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Disagreements regarding COVID-19 checkpoints between the town of Oka and Kanesatake, Legault blames media for poll results, Racism towards Montrealers of Asian descent now being documented
Hadassah Alencar
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Disagreements between the town of Oka and Kanesatake over COVID-19 checkpoints
Mohawk territory of Kanesatake (gah-nuh-suh-dog-eh) and the neighbouring town of Oka are clashing over COVID-19 road checkpoints.
APTN news reported these roadblocks are enforced by the Kanesatake community in an effort to protect the territory from the spread of the virus. But the Mayor of Oka Pascal Quevillon wants these roadblocks taken down, to accept visitors and help the community's tourism economy.
So far, the Kanesatake community has had no cases of the coronavirus. Kanesatake Grand Chief Serge Simon said they have turned away thousands of vehicles trying to visit the community.
Visitors which are also stopped from entering the town of Oka. The mayor of Oka Pascal Quevillon has sent a cease-and-desist letter and has threatened legal action to take down the road blocks and give control of the traffic to the provincial police.
Legault blames media for poll results
Legault blames the English media for new poll results that show English speakers in Montreal are more worried about COVID-19 than French speakers.
Not only do English Montrealers feel more afraid that they'll be infected with the virus, but also polled as less comfortable with the Legault government scheduled reopening.
At a press conference on Wednesday Legault targeted The Montreal Gazette and healthcare reporter and Concordia journalism teacher Aaron Derfel for this result.
Derfel responded to the criticism Wednesday night on twitter, saying the premier's statement was regrettable, and that the poll result, “isn’t a language issue.”
Racism towards Montrealers of Asian descent now being documented
The Montreal Gazette reported that two Montrealers are gathering testimonies of abusive or racist incidents from people of Asain descent in the city.
The pair has documented stories from two dozen people from across the province from as early as January.
The pandemic has increased instances of hatred against those of Asian descent. Many who came forward said it was the first time they’ve ever experienced hatred in Quebec.
Jäde is Ready for the Spotlight with Her New EP "Première Fois"
Photo credits: Fifou
Hailing from Lyon, France’s third-largest city, Jäde is about to unveil her very first EP, Première Fois, on May 15th. Her musical universe includes R&B that borrows as much from trap as from pop, lascivious melodies, and disarming punchlines. With her warm and singular voice, Jäde tells stories that tackle modern love and other generational themes, with an incisive and fair pen. CJLO caught up with the young artist about her origins, her new EP, and figuring out how to deal with COVID-19.
I read that you started singing when you were very young and that you started music, by chance, when your sister received a guitar as a gift. What convinced you to make music professionally? Have you ever had doubts about yourself or from those close to you about the choice?
My passion for music came to me at an early age, yes! The idea of making a career out of it came to me by watching one of my friends develop his own career. I was 14/15 years old, and I told myself “if he can do it, I can do it too.”
I’m confident in my music, but I always have a doubt when I share my songs. I like them of course, but I don’t know if the rest of the world will like it. My entourage, my parents who are very open-minded, and my friends have always supported me and encourage me to do my own thing.
It's been about two years since the release of your first collection of songs, ClichéTape. Do you consider Première fois to be a continuation of that project, or a new beginning?
Première Fois is not a follow-up or the continuation of ClichéTape. With this new EP, there’s a much more open and eclectic approach. It better represents my different facets. Of course, the foundation remains the same, as my tastes haven’t changed. I’m still the same girl as two years ago, just an improved version of it.
Your music is labeled simultaneously as R&B, pop, trap, and soul, but it's really a mixture of all of these into one distinctive package. Do you find that genre labels are limiting or restrictive, either when applied to your music or others?
To be honest, I find it restrictive to apply a particular label on music. Between “Longtemps” and “Docteur,” I find that there’s a huge gap in the style of these two songs. But anyway, it’s what people are doing right now in modern music. There are less boundaries between the different styles and everybody knows it. Plus, being an “R&B singer” has its appeal, I find that it’s a very stylish label to wear.
You collaborate with several different producers to bring the songs you write to life. What’s your collaborative process with these producers like? Do you already have a sound in mind before a beat is made? Do you see yourself creating your own musical accompaniments for future songs?
The process varies. A producer can send me some music and then I write and sing on it. Or, I start to make a beat at home, and then I ask a producer to collaborate with me to finish the song. Sometimes we start everything at the beginning, back to the acapella version of it, or we keep some of the instruments I played.
