Humble, humorous, intelligent and compassionate. These are some of the words I think of when asked to describe these talented young Canadians from Vancouver.
The first contact I had from them came via a phone call from Karl (bass player) who over a static driven cell phone asked if there was some place he and the band could shower and get clean before being interviewed. It turns out the boys had suffered a flat tire along the way which they tell a tale of good fortune and a good Samaritan who stopped to help them out. Apparently they had had a flat which they were feeling a bit hopeless about their chances of getting it fixed in time to make it to thier interview. Well a man had stopped to ask if they needed a hand and ended up stopping everything he was doing to help them get a new tire and help them install it. He even helped them out with the cash they were short to get it done too. I guess it was the genuine personalities he had seen in them or mabey he was making some good Kharma for himself who knows, he just did it without any question. Good things seem to happen for these guys.
Anyhow I told them they could come by my place shower up and then I would drive them to the Ottawa EX where they would meet with Tom Shock for the first of many interviews. Once they arrived it was clear that these guys were clearly raised well as their manners were quite evident. After Karl,Jesse and Nathan had a chance to shower up we were on our way leaving behind in my driveway the van that had taken these lads from Vancouver along some interesting roads and people they encountered along the way.
After “breaking the ice” during a quick stop at a friend of mines place we headed off to the EX passing through the gates as though we were royalty.
Tom had been patiently waiting for us and engaged them once they arrived into an impromptu interview on air for 101.1 XFM. After the interview we ventured off to meet up with some of the creatures of “Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo”. You can check out the footage shot of this experience to gain more insight into what happened. After having fun we headed back to have some Pizza and pop so that the boys would have enough energy to handle the Hi-Octane personality of C-Spot Cindy. We went for a walk to “Break the ice” with Cindy and then after everyone got to know one another we headed off to the rides to have some fun. The boys tried their hand at gambling and managed to win and lose their money before finally throwing in the towel. By the time we finished up the time was fast approaching 11:00PM and the boys needed their sleep so off to their parked van we headed.
The next morning I received a call on my cell phone, it was Mauler of Mauler and Rush show on XFM asking if I knew where Stabilo Boss were. Well somehow this turned into quite the comedy piece with Cindy receiving a voice mail by Mauler live on the air and I gaining a new call name “Balloon Chasing Steve” as I had been out chasing the Hot Air Balloons when they called. Well the boys finally showed up for their morning interview and were asked when they got there “who the heck is Stephen…” “Stephen?” they replied.. “Steve’s the man!” Apparently they were shown quite the time and enjoyed themselves the night before. Well shucks guys thanks! Later that night I had a chance to meet up with them again at a Sushi bar in the Byward market where I had a chance to interview them myself. You can view this clip as well to gain more insight as to what had been said during this interview. I went to Zaphod Beeblebrox where I watched them perform and amazingly tight concert. I said my goodbyes and parted ways. I have to say they left a lasting impression on me as I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.