That's the Spirit

The Singing Lamb: I’ve heard/read you describe “Staying Places” as a travel album. Why did you decide to give it such a stationary title when the content is so influenced by traveling?

Ben Wilson: Staying Places is a theme album based on traveling, but I guess at the heart of it is always wanting to be somewhere else other than where you are, e.g. staying places. But it’s kind of a cheeky thing too. It’s the opposite of Herb Alpert‘s Going Places. Which I admit to owning.

Would you say you’ve got a case of wanderlust? If so, how does this influence your music?

Totally. I always have. And it’s funny you should say that because one of the writers that influenced some of the ideas behind the record is Rebecca Solnit, who wrote a book of essays called Wanderlust, a history of walking which I’ve read like three times. I’m obsessed with some of the ideas about why we travel, how totally important it is in life, how us always wanting to be elsewhere is an interesting modern predicament, but it’s also a kind of timeless theme… I think everyone can relate to it somehow. So I decided to make it the theme of the record… It’s part of who I am, really.

I feel like Ottawa’s music scene is kind of  isolated or self-contained given its awkward location in relation to Montreal and Toronto. I’m continually surprised to see that bands (not even ‘big’ bands) completely skip over Ottawa when they go on tour. Is there anything to the sentiment that Ottawa is somewhat cut off from other independent music scenes? If so, are there other reasons (aside from the inconvenient location) that make it a city which bands aren’t drawn to play in?

Yeah. It’s funny, there’s only one road you can really take between every city in the country.  And yet we’re not on the map for a lot of bands because there’s just not the critical mass… It’s really a small town capital city.  But that does work in our favour when you consider there’s a lot less competition for crowds on any given night, and it does add to the sense of community.

Describe the music scene in Ottawa.

Really inclusive, and friendly and supportive.  But we could use a few more Jon Bartletts, Matthew Pollesols and Shawn Scallens… Dedicated folks who are really bringing bands together and contributing to the scene here.

How and when did you get involved with music in Ottawa?

My first band was called Paperjack (Kelp Records) and our first gig was in ’95 I think at a ‘Band Warz’ competition in Hull (Quebec). Smoke machines, kick drum sounding like Triumph and my first ever beer tickets… I was sold. Since then I wanted to make it my life!  I started helping out doing sound or lights at Zaphod’s (Ottawa venue) every once in a while, volunteering at recording studios, playing often in a bunch of different bands, and showing up every night at local band gigs because I loved the experience and the community here so much. Lately I haven’t been out as much, but if I had the time I’d still be doing the same thing… It was good times.

What resources are available to people wanting to get involved with Ottawa’s independent music scene? Are there any  venues or events that are particularly welcoming to new musicians or that allow musicians to get in contact with each other?

Despite their dirtiness, stillepost.ca and MySpace are still really good ways to get to know folks in the local music community.  Hanging out at local shows is always a good time too.  Inevitably you meet the people who have or book the shows, record the bands or run the jam spaces, etc.

I was reading your interview on Burgeoning Metropolis, and I really liked what you said about bands needing to keep their live shows fresh: “For me it’s not as exciting to see folks that have been trying to perfect the same set, or worse, the same banter, for years.” I realize there’s no real formula for a great live show, but I certainly feel like there are certain things that bands/artists can try to incorporate or get rid of in order to get the most out of their live shows.

That being said, what are some things that you feel musicians can bring to their live shows to make them that much better?

I want to say don’t take it too seriously… so I will. Don’t take it too seriously! I still haven’t mastered that one. It’s hard to remember that people hopefully want to hear your music but are also there to have a good time with friends, so I find the best thing you can possibly do is not get upset at technical difficulties or lack of a crowd or too much talking etc. Just enjoy it. The banter or audience participation should just come naturally and unrehearsed I would say.

What are some examples of things you’ve seen musicians do during live shows that completely heightened the experience for you?

Anything spontaneous. You can get away with special effects and crap if you’re a huge deal, or if you’re a gimmick band, not so much if you’re an indie (act). Lindy sang a song about poop. It just came out of nowhere, and the crowd went crazy. It was awesome. Jake Lovetart (featuring members of Hilotrons, Tokyo Sex Whale, etc) used to bring folks up on stage and give them all beer from a cooler filled with Old Milwaukee. Ukrania speak in Ukranian and their drummer translates simultaneously into English, but it’s all fake, made up on the spot, and it’s hilarious. Sincerity, of just getting into the music, if you’re a more serious act. People can tell when you’re phoning it in. When Wilco played the Cave Bar (Ottawa venue) many yrs ago on Bank St., Jeff Tweedy broke into tears during “Misunderstood.” Not that that’s something people should ever try to replicate.  But you see where I’m going…

Can you think of anything that bands/artists do that you feel should be avoided? Maybe things that are overly gimmicky or that feel a little fake?

“You guys having a good time?? I said, YOU GUYS HAVING A GOOD TIME??? I CAN’T HEEEEARRR YOUUUUU!”  Don’t ever do this.

Your song “Head for the Hills” was recently featured on an episode of Degrassi, the Next Generation. Did you watch the episode when it aired? How was the song used?

Yes, I interrupted my family’s Thanksgiving dinner! The whole (Degrassi) gang was hanging out in a bar after last call and listening to music (mine).  Was hoping for a slow motion explosion or a makeout scene, but that was pretty rad.

What was it like hearing your song on such a widely viewed show? Is this the most commercial use of your music so far?

Very cool, (Degrassi) airs in over 130 countries and literally millions (of people) are totally addicted to the show, so it felt great to be a part of. Yep, but one of my other bands wrote the theme song for The Jon Dore Television Show on the Comedy Network … Not as many viewers but still pretty nice.

What’s the response to the use of “Head for the Hills” been like so far, both from former fans and from people who hadn’t heard of your music until the show?

Hard to say right now… No one’s saying whether that’s how they heard me. They might not ever, but it’s cool to say I was on Degrassi.

You’re juggling a full-time job and your music at the moment. Is it frustrating to not be able to devote more of your time to music?

Yup. Insanely, endlessly frustrating that I’m not making music for a living. But I wouldn’t want my family to starve because my album doesn’t sell… And I’m really grateful to have a job I love and still be able to play and record music as often as I am, so I’m happy.

Did you do anything spectacular for Halloween?

Decorated my place like crazy and handed out (ate) lots of treats, but nothing spectacular.

Lastly, if you were a singing animal, what would you be?

A sea cucumber, singing and humming songs and sets for “Orchestra” by Charles Ives, vomiting my intestines when threatened… ?

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