can capture the sound of the band; have good and accommodating personnel; not too big; good atmosphere and acoustics. Least favorite - the opposite. No confirmed shows at the moment. Will start (most likely) gigging in late September.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
CHIWAWA: The ones we don't get tired of and the ones our fans don't get tired of. Yes, we have two cover songs - "Precious" by Depeche Mode and "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Airplay (and we love playing them). No, the playlist changes rather frequently.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
CHIWAWA: Laurie and I write the vast majority of the songs. There have been some other collaborators over the years. The main topics are relationships/human interactions, emotions and feelings; politics and adventures; fantasies and struggles... Basically anything that would seem important or too hard to ignore or neglect. Change over time? - For the most part, I hope not. I'd like to remain relevant.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
CHIWAWA: Essentially, it starts off with a groove and a jam. From that point all bets are off! ;-) If you get my drift.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
CHIWAWA: Totally spontaneous now. They used to be more scheduled in the past.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
CHIWAWA: That's a tough one... I think in the past it was very important that our music was unique/original. Now I just want it to be relevant and fun. The signature should come naturally. And let's not forget - Igor Stravinsky said: "The best composers do not borrow. They steal." In other words, everything is based on something. And that's not a bad thing. We need to relate, and we need to find the relevance.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
CHIWAWA: To keep at it even when things/life suggests or demands the opposite. Love is unconditional. Love for music is still love.
Isaac: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
CHIWAWA: It's like our endless number of animals (pets) - we did not seek them. They found us. If we were in it for the money, we would have been dead from starvation long time ago.
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
CHIWAWA: Make sure your love for music IS love, not passion or lust. Big difference that will carrie you through, no matter how rough the path may be. And in all fairness, chances are it will be so.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
CHIWAWA: www.chiwawa.ca. We'd love to hear from you/them - whatever you/they need to say or share. There is only one thing I don't like - indifference.
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
CHIWAWA: Our families, our friends. (They know we know who they are.) And, of course our fans!
Isaac: Any last words?
CHIWAWA: "He who sings thinks no evil." - Bulgarian proverb.
