Modern Rock Conversations

What was Short? w/Pep Squad

In this What was Short? we learn how Alice Cooper played a part in Kat Leon's musical journey.

Spiral Drive

This band is the closest I’ll come to feeling like I’m smoking a blunt on Mars.

What was Short? w/LOSER

In this What was Short? Craig addresses his coping mechanisms for OCD and discusses the negative effect social media can have on us and our passions.

The Matchstick Skeletons

Neu will sarcastically tell you he’s just doing the best he can, and that’s what makes him so brilliant.

What was Short? w/Bexley

Jane N' The Jungle

I spoke with Jordan, Brian, and Mrs White last February in the early days of WWTR.

What was Short? w/BRKN LOVE

Justin and I discuss "Flies in The Honey".

Electric Enemy

I first heard Where Do We Go From Here? and was hooked. Electric Enemy are a seriously exciting rock band from London, England. Here's my conversation with Jim and Orlando. Electric Enemy What was That?

The Lazy Eyes

The key to the brilliance of The Lazy Eyes is they’re not trying to impress you. They’re not trying to impress themselves. They’re just doing what they love with literally no strings attached, and it’s really special. They’ve written the soundtrack to my end of day 420 steps. They transport me to a world of grounded jubilation and fascination. This is a fuzzy psychedelic adventure, and the magic of their self recorded and self-produced work lies in that simplicity. Tune-up, find that n...

Sophia Fitch

"In 2017 Sophia Fitch left her New York band and drove across the country while six months pregnant. She returned to her home town of Berkeley, CA, to have her baby and start making music independently." Skip forward to the start of 2021 and my partner Jody discovers her music, and then features her in What was Jyoti? (Wednesday evenings at 9 PM PT). After noticing Jody's social posts, Sophia reached out to say thanks. That organic connection led to this very conversation. Sophia Fitc...

A Conversation With Raavi

It was such a thrill to kick back and converse with Raavi Sita (vox) and James Duncan (bass) of Raavi. Admittedly this was in February of 2021, and I have no excuse for why it's taken so long to release it to the world, ha. What was That? Raavi & the Houseplants Linktree ★ Support this podcast ★

Raavi

It was such a thrill to kick back and converse with Raavi Sita (vox) and James Duncan (bass) of Raavi. Admittedly this was in February of 2021, and I have no excuse for why it's taken so long to release it to the world, ha. What was That? Raavi & the Houseplants Linktree ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With BRKN LOVE

Justin Benlolo knew from a very young age what he wanted to do, and with the incredible backing of his family and friends, he has thrown himself full force into as many growth opportunities as possible in the last decade. With that, he has learned at a very young age how fickle and intriguing the music industry can be.  The self-entitled debut album didn’t get a former label’s seal of approval, but I’m so thankful all involved enabled its release because it’s an astonishing record....

BRKN LOVE

Justin Benlolo knew from a very young age what he wanted to do, and with the incredible backing of his family and friends, he has thrown himself full force into as many growth opportunities as possible in the last decade. With that, he has learned at a very young age how fickle and intriguing the music industry can be.  The self-entitled debut album didn’t get a former label’s seal of approval, but I’m so thankful all involved enabled its release because it’s an astonishing record. The...

A Conversation With Bexley

This band seemingly has an innate ability to produce thunderous walls of sound that deeply impact me, because coupled with the openness and self-reflecting lyrics and its delivery from Amanda, they create extremely powerful art. Their self-titled record is as delicate as it is destructive. Here's A Conversation With Amanda and Steve of Bexley. What was That? Bexley ★ Support this podcast ★

Bexley

This band seemingly has an innate ability to produce thunderous walls of sound that deeply impact me, because coupled with the openness and self-reflecting lyrics and its delivery from Amanda, they create extremely powerful art. Their self-titled record is as delicate as it is destructive. Here's A Conversation With Amanda and Steve of Bexley. What was That? Bexley ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Softcult

Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn signed to a major label deal when 16, but a decade later are now free to create on their own terms and the results are a collection of unapologetic and politically aware songs that I cannot stop listening to. They have no fear in shining a light on disturbing contemporary themes, like in BWBB where they address gender violence, and the double standard and hypocrisy of the “bro code”.  Their second EP Year Of The Rat is released in February 2022, and wh...

Softcult

Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn signed to a major label deal when 16, but a decade later are now free to create on their own terms and the results are a collection of unapologetic and politically aware songs that I cannot stop listening to. They have no fear in shining a light on disturbing contemporary themes, like in BWBB where they address gender violence, and the double standard and hypocrisy of the “bro code”.  Their second EP Year Of The Rat is released in February 2022, and while ...

