So here we are: a 50s diner, one Youthink interviewer, two members of Stabilo, and a plate of peanuts. The nuts are sauced ever so slightly, there are antiques on the walls, and Jesse Dryfhout and Christopher John are just sitting down in the booth across from me, sporting, respectively, a well-worn jean jacket and sunglasses with only one lens.
But don’t let Chris’ apparent lack of depth perception fool you – as one of the two lead singers that hoisted Stabilo to the top of the charts back in 2003 with their smash hit “Everybody,” he and Jesse have been crafting smooth pop songs with bandmates Nathan (drums) and Karl (bass) since a time way back in high school. “I started as a drummer and then started playing guitar,” says Chris of Stabilo’s inception. “Then [Jesse] joined the band as a drummer and then he learned how to play guitar.” Adds Jesse: “Then we got a new drummer but he’s stayed as the drummer – but he’s learning to play guitar,” warns Chris – with what could only be detected as a sliver of worry.
In reality though, Stabilo has nothing to fear. Their recently released debut LP “Happiness and Disaster” is already a hit, with irresistible tracks that speak of, you guessed it, both the good times and the bad. “We’re not trying to get across the point that life sucks and is a horrible thing to have to deal with,” says Chris. “There’s not necessarily a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but there is hope.”
In addition to hope, there is also a cornucopia of songs dedicated to the time signature known as 3/4. “We just like swinging a little more than we like rocking,” reveals Chris with a smile, “There’s enough 4/4 rock songs in the world.”
Stabilo have swung themselves right into a cross-country tour with current Canadian music darlings Mobile, and both bands are enjoying a warm reception for their well-earned success. Both Chris and Jesse appreciate the difference between performing the music live versus studio recordings. “I enjoy the aspect of changing it on the spot,” says Chris, “[Improvisation] usually happens when somebody’s screwed something up.”
It’s good to know that Stabilo doesn’t take themselves too seriously, despite their obvious right to do so. Bands with that air of humility are rare nowadays, but when they come along, it’s something worth telling everybody about.