In today’s A-Z challenge, we asked Toronto Blessings 26 questions to find out more about the band.
A song that made you want to make music?
Did not answer.
Best rider you’ve had?
We’re pretty easily pleased tbh. Just throws us some beers and we’re ready to go. The Parish venue in Huddersfield has always treated us real good. They do killer food at the venue, so we normally get stitch when we play there! Ha.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
I’d say when we supported Sparta last year on the anniversary of their Wiretap Scars album. That album meant so much to my younger self. It’s was a surreal and amazing experience. They were also the sweetest chaps.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
To be honest all my lyrics mean something to me or they’re about what’s happening around me. On the new album there’s a couple of songs on the same subject ‘Shirk’ & ‘All Updates Failed‘ which are about a time when a previous employer didn’t pay me for 5 months. I’d been at the company for 19 years, so I had a lot of loyalty that was manipulated. Those songs document the shitty time I went through.
Easiest song you wrote?
Musically I’d say the song Teeth & Nails. Where we pretty much wrote that song in one run through. We all spoke before hand about where we’d like it to go and it all went there. Luckily we recorded that run through and that was used at the backbone of the song.
Favourite song in your set?
There’s quite a few that a fun to play. Some are harder than others though haha. So I’d probably say ‘Omission’ it’s the song in the set where it kinda drops down and builds to a massive noise induced ending.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
I’d say Eric Paul from Psychic Graveyard. He’s got the coolest weirdest voice ever. Haha. I love it. He just sounds like some strange robot. Top stuff.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Trying to battle on, when life throws up problems. Just to keep going can be hard, but this is the outlet for all the other shit in our lives. So the rewards are much greater than the slog.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Jas our drummer travels from the Czech Republic to practice and gig! We’re based in the north of England. So it’s a slight trek. Yep.
Key to writing a song?
There’s no key as such. Just go off your gut feeling really. Write a song that you want to hear and try not to rip anybody off haha.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
We’re UK based, so anyway is kinda doable in the day. We’re up for playing anywhere, so get in touch!
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I’d have to be a bit corny and say Dale from the band. I’ve made music with him in various bands and he always comes up with cool shit and pushes me to be better. He’s a couple of years older than me and when were younger and at school, he was in bands and inspired me to pick up an instrument.
New band you’d recommend?
I’d say check out ‘Care Home’ from Leeds. They’ve just finished recording their debut album! It’s going to slay. They play noisy synth loud stuff. It’s the end of the world doomy shizz. Totally cool.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Personally I’d say Metz or Shellac. That would be the absolute best. So far we’ve had the pleasure to play with some of our favourites like McLusky, Unsane and Melt Banana to name a few.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Anywhere really. A European tour would be great. Brexit has made things like this harder though. Ultimately a few dates in the US or Canada would be awesome.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
Our new single ‘All Updates Failed’ is taken from our album ‘Big Wins‘ which came out late last year. This song and title comes from being lied to by an employer and all the updates they had either not being true or never happening. It’s a song born from frustration.
See us live at?
Chapel, Middlesbrough 8th June
More TBC
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
In some ways yes, some ways no. Haha
I think it just depends how deep you want to dive. I think it’s cool to keep an ear to the past and present. Especially as songwriters. I think it’s good to get inspired by the classics and the new stuff. Take a bit of everything and mix it up.
Unusual merchandise?
Not really. Just the usual shizz. I am not sure if anyone would like Toronto Blessings underpants.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Overtime our songs kinda evolve naturally. There’s a few in the set that are jammed out longer than the studio version. Where certain sections gain from being stretched out. I think it makes the live experience better.
What do your fans mean to you?
Anyone who takes the time to check us out is great and means a real lot to us.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Luckily no ones lost an eye or limb in a headstock injury. Haha.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Touch wood we’ve never been late! Hopefully I’ve not cursed us. If we were it would be something boring like the traffic! I have too much anxiety to be late!
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
Zoo’s ain’t cool. Neither are we.