Feb 21, 2014 – T-Mak World was on hand at the Hard Luck Bar at Dundas and Bathurst a couple weeks ago to see Womb and Suns of Stone. While there we were blown away by hard rockers Mother Leads. Musically they’re pretty heavy and reminiscent of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden and taking the Seattle theme a generation further, guitarist Culbert’s bluesy Strat sound at times had a Hendrix vibe. We’re definitely looking forward to getting a chance to seeing them again soon and fortunately the wait won’t be too long.
As always, whenever we come across a great rock band like Mother Leads that we think people would want to know about, we get in touch with the band and request an interview. So we did and here’s what they had to say to us:
Hey Mother Leads, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. Let’s start off with the obligatory introductions. Who’s in the band and what instrument does everyone rock?
-Neil Culbert – Guitars/Lead Vocals
-Raymond Cara – Sticks/Tones
-Jordan Quinn – Bass/Keys
How about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?
Raymond: We like to think our coming together was probably pre-determined. Meant to happen. Neil and I met at Ajax High School. We became friends initially from wearing the same band T shirts, which led to discussion, which led to regular jamming and noise making.
Neil: We originally auditioned a couple of vocalists for the band, as I only intened on playing guitar. Eventually the spot just kind of fell into a regular thing for me, it felt natural. After recording two separate EPs in 2009 and 2010, we decided that live shows and recording is something we want to continue doing. All the time.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Raymond: Our influences have all bled into each other by this point, and we all listen to a ton of different music. A common love for heavyweights such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Pearl Jam is something that brought us together at the start.
Jordan: We also support a lot of local talent from Ontario (our home province). Everything that you see and enjoy also has a tendency to influence you in some way or another.
So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
Raymond: Like that time you were kicked in the face, but you liked it. Maybe you even asked for another?
Why do you believe that a music fan should come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
Neil: We like to think the organic nature of our live experience is something that attracts people. Real, hard rocking songs. An outlet for pent up energy or feelings. We have fun being on stage and being in a band, playing music. That is usually something people connect with.
What is your favourite single line of lyrics the band has written and why?
Neil: “Walk with my head strong, I swing like a titan”, which basically means kicking ass and taking names. Not letting anyone get you down, or telling you what to do. Which is how “Mother Leads” as a whole, lives its existence.
What does 2014 hold for you?
Jordan: Starting on March 13th we’ll be starting in Windsor and touring across Ontario (full date listing will be announced on March 1st). We will also be releasing another single/video in the Summer. Lots of touring, gigging, touring, gigging, etc.
Imagine that you were asked to be the opener for any band’s world tour (both current and historical). Which band and tour would be your dream opening gig.
Raymond: Opening for THE WHO. One of the craziest bands in rock history on the stage, and off it.
What is the future of the music industry? With the concept of the album and physical CD’s facing extinction, how will we be consuming music in 10 years? Are the economics feasible for emerging artists?
Raymond: I hope that physical music stays alive. Something about purchasing something you can touch gives music a certain quality to it. Vinyl sounds great, and noticeably more textured and rich than anything you can download. Modern technology is leading us to depend on things that are more convenient to use, so naturally downloading music has become the norm for most general music listeners. I think “emerging artists” just need to have an honest love for what they’re doing. Otherwise it falls apart. That, and a plan.
Thanks so much to Mother Leads. We would strongly encourage you to check them out live. They’re playing Rockpile East on March 6th and the Bovine Sex Club on March 28th.
The band’s website is motherleads.com and they are on Twitter (@MotherLeads) and Facebook (MotherLeads). In the meantime check out their video for Bring You Down below from YouTube.
Article by Steve Mallinson