Producing songs is a real passion for me. I haven’t really been able to produce something all by myself that I’m 100% proud of, but I’m working on it.
At its core, what makes a good pop song for you? Do you have a favorite song or artist that you think best represents the form?
A typical pop song to me is more like a summer hit that you blast while driving your car into the sunset and the freedom that goes with this image. Like maybe “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics or Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”
I read on your Twitter feed that you’re not the biggest fan of promoting your music through social media. How do you reconcile trying to present your daily life and promote your art without being too in-your-face about it?
The pace of social media is very intense. It goes in all directions. Sometimes I worry about doing “too much” and my content drowning in the vast pool that is the Internet. But, people who are following me are fans of my music. So, if I do content oriented on my music, I think it’s okay.
The banning of shows because of COVID-19 is particularly devastating for newer artists like yourself. How have you coped with the new reality while trying to make it as an artist with a new release?
The lockdown period forces me to be more creative. It leaves me time to try new things, like filming and editing the video for “-12°C.” I’m trying to maintain a positive attitude and learn a maximum of things that I will be able to apply to my music in the near future.
Alex Viger-Collins is the host of Ashes to Ashes, your weekly dose of modern pop, every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST.
Emails reveal online opt-out talks started before consultation, Concordia to move fall courses online, McGill petitions for tuition reduction
Voice, Stories - Luca Caruso-Moro
Stories - Hadassah Alencar
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Emails reveal online opt-out talks started before consultation
Released emails reveal CSU General Coordinator Christopher Kalafatidis began talks with the university on online opt-outs before consulting fee levy groups.That goes against the referendum held last year to bring opt-outs online.Kalafatidis says he was acting in good faith, and that he was trying to familiarize the administration with the referendum question. For more on this story, click here.
Concordia expected to move fall courses online
CTV News reported Concordia students won’t be returning to campus any time soon.
Concordia is expected to continue online courses into September, and as of Wednesday evening has not made any announcements.
A Concordia University spokesperson told CJLO news details involving the online change are still being decided. An official announcement by the university will come soon.
Some hurdles the administration will face is making changes to courses that require hands-on learning such as biology labs or sculpture classes.
McGill petitions for tuition reduction
McGill announced they’re only offering online courses in September back in March.
A petition with 300 signatures is circulating demanding a partial refund in tuition for winter classes which were interrupted.
As of now, McGill is not offering compensation for the winter semester.
Released emails show leaders jumped the gun on online opt-out.
Disclosure: CJLO is a fee levy group, and has threatened legal action against the CSU for its handling of online opt-out infrustructure. Those responsible for legal threats against the CSU do not have editorial influence over CJLO's news department. Photo Credit: Concordia University
Concordia Student Union (CSU) General Coordinator Chris Kalafatidis began talks with the university on online opt-outs before consulting fee levy groups.
Emails between Kalafatidis and the administration were made public by Councillor Margot Berner on Monday after being obtained by a Freedom of Information request, she says.
Fee levies are groups like Peoples Potato and The Refugee Centre that students pay a small fee to per credit. That fee makes up all or part of their operating budget. Like all Concordia’s student media, CJLO is a fee levy group.
“I'm just very tired of these people treating binding legal codes as suggestions to be ignored.”
- Margot Berner, CSU Councillor
Students can decide not to pay those fees, or “opt-out” by attending opt-out fares held once per semester. In November 2019, the CSU asked the students to vote on whether they wanted to bring that process online. Students voted yes to the referendum question which said “the system will be created in consultation with all fee-levy organizations.”
In the emails, Kalafatidis requests the system should allow students to select which groups they would like to opt-out of through a “check box system” that would be implemented by September 2020. The check box system is not explicitly mentioned in the referendum question, neither is the date.
Those emails were sent in December, nearly a month before any fee levy groups would be formally consulted. “Online opt-out passed with the idea that fee levies would be consulted about the process, which would be decided on by the council,” says Berner. “That hasn't happened.”
“I just exclaimed the words: that’s not true.”
Chris Kalafatidis, CSU General Coordinator
Berner says Kalafatidis’s recommendations violate CSU bylaws, which gives governing authority to council, not to the executive team which Kalafatidis leads. “I'm just very tired of these people treating binding legal codes as suggestions to be ignored.”
Kalafatidis says his correspondence with the university has been misrepresented. “I just exclaimed the words: that’s not true.”
