QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – der gig-blog-Fragenkatalog 190 mit The OBGMs
Beim Programm des Jugendhaus West schauen wir immer ganz genau hin. Häufig gibt es dort überraschende Bookings und praktisch immer äußerst intensive Gigs. Bei der kanadischen Punk-Band The OBGMs dürfte das auch wieder der Fall sein. Die spielen dort am 28. Mai und wir erwarten einen ihrer furiosen Live-Auftritte mit ihrem ganz besonderen Mix aus Punk, Rock und Hip-Hop. Im Vorprogramm gibt es die Karlsruher Garagenpunks Zero Zeroes. Und da wir die OBGMs mal näher kennenlernen wollten, haben wir ihnen kurzerhand unseren Fragebogen geschickt. Frontmann Densil McFarlane hat ihn in Rekordzeit ausgefüllt. Hier erfahrt ihr alles über die Band aus Toronto.
No band without a founding myth. What is yours?
We are hip-hop heads who started a band without listening to rock at all.
What was the most wonderful gig you ever played?
Our headliner at Lee’s Palace a month ago. It was the wildest show we have ever played.
Where would you absolutely love to play?
Coachella or Rock In Rio. I envision playing it as a top liner.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t listened to it yet?
We make anthems for crashing out and putting the pieces back together again.
Describe the perfect stage outfit.
One white glove, covered in rhinestones.
The perfect gig in three words.
The OBGMs performed.
Your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Most embarrassing moments usually go unnoticeable to most people. I am typically embarrassed when we don’t play at the right tempo or we don’t hit a beat at the right time. Most recently, my string broke on song one of a set, and that slowed us down a bit. It turns the show into a comedy routine as we restring.
What was your worst studio experience?
There is always a healthy tension in the studio. I think during the making of our song “Pill” we had a big argument over the chord choices. In the making of our new record, we spent a lot of time discussing where I wanted a pause versus where everyone else did. All of these experiences are rough in the moment, but we all know we are each trying to make the most iconic music, and that drives us to really focus on these things. No hard feelings. Just looking to achieve greatness.
Which things must always be in your tour bag?
Lotion, my pedals, cables, camera, camera stands, hard drives, laptop. I feel like a walking electronics store.
What do you look forward to at the beginning of a tour? And what at the end?
At the beginning I am mostly concerned with the plane landing safely and making it to the venue in one piece. At the end, I think about just getting to the finish. I want all of the guys to be healthy, happy, and to return home to our families in one piece.
Which song never fails to make you sing, hum or whistle along?
“I Only Have Eyes for You” – The Flamingos
And what song gets you on the dance floor right away?
“Show Me Love” – Robin S
Which song of the Beatles deserves a cover by you?
Eleanor Rigby
The greatest musical genius (dead or alive)?
There can’t be one. Prince. Michael Jackson. Each did different things but really pushed the ceiling of where music could go.
Which new Toronto bands should our readers know? (Beside yours)
Cam Kahin, The Effens. These guys are true giants and make brilliant music.
With which detail on the hospitality rider do you nag the promoters?
None. We are very chill on hospitality. We find it a great honour to be at the venue and to build community with everyone involved. If I need something, it’s likely ginger shots, fresh ginger, fruit, and/or a tea kettle. But if it’s not available, I go find it in the city.
What question do you miss on every band questionnaire? And what is the answer?
Music at this level is not glamorous. What are we doing this for?
Something needs to get out of my body. This is the only thing I have ever done that I love. This music not only helps us — it helps other people. We want to spread that love around the world. We also want to aggressively confront and destroy hate.