A Conversation With The Tazers

The Tazers are a psychedelic rock band from South Africa. My first introduction was care of the good old YouTube algo three years ago, and the utterly brilliant Love Machine. It was such a wonderful chat that covered so much ground from quirky recording and mixing techniques to the impact of streaming services, and how the rock scene is a true passion affair in Johannesburg. The Tazers Bandcamp The Tazers Spotify What was That Radio ★ Support this podcast ★

The Tazers

The Tazers are a psychedelic rock band from South Africa. My first introduction was care of the good old YouTube algo three years ago, and the utterly brilliant Love Machine. It was such a wonderful chat that covered so much ground from quirky recording and mixing techniques to the impact of streaming services, and how the rock scene is a true passion affair in Johannesburg. The Tazers Bandcamp The Tazers Spotify What was That Radio ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Sophisticated Dingo

These two best mates thrash, sweat, and have as much fun as possible and that energy hits me hard. I adore the quirky storytelling and relentless momentum they create. One of my favourite lines Lewis has penned is, “It’s like buying steak knives when you haven’t cooked a day in your life”. Here's A Conversation With Lewis of Sophisticated Dingo. Sophisticated Dingo What was That ★ Support this podcast ★

Sophisticated Dingo

These two best mates thrash, sweat, and have as much fun as possible and that energy hits me hard. I adore the quirky storytelling and relentless momentum they create. One of my favourite lines Lewis has penned is, “It’s like buying steak knives when you haven’t cooked a day in your life”. Here's A Conversation With Lewis of Sophisticated Dingo. Sophisticated Dingo What was That ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Pep Squad

Near two years ago I stumbled across Pep Squad and was instantly hooked. There was refreshing energy to their music, and not in the sense of what they're making, as to that they're making it in the first place. These are three experienced performers and creators with a clear edge to this collective sound. I was fascinated and excited to pick their brains. Here's A Conversation With Pep Squad. Pep Squad What was That  ★ Support this podcast ★

Pep Squad

Near two years ago I stumbled across Pep Squad and was instantly hooked. There was refreshing energy to their music, and not in the sense of what they're making, as to that they're making it in the first place. These are three experienced performers and creators with a clear edge to this collective sound. I was fascinated and excited to pick their brains. Here's A Conversation With Pep Squad. Pep Squad What was That  ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With LOSER

"Stadium dreams on a bedroom budget." LOSER is a rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Their second record, "All The Rage", was one of my favourites of 2021, and it was such a thrill to speak with lead singer Tim and bass player Craig. I adore open and authentic conversation. We could have spoken all day, ha. Thanks for being here. LOSER Listen to All The Rage What was That?  ★ Support this podcast ★

LOSER

"Stadium dreams on a bedroom budget." LOSER is a rock band from Melbourne, Australia. Their second record, "All The Rage", was one of my favourites of 2021, and it was such a thrill to speak with lead singer Tim and bass player Craig. I adore open and authentic conversation. We could have spoken all day, ha. Thanks for being here. LOSER Listen to All The Rage What was That?  ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Zach Gray of The Zolas

Another from the Live From My Bachelor Pad Vault, and thus originally live-streamed in April of 2020, here's my conversation with the lead singer of Vancouver-based rock band, The Zolas. We cover his love of Britpop and its inspiration on their latest record, "Come To Life". His love of Ultimate (Frisbee), Chorus/Flange effects, two cats, and the tall guy at the back of the show (himself). The Zolas Linktree The Zolas Website What was That? ★ Support this podcast ★

Zach Gray of The Zolas

Another from the Live From My Bachelor Pad Vault, and thus originally live-streamed in April of 2020, here's my conversation with the lead singer of Vancouver-based rock band, The Zolas. We cover his love of Britpop and its inspiration on their latest record, "Come To Life". His love of Ultimate (Frisbee), Chorus/Flange effects, two cats, and the tall guy at the back of the show (himself). The Zolas Linktree The Zolas Website What was That? ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Alan Cross

I first heard Alan Cross when backpacking in Canada over twelve years ago. I moved here chasing the dream of rock radio and up until mid-2020, I worked at The Zone @ 91-3 in Victoria. During my ten years there Alan and I crossed paths a couple of times, and he became an ally in my lust to grow as a broadcaster. Now I'm independent, I had to pick his brain over his practice and successful career. Alan Cross has been in Canadian broadcasting for 40 years this year. "In October 1980...