Kalafatidis says he recommended the check box system to allow students to opt out of fee levies “individually,” as outlined in the referendum question. He says he added the date because he felt that it was a fair timeline.
“I think it's what the students want.”
Kalafatidis says his early contact with the administration was to familiarize them with what the students had voted on. He says he intended to deliver a final set of recommendations after consultations with fee levies. Kalafatidis says there is likely a prototype of an online opt-out tool being developed by the university; however he is not involved in it.
On January 8th, a consultation committee was created with Kalafatidis, several councillors, and Isaiah Joyner. Joyner is the External & Mobilization Coordinator in Kalafatidis’s slate Cut the Crap. He has been elected as the incoming general coordinator under the newly formed We Got You ticket.
“I was disappointed,” says Joyner. “I was under the impression that this was going to be an open process.”
Joyner says he was not aware that Kalafatidis had been communicating with the administration regarding a vision for the platform. Kalafatidis says he had told the committee about his correspondences in their first meeting in January.
After the committee was created, consultations with fee levies were done primarily over email. Groups were asked to introduce themselves, their fears and hopes for an online opt-out system, and how they would like to see it implemented.
Joyner says he thinks a September deadline is too soon and has his doubts about the consultation process. “We don’t even know the impact it’s going to have on the CSU’s budget,” he says, “let alone the impact on everyone else.”
On May 11th, Kalafatidis published the consultation committee’s final report. The report includes responses from each fee levy group.
Luca Caruso-Moro is the news director for CJLO 1690AM. You can reach him at LucaCarusoMoro@CJLO.com
Causal Chain : Bringing bass music and magic to Montreal
Nela Paki, a young Montreal DJ and producer who goes by the name Laced, has recently launched Causal Chain, an online platform for original emerging talent of our city’s underground electronic music scene.
Causal Chain is also Paki’s first own label. On April 24, one month after the first social distancing measures were enforced in Montreal, they released their first album online titled CC001. CC001 is a compilation of six young local artists: Delian League, Sainte Nitouche, Laced, Crack Dance, Xozgk, and Quasistate. The album plays as an eclectic yet coherent, fresh and invigorating proposition. Something to help us endure these strange times of isolation, reinforcing a sense of community in the Montreal music scene, at a time when it seems we most need it.
Paki says that her initial decision to put together Causal Chain came from her desire to hear even more bass music and dubstep in Montreal. After gathering music for the first compilation, she realized that she wanted to showcase Montreal's already vibrant experimental music scene, and "give its artists a platform they can release on and have fun creating dance music." As a DJ and producer who is increasingly involved in the local underground, she says that in recent years, as she attended more parties and live sets, she felt like the music was getting repetitive and standardized. Causal Chain certainly acts as a remedy to that, indeed putting forward bass music, Paki’s main interest, but also many other original leftfield genres, styles or approaches.
“Coming from a techno-punk background, I was interested in bass music, but we’re also expanding to other genres which aren’t being put forward enough in the city,” says Paki. Therefore, all the artists featured in Paki’s CC001 are “making unique music and have their own styles. We blend many genres and basically make magic together.”
Among the artists featured in Causal Chain’s first album, is CJLO’s very own Holden Carroll— electronic music director at the station and up-and-coming DJ, under the name Quasistate. His track “Kyoto Protocol”, which closes the album, is his first official release.
“Holden can do everything,” said Paki. “His track on the album, less punk-like than most of his other music, mostly relates to IDM. It feels like light cloudy dance music, and it’s a great way to finish the album.”
Paki was excited to announce that alongside LCL Stream, or Bruno Lauzon Tanzi, Paki’s partner, Quasistate is also set to release his first EP, under the Causal Chain umbrella, most probably later this year.
If LCL Stream doesn’t appear in Causal Chain’s first album, he still worked on the album cover (seen above) using various techniques. Paki says that they imagined it with the ongoing health crisis in mind. She claims it represents, among other things, a dreamy tic-tac-toe game, a popular game, “arriving as a remedy to our boredom in this very strange situation.”
Hence CC001 is undoubtedly, as its cover suggests, anything but simple and boring. While Quasistate’s “Kyoto Protocol” closes the compilation in a much lighter way, the first two tracks, “Opal Trance” by Delian League, and “Traditional Comet Music” by Sainte Nitouche, respectively delve into techno and rhythmic noise, probably closer to Causal Chain’s and Paki’s techno-punk roots. Then, Laced (Paki herself) offers “Slither”, an interesting polyrhythmic track, a good transition for Crack Dance’s lighter yet enticing, “No one’s gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong”, followed by Xozgk’s mesmerizing, intense and noisy “ithjj”.
