Interviews: Toronto Blessings

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the Noise Rock band Toronto Blessings, from UK. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

I was sat in the dentists waiting room waiting for my girlfriend to have a check up. i was reading an article about Sleaford Mods in which it described the singer, Jason, as "Looking like he was receiving the Toronto blessing". I thought to myself, "That's a cool name for a band!" I texted the other two and they were both well up for it. Naming a new band can be the hardest process but this time it came pretty easily. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre? 

We kind of slotted into it naturally. We didn’t set out to make Toronto Blessings a ThisCore or ThatCore kind of band we just started writing songs and it happened that they came out quite noisy and catchy. Our previous band Cavorts was a straight up Metal/Punk/Rock machine and I think subconsciously we were ready for a bit of a change. More melody and less ferocity. Not that we’re not occasionally ferocious but we reign it in a little more rather than being 200mph all the time.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. We played in GU Medicine together and latterly Cavorts. I used to get smashed with Rik almost every weekend when we were young dudes. We still get smashed just not every weekend.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Dale: I don’t have a favourite band. Who I like changes with my mood and how I’m feeling. You could choose from a collection of; Pink Floyd, Ghost, Thin Lizzy, Idlewild, Cave In, Qotsa, Guns N Roses, The Bronx, Snoop Dogg, Doomriders or Led Zep. I like a lot of older stuff. Because I’m old.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Picking up my guitar and searching out something that sounds cool. It’s like a living puzzle, but with no real solution. Trying to write that perfect riff or perfect chord progression is like trying to pluck gold out of the ether. Like trying to do a Sudoku with no pen and no numbers. I also write when I’m really fucking angry too. I’m not sure what this says about me or my writing style but I’m never as productive or creative when I’m happy. I need a bit of anger or something to spark off the tasty ideas.

6. Where was your last gig?

At a charity all dayer in Barnsley. In aid of We Shall Overcome which is an initiative to support local foodbanks.

7. Where would you like to perform? 

Rik: Ideally a nice tour of Europe, US or Canada would be lovely. Also it would be great to play at the large festivals. But to be honest we'd do our thing pretty much anywhere. It's just good to get out there and meet new bands and people. 

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Rik: Bands we love right now are Metz, Meat Wave, Idles. Any gigs with those bands would be cool. But also we love electro weirdness too so Fever Ray would be a good one or even with slightly more pop sounding bands like Chvrches or Tove Lo. We just just like making a noise

9. Whom not?

Rik: There's no bands that really stand out to say we wouldn't play with. Each to there own, everyone doing music is pretty much doing it for the love of it. So stick us on with anyone you like and we'd hold our own. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I think we’ve all been pretty much alright. Before a big show the nervous energy always comes out, we’ll be bouncing off the walls a bit but in a good way. For a beginner I’d say it’s OK to be nervous but don’t let negativity get the better of you. Being nervous is your body’s way of telling you you’re ready for action. You just need to use it in the right way. Channel that into your performance and your playing and you’ll be an unstoppable force of nature.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Queens Of The Stone Age are always an inspiration. There’s a sense of perpetual movement with QOTSA. Josh Homme never really treads the same path and there’s always a new element to their music with every new album. I’d like to think we strive for that constant evolution: Bringing new ideas to the table.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I can’t think of anything as yet, we’re still just starting out so hopefully if anyone is reading this and wants to make some weird requests then please fire away. Weirdest wins a tshirt and a signed CD of our new single Give Nothing.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Anyone who is into what we do is amazing! We’re only just starting out like I said before so it means everything to us when people like what we do.

14. What do you think of our site?

Very comprehensive. All the Cores and many mores.

15. Something to add?

Be kind to each other. Consider other peoples feelings. Patronise the arts. Smash the right wing.