Alan Cross

I first heard Alan Cross when backpacking in Canada over twelve years ago. I moved here chasing the dream of rock radio and up until mid-2020, I worked at The Zone @ 91-3 in Victoria. During my ten years there Alan and I crossed paths a couple of times, and he became an ally in my lust to grow as a broadcaster. Now I'm independent, I had to pick his brain over his practice and successful career. Alan Cross has been in Canadian broadcasting for 40 years this year. "In October 1980, I g...

A Conversation With Calva Louise

Calva Louise is one of the most exciting modern alternative bands on the planet. I have played the shit out of them since launching WWTR a little over a year ago, ha. Here's their bio. "Their eclectic sound is a molotov cocktail, encompassing ambitious songwriting and searing guitar hooks. Jess, Alizon, and Ben crossed paths in London during 2016, forming the band and quickly supporting the likes of Highly Suspect, Albert Hammond Jr., and Razorlight on tour. Since the band started...

Calva Louise

Calva Louise is one of the most exciting modern alternative bands on the planet. I have played the shit out of them since launching WWTR a little over a year ago, ha. Here's their bio. "Their eclectic sound is a molotov cocktail, encompassing ambitious songwriting and searing guitar hooks. Jess, Alizon, and Ben crossed paths in London during 2016, forming the band and quickly supporting the likes of Highly Suspect, Albert Hammond Jr., and Razorlight on tour. Since the band started, Ca...

A Conversation With Kid Kapichi

I. LOVE. THIS. BAND. Kid Kapichi is one of the most exciting rock bands on the planet. Their fearless authenticity and raucous energy are palpable. Their debut album, "This Time Next Year", is clinical and quite frankly a must listen. Here's a Conversation With Ben and George of Kid Kapichi. Kid Kapichi What was That ★ Support this podcast ★

Kid Kapichi

I. LOVE. THIS. BAND. Kid Kapichi is one of the most exciting rock bands on the planet. Their fearless authenticity and raucous energy are palpable. Their debut album, "This Time Next Year", is clinical and quite frankly a must listen. Here's a Conversation With Ben and George of Kid Kapichi. Kid Kapichi What was That ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Menno Versteeg of Royal Mountain Records & Mav Karlo

Menno and I have slowly gotten to know each other through a series of fleeting connections across the last ten years.   He was in a rock n roll band, I was on the radio. Lots of fun was had. This is another conversation from the vault and the "Live From My Bachelor Pad" days early pandemic. It's also one of my favourite conversations because it's the meeting of years worth of growth leading to the most open and genuine conversation we've had yet. Menno Instagram Menno Twitter Mav ...

Menno Versteeg of Royal Mountain Records & Mav Karlo

Menno and I have slowly gotten to know each other through a series of fleeting connections across the last ten years.   He was in a rock n roll band, I was on the radio. Lots of fun was had. This is another conversation from the vault and the "Live From My Bachelor Pad" days early pandemic. It's also one of my favourite conversations because it's the meeting of years worth of growth leading to the most open and genuine conversation we've had yet. Menno Instagram Menno Twitter Mav ...

A Conversation With Jason Verners

Another one from the vault and the "Live From My Bachelor Pad" days early pandemic. I've known Jason Verners for ten years, and I've watched him grow so much. So let's chat about the journey and try and learn some tricks along the way. His bio reads. Jason Verners has been called “The Magician For The Millennial”. Born in the West Coast of Canada, Jason spent his childhood years mastering the art of sleight-of-hand and now at just 22 years old, he has spent the past decade perform...

Jason Verners

Another one from the vault and the "Live From My Bachelor Pad" days early pandemic. I've known Jason Verners for ten years, and I've watched him grow so much. So let's chat about the journey and try and learn some tricks along the way. His bio reads. Jason Verners has been called “The Magician For The Millennial”. Born in the West Coast of Canada, Jason spent his childhood years mastering the art of sleight-of-hand and now at just 22 years old, he has spent the past decade performing ...

A Conversation With Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

One of my all-time favourite bands is Billy Talent. From the driving riffs to the powerful lyricism, they captured my heart half a lifetime ago and I've never looked back. That's why it was such a thrill to speak with lead singer Ben ahead of their headlining appearance at Rock The Shores on Vancouver Island in 2014. We discuss his early days in radio, the time when he wanted to drum, and his advice for those starting out in the music industry. What was That Radio Billy Talent B...