If the current situation makes things difficult for our nightlife opportunities and for our DJs’ livelihoods, luckily, initiatives like Causal Chain still allow us to get a glimpse at some of the most original music that’s being made here.
Paki even says that social distancing won’t stop her from creating and releasing more EPs under her label. She also says she will keep working with Saudade, her more established dark ambient dub project with musician Marilou Lyonnais-Archambault.
Olivier Du Ruisseau is the host of the Friday Franco Show.
*Editied on May 26 for more clarity
DJ SPOTLIGHT
I'm a 63 old very pissed off hippie (unicorn), who never once voted for the tax cutters and the heartless assholes that have spent the last 40 years destroying the social safety net. My show highlights corporate media lies, spin, bullshit, malfeasance, whoring, and other crimes against humanity. And I play great jazz in between segments. Listen to Your Media Sucks every Monday at 8AM.
Hi, its Mnjivr, I’m a photographer, industrial drafter, aircraft tech, music lover, record collector and DJ. As you can see, I wear many hats! I’ve been having fun at CJLO for a good 10 years. Now, I host AutoBeat every Sunday at 3PM.
On any given Sunday, you may catch me playing the latest House, grimey beats and left-field noise. A mixed bag of sounds, never one to stick to a style or genre but always pushing local artists because you know we’re in Montreal after all, there’s no shortage of talent in this city.
Financial aid deadline extended, Schools and daycares receive more funding, Workers split on returning to work, STM to hand out masks to staff
Stories: Luca Caruso Moro
Reporter: Shanellie Marie
Financial aid deadline extended
Ottawa has extended their wage subsidy program.
The original deadline was for June 6th, with the Prime Minister saying a new deadline will be revealed in the coming days.
Up to $847 of worker’s payroll have been paid for by the government under the program.
Canadian unemployment continued to climb through April
with a record loss of 2 million jobs.
That’s doubled from the already cavernous 1 million layoffs in March when non-essential businesses were forced to close across the country.
Schools and daycares receive more funding
With a steady increase in positive coronavirus test results, Quebec is delaying plans to reopen schools and retail businesses.
The province has pledged an additional $22 million for unsubsidized daycares, bringing the total to over $50 million.
The fund is being increased to accommodate families gradually reentering the workforce.
Schools and daycares are expected to reopen on May 25th.
Workers split on returning to work
The Opinion among workers on whether or not to return is divided, however.
A new poll from the Universite de Montreal found a nearly 50/50 split among workers on whether they’re ready to go back to work.
STM to hand out masks to staff
The STM is expanding its service to accommodate the province’s reopening.
The bus and train schedule is expected to resume to a full schedule, and cleaning will become more frequent.
They’re asking riders to wear masks, and have vowed to hand out PPE to staff.
Kaitlin's Quarantine Watch List
During these uncertain times, it is easy to get caught up in our everyday stress. It is understandably hard not to feel anxious about the future as a society, as well as personally. It can be uncomfortable not to follow our usual routine, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you are isolated alone or with loved ones, it is still possible to connect with others despite the physical disconnect. Luckily, movies allow us to dive into another world—a perfect distraction from our current life. It is safe to say that there is no better time than now for us to escape the chaos even if it’s just for a little while.
It is important to be mindful and grateful in difficult times. Netflix’s original film, Bird Box, has the potential to help. The characters attempt to survive in the face of supernatural forces that invade society. Although this apocalyptic story might trigger anxiety, it could provide the hope that this too shall pass. This is the kind of movie that will keep you on your toes and have you feeling a range of emotions. It will surely remind you that there will always be better days to come, which is the type of message that we could all use.
If that is too close for comfort, no worries. Comedy is always a good idea. There is no cure to anxiety like laughter. Movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Grown Ups guarantee adventure, heart-warming connections, and timeless humour that are sure to leave you feeling safe and appreciative. If you prefer a film that offers emotional connection, try romance. A movie like P.S. I Love You will likely inspire you to reach out to your loved ones to check in and tell them how you feel—the support we all need at this time. If you prefer a romantic comedy, try The Proposal. This movie will have you laugh, cry, and cringe in the best way possible.
