Whale Tooth

The Singing Lamb: Introduce each member and any other bands or solo projects each may be in!

Alex Denike, Guitar + Vocals
Elise LeGrow, Vocals – also sings jazz + motown, see this
Norm Maschke, Guitar + Vocals
Michael McCreary, Bass
Sep Noroozi, Drums

Let’s get a little history about the band; where and when did you all meet? How did the group come to be?

Norm was the main factor in getting us all together. He met Alex on Craigslist, Elise at a Halloween party, and already knew Sep from when they were in former bands. Mike and Alex have played together for years, and when Alex joined the band, thankfully Mike wasn’t far behind!

How does the group go about writing a song? Who’s the main lyricist? How collaborative is the process?

Our writing process is very collaborative. People’s ideas, however rough, get brought to the practice room, and we piece songs together as a band. So far, writing lyrics has been the responsibility of the singers – Elise, Norm and Alex.

You guys are based in Toronto – what is it about the Toronto music scene that’s so supportive and successful, you think? Have you ever considered re-locating anywhere? If the band could be in any other city on Earth, where would you want to be?

It’s a competitive environment, but most bands/acts are pretty good about supporting each other.  That’s really what makes it successful.  Everyone is out there striving for similar goals, but we’re still able to cheer each other on.  We’ve never considered re-locating, but if we had to, it would be cool to go to somewhere outside of North America that still has a vibrant arts community.  Somewhere like Edinburgh, or maybe Melbourne.  I hear it’s like the Montreal of Australia.

You’re headlining this Sunday’s Wavelength – what are your fondest memories of the Wavelength music series? Are you going to miss it when the weekly series is gone?

Hank and Lilly back in 2008. That show rocked.  It will definitely be missed.  It gave people a chance to see bands that they might not seek out on their own.

And finally, if Whale Tooth was a singing animal, what would you guys be?

Michigan J. Frog.

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Video: “Hibernation Song”

For more Whale Tooth,
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/whaletooth

Don’t forget to catch Whale Tooth, along with The Elwins and Tyson and the Trepids this Sunday at the Garrison for Wavelength 496! (PWYC – suggested $5-10)