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

One of my all-time favourite bands is Billy Talent. From the driving riffs to the powerful lyricism, they captured my heart half a lifetime ago and I've never looked back. That's why it was such a thrill to speak with lead singer Ben ahead of their headlining appearance at Rock The Shores on Vancouver Island in 2014. We discuss his early days in radio, the time when he wanted to drum, and his advice for those starting out in the music industry. What was That Radio Billy Talent Ben K...

A Conversation With Eric Owen of Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire is a rock duo that split their time between Canada and the U.S. They're also one of the most electric live bands I've ever seen. This conversation is from December 2018 ahead of Black Pistol Fire's sold-out show at The Capital Ballroom in Victoria, BC. Eric Owen and I talk drummer hacks, independent growth, and his bandmate Kevin's close calls over the years. What was That Radio Black Pistol Fire ★ Support this podcast ★

Eric Owen of Black Pistol Fire

Black Pistol Fire is a rock duo that split their time between Canada and the U.S. They're also one of the most electric live bands I've ever seen. This conversation is from December 2018 ahead of Black Pistol Fire's sold-out show at The Capital Ballroom in Victoria, BC. Eric Owen and I talk drummer hacks, independent growth, and his bandmate Kevin's close calls over the years. What was That Radio Black Pistol Fire ★ Support this podcast ★

A Conversation With Rebecca Sky

After graduating high school, Rebecca Sky set out on a five-year, 24 Country exploration to find herself. She slept in a hammock in the Amazon Jungle, skinny-dipped off the West African Coast, climbed the chocolate hills in the Philippines, and fell in love in Cuba (then again in Brazil, and a final time to a musician from Canada). During her time in Africa, Rebecca was bit by a spider and developed an autoimmune disease that forced her to return home to Vancouver Island, captivated...

Rebecca Sky

After graduating high school, Rebecca Sky set out on a five-year, 24 Country exploration to find herself. She slept in a hammock in the Amazon Jungle, skinny-dipped off the West African Coast, climbed the chocolate hills in the Philippines, and fell in love in Cuba (then again in Brazil, and a final time to a musician from Canada). During her time in Africa, Rebecca was bit by a spider and developed an autoimmune disease that forced her to return home to Vancouver Island, captivated by ...

A Conversation With Jasmin Parkin of Mother Mother

Jasmin Parkin is a multi-instrumentalist and part of the Canadian rock band Mother Mother. She’s also a Yogi and co-owner of North Yoga in Squamish. This was another wonderful conversation from my early pandemic "Live From My Bachelor Pad" live stream series. Jasmin and I chat about her new massage course, yoga/grounding techniques, and we even freestyle, with help from my looper, over the phone. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to list...

Jasmin Parkin of Mother Mother

Jasmin Parkin is a multi-instrumentalist and part of the Canadian rock band Mother Mother. She’s also a Yogi and co-owner of North Yoga in Squamish. This was another wonderful conversation from my early pandemic "Live From My Bachelor Pad" live stream series. Jasmin and I chat about her new massage course, yoga/grounding techniques, and we even freestyle, with help from my looper, over the phone. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to listen to...

A Conversation With Human Kebab

At the start of the pandemic, I started a cheeky live stream series called "Live From My Bachelor Pad". One of the first episodes happened to be on my birthday and I HAD to speak with Jason Parsons AKA Human Kebab. We freestyle rap, we deep dive into our friendship and the incredible memories USS has brought us over the years. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to listen to all 24/7, but with subscription support options. WWT?: whatwastha...

A Conversation With Human Kebab of USS

At the start of the pandemic, I started a cheeky live stream series called "Live From My Bachelor Pad". One of the first episodes happened to be on my birthday and I HAD to speak with Jason Parsons AKA Human Kebab. We freestyle rap, we deep dive into our friendship and the incredible memories USS has brought us over the years. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to listen to all 24/7, but with subscription support options. What was That H...

Human Kebab of USS

At the start of the pandemic, I started a cheeky live stream series called "Live From My Bachelor Pad". One of the first episodes happened to be on my birthday and I HAD to speak with Jason Parsons AKA Human Kebab. We freestyle rap, we deep dive into our friendship and the incredible memories USS has brought us over the years. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to listen to all 24/7, but with subscription support options. What was That Human...

A Conversation With SLEEPSHAKE

Sleepshake (formerly known as Shed Monkeys are one of the most exciting modern rock bands on Vancouver Island. We caught up last October to discuss the origins of the band forming after connecting on a dating app. Nate securing a legendary piece of Jimi Hendrix gear. And dissect all of their creations on the new ep. What was That? is a radio station, arts academy, community, and podcast. Free to listen to all 24/7, but with subscription support options. What was That Sleepshake ...