If you’re gravitating towards a story that is unrelated to your life, opt for an action, a sci-fi, fantasy, or thriller film. The Bourne film series is a good idea for anyone interested in mystery. These movies will swiftly capture your attention and allow you to engage in a world that is separate from the stress we all currently face. If the quarantine has been a time for you to reconnect with yourself, start with old favourites such as the Harry Potter series. A Harry Potter movie marathon will have you believe in the good and positive, which is crucial throughout this pandemic.
It is times like this that we need connection to make it through unprecedented times. Whether you’re bored, feeling anxious, or you just want to enjoy yourself, movies are fun and therapeutic. There is no better time to learn how to unwind and connect with others even through the world of film. In the end, this too shall pass.
Kaitlin Gong is a dedicated volunteer at CJLO.
Quebec's first COVID-19 outbreak in a daycare, Quebec schools reopening, Quebec teenager youngest published author in a prestigious medical journal
Hadassah Alencar
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COVID-19 outbreak at Mascouche daycare
Quebec has recorded the first outbreak at a daycare centre.
The daycare in Mascouche was open for essential workers in need of emergency child care services.
Nearly half of the children and four of the employees have tested positive for the virus. (12 out of 27)
Currently, all staff and children are in quarantine, until the centres expected reopening on May 11.
Quebec school reopening
Meanwhile, elementary school teachers in Montreal are gearing up to re-enter classrooms on May 25, and they have spurred different reactions across the city.
Quebec Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault said anyone under 70 returning to work in the schools should not worry.
This contrasts an earlier briefing by Premier Legault who had previously said teachers and daycare workers over 60 would not have to return to their positions.
The English Montreal School Board was defiant against the re-opening, saying they will decide when it is safe to reopen their schools.
But the Quebec government said the English School board does not have the power to delay the May 25 re-opening.
Quebec teenager youngest published author in prestigious medical journal
In other news, a fifteen-year-old Montreal teenager has become the youngest published author in one of the world’s most prestigious medical journals.
Thomas F. Khairy and colleagues published a study on infection and pacemakers implants.
Khairy told LaPresse that he thinks his study will help encourage more Medical institutions to re-use life saving equipment.
(A recollection of) An interview with Johannes Persson of Cult of Luna
Photo Credit: christopher.endeavor
Technology sure is something isn't it? Revolutionizing our lives in ways we couldn't even dream possible a scant few years ago. Its praises can't be held in high enough esteem... that is, until it fails and we scream at the sky as to why we relied so heavily on it.
Such was the case for the second portion of a rainy March 2nd night. After a successful interview with Intronaut, I proceeded to do another with Johannes Persson, the front man of Cult of Luna, who used his obvious dark magic to make my recorder not work.
Truly, I should have guessed there was mysticism afoot. When I asked him my tried and true question, "what's a question you don't want to be asked?" he responded with "Look, this is a part of doing what I do. I understand that. I don't like doing interviews for 5 - 6 hours straight. I hate it. But, I do it because I know it needs to be done. But, this is not boring yet." He further added, “That's the problem with musical journalism; there's only so many questions you can ask. The only questions that I don't like are questions that aren't questions. They state an opinion for a very long time, 'what do you think about that?'" thus, necessitating me to change the format of many of my questions.
Since I am concerned with accuracy, perhaps I should mention that the recorder only picking up five minutes of a twenty minute interview could be the stupidity of the interviewer... buuuuttt is it not better to assume that it's the dark sorcery of Cult of Luna, who have been creating dark, atmospheric music that seems to have a new genre label depending on who's talking about it.
When asked what he thinks about the prevalence of the genres within metal, his answer is blunt: "I don't care." Specifically in relation to Cult of Luna's ever evolving and encompassing sound, he added, "You should have seen when we started with this band and people tried to pigeon hole us with things like 'industrial black doomish sludge core.'"
Since this is where my recorder finally succumb to swirling chaos around it, and since, apparently, I am more concerned with being accurate than some allegedly "professional" outlets, allow my to put a disclaimer in here:
*** NOTE: Any actual quoted section from this point forward should not be taken as actual verbatim quotes, more the general idea put across about a subject ***
As I continued to interrupt Johannes' eating of broccoli and Copper Branch, I asked him about his band's collaborations, mainly with Julie Christmas for the last album, Mariner. I also asked about an upcoming gig, set to happen at Roadburn in April with Pertrubator and if those effect future writing.
"I think subconsciously, all collaborations effect your music,” adding that he certainly loves working with others for what you learn from how others do thing. He then told me about one of the early bands he was in that sounded like a mix of "Helmet and Quicksand", which, as an aside, people of Sweden, if you can find any evidence of this, I'd love to hear it; send it my way. "The guitarist in that band, who was great, taught me so much about guitar playing and writing. If I had not been in that band, I don't think I'd be writing the type of things I'm writing in Cult of Luna today." He also then mused, "I used to practice guitar a lot in those days. I was better guitar player then, but I'm a much better song writer now."
And though I can't speak for any decline in guitar playing, in order to produce nine studio albums, three eps, three live records, three video albums, and an audiobook, songwriting is something the band is strong at. With so many types of media produced by the band I posed the question to Johannes if he thinks other bands don't take enough advantage of alternate forms of releases outside of the LP / EP format.
Again, bluntly he responded with, "I don't know. Each band has to do what they want."
Of course, with these endeavours, the creativity of the band is on full display, and after mainlining interviews, especially after one done for Bucketlist Music reviews by Chris the Frog from Sewer Spewer (Mondays from noon - 1PM), I heard Johannes mention about how, for a long time, he was creatively stuck with what he wanted as the video for the first two tracks of A Dawn to Fear, the band's latest output. This lead me to ask him if he had any tricks for getting past various creative blocks.
"I'm a big believer in writing," he told me. "An example I've used before is it's like pulling a rope. You need to keep pulling because you know there's something at the end, but if you don't write you've stopped pulling the rope." He also added, "I'm also a fan of watching or listening to something else to try to inspire me. Nothing is new right? So sometimes seeing something else will help to form a new idea."
He then addressed the video specifically speaking about how difficult it was for him to come up with an initial concept. "It was a bit easier since I knew it had to start at the first song and end at the second," said Johannes. "But you know what finally did it for me, is when I saw the medallions (featured in the video). Once I saw them, everything started to fall into place and then everything flowed super easily."
I circled back to the idea of creativity and if one could come up with a wholly original concept. "I don't think so. Even in music, it's pretty stagnant. Grunge was just the punk attitude mixed with rock, and that was probably the last time music hasn't been stagnant, that or maybe nu metal. No, maybe grunge." After a brief paused, he added, "It's funny because the bands we think of grunge didn't even have a definitive sound. I mean, Nirvana and Peral Jam and Soundgarden were the main forces and they were all radically different in how they sounded."
This, of course, lead us into a discussion about nu metal and to a similar point the night before on my show, Grade A Explosives (shameless plug). Even though they were all radically different, bands like Disturbed, Korn and Rage Against the Machine, they were somehow lumped into the nu metal wave and all written off or vilified for being near the genre. Upon hearing the mention of Rage Against the Machine, it illicit a response anyone should have, “If you don’t like Rage Against the Machine you’re not human,” which is an empirical fact.
This further lead down a rabbit hole onto where nu metal even began, with him positing that the soundtrack to the film Judgement Night (1993), one of the largest combos of metal and hip hop could be start of the entire sub-genre.
Having started down memory lane, I asked him what he remembers as the first point that started him listening to louder music. "I remember being in my house and hearing some kid outside singing 'We're Not Gonna Take It' in garbled English. A couple months later, I finally saw the music video and I instantly fell in love with the spectacle of it. Then I got into bands like KISS and other heavy bands."
"You know my father wouldn't let me buy Metallica's 'Kill em All'," he said, "... because the cover was too violent. He let me buy the Black Album though."
I finished my interview by asking him what's the worst or most under-appreciated instrument. Upon hearing the first part, the worst, he answered with, "The saxophone," before I finished the question. He took longer to answer the under-appreciated aspect of the question. "What's the ones with the keys?”he asked. ”Keytar?" I responded . "No, but that's definitely the answer I'm going with now," he said ,laughing.
Finally, asked for a station ID, to which he said, "I don't do those." I was surprised since to date he's the only person who's ever refused. "When you're young, the label tells you to do something, you do it. When you get older you realize, 'I don't have to do that anymore.'" He added, "It just feels like I'm selling something, you know?"
But I have no such qualms, which is why I can safely say that if Cult of Luna is coming anywhere near you, go check them out. And why not go buy A Dawn to Fear on Metal Blade records. Also, big thanks to Looters PR and Cult of Luna's tour manager Chris for helping to set this up.
Andrew Wieler, aka Andrew Wixq, is CJLOs Metal Music Director and hosts Grade A Explosives every Sunday at 4pm.
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