It's All About The Music
From the breathtakingly beautiful city of Vancouver, B.C, comes a band like no other. A band that is undeniably unpredictable, spontaneous, clever, and all-around proficient. Somehow, they have managed to break barriers between musical genres, and bring together some of Canada's most diverse inhabitants. These guys are surly on a path to full success, and I am certain that the road ahead will be paved with platinum records.
The band, is Mass Undergoe. Much like the neutral grounds they travel upon daily, their music is sort of the "Canada" of Rock and Roll, if you will. It's like the beauty that is all around, the mountains, the ocean, the peaceful atmosphere...mixed with the first great fight of a hockey game. Spurts of blood, flying helmets, and adrenaline pumping more than American gas consumers on the Fourth of July. The music itself cannot be placed in any sort of genre, and they prefer it this way. Why stick to one straight style when you can blend everything great into something even better?
"We try really hard to appeal to a variety of individuals, and we have a great many influences. Sometimes we feel like being hard, driving, metal-infused, angsty-players, and other times we love contemporary and classic pop, and everything in between", says front man David Isbister. "We definitely want people to know that we are unapologetic for playing anything that we play."
Each member of Mass Undergoe brings their skills to the table and together they have created this brilliant feast for all to enjoy. For example, Alan Calimbas, the genius behind the guitar brings absolute power to every song, and just by watching him play, I swear I lost two pounds. Marino Mestrovic, is the soul of the band, as the bassist. Though more of a "quiet guy", his back up vocals bring the tracks together nicely. Not only that, but when he does open his mouth to speak, he's hilarious. Next is Brandon Lazenby on drums. Brandon is the heartbeat that keeps Mass Undergoe alive. He doesn't just rock out the rhythms, though. He also enjoys playing acoustic guitar as well as writing and producing music. And, last but definitely not least, is David Isbister, front and center. David's vocals are empowering to the spirit. Whether it's a more subdued song like " I need you", and "We were young", or one of the great power tracks such as "Cancer Stricken" and "Youth Anthem", his voice is just as diverse as the crowds he attracts. Even my four year-old daughter goes around the house singing "I Dug My Grave And Walked Away".
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to speak with everyone of Mass Undergoe, but lucky for us, we got Mister Isbister to give his to give his two cents for the first interview of 2009! Happy New Year everyone! This is the year we will all make a real change!
TL: What do you think it is that makes you stand apart from other bands?
David Isbister: First and foremost, I think we painstakingly avoid self-identifying as a "LOOK" or a "SCENE". I would say that labeling a genre and what not make us a little bit awkward feeling. If you examine a scene, they are passing trends that very often become more about who is there, than what substance the art and the experience has.When we look at the crowd at our shows, we see punk/goth kids, indie folks, college frat-dude types, straightforward rocker types, young, old, gay, straight, and so on. Many of our friends and fans have met and embraced genre-bending with the music as a catalyst. Many are couples now! But overall, no one really fights. The moshers mosh. The dancers dance. Singers sing. You know. I think that in itself is what we are trying to do that may be different: appeal to everyone without directly pandering to them. We really have a creative focus to be humorous, effective, and emotion stirring artists. We take what we love seriously, but not ourselves. We feel it is important that music is simply heard, and either liked or disliked. We try to make the mission just to be heard. It is up to the human hearing it if it is any good.
TL: At what age did you start showing an interest in performing?
DI: For me, I was singing right around the time I could talk. That was only three years ago...just kidding. My mom bribed me with food and toys so she could secretly tape me singing "silent night" and the ABCs. I did other theater stuff, acting, pageants, choirs, and so on all growing up. I got shy around grade eight, so I didn't really start singing until high school, and only because I was such a sh*#ty drummer, HAHA!
TL: Many musicians go through several phases and genres before they find their true calling. Did you think, as a younger man, that this was the style of music you would be destined to play?
DI: I used to stand on my bed, and sing along to Richard Marx (don't laugh, jerks!) and the Beach Boys. I would pretend that each little strand of carpet was a fan, and I would like practice moves and stuff. I am blushing right now remembering how often I would get caught. With respect to genre - The Smashing Pumpkins "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" influenced me to play music, absolutely. More specifically, the song, "Muzzle." I had an acute awareness the moment I heard that song that it was going to push me in an artistic direction. When I did decide to sing, rock was natural. I grew up already loving heroes from previous eras- Billy Idol, Doors, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Elton John, David Bowie, ANYTHING Motown or bluegrass- and had recently become interested in NIN, System Of A Down, Mudvayne,Deftones, and TONS of others, so it was natural that I would want to sing pop and punk and metal and everything I could! No phases here, just sheer adult ADD.
TL: Who would you say, has been the biggest influence on you?
DI: Tough one. There are many people to credit for artistic and personal support. I think musically, we have influenced each other more than we realize because our tastes are so ferociously individual. When we decide collectively we like something we are doing, it builds in a sense of quality control. But really - as cliche as it is to say - the fact that I get to emote, and perform and just exist as an artist is owed entirely to those who are kind enough to support us by getting records, coming to shows, buying a shirt on tour, and just even well-wishers in general. That influences us abundantly. I love knowing that people can identify with what we do. It is rewarding, and terrifying, and exhilarating to perform, and I don't think any of us wish to stop. So - we keep pushing!
TL: How has your lives changed since Mass Undergoe was formed? Are you pleased with the response you have gotten so far from your audiences?
DI: It has given me a lot - drive, a bit more confidence, and has allowed me to make sense of a lot of the more cumbersome feelings and situations I encountered growing up. It has established an empowering sense of independance, and has helped me rise above some of my own personal challenges a bit easier. It comes with a fair amount of stress and anxiety, but that might just be how I am anyway...It also keeps us busy. We have a great crowd, so however they wish to respond is fine by us. We are beyond pleased.
TL: How would you describe the effects of your music on the crowds that you play for?
DI: Massive hordes of undulating creatures and excited movement vibing in time with one another, but also with the inherent notes of self-righteousness and independent spirit. Did that sound right? Because I have no idea what I just said.
TL: It must be physically exhausting to perform with such high energy! What keeps you going during your live performances?
DI: It must be physically exhausting to watch a show like the Mass Undergonians do - so it's the least we can do. Seriously though, this is what we love, so that is enough. Add to it that I can say pretty much what I want and crack some jokes ( perhaps offend some republicans and so on) and it's a cinch.
TL: Where do you intend to be in say, five years from now?
DI: The Royal Wax Museum, as live exhibits. Or touring the world playing music for whatever meager amounts of re-numeration we can get. Either/or.
TL: This last November you played an event for the Suicide Girls! What was it like to be surrounded by beautiful, tattooed models all night?
DI: Um, rad.
TL: Do you have anything special planned for 2009?
DI: Yes. We have some showcasing to do, and new recordings hopefully by March. We are going back across Canada and hopefully visiting US and Asian markets. We have actually two major wicked things on the go, but people will have to check in with us once in a while and wait for an official update, because I can't say anything yet. Soon though.
The band, is Mass Undergoe. Much like the neutral grounds they travel upon daily, their music is sort of the "Canada" of Rock and Roll, if you will. It's like the beauty that is all around, the mountains, the ocean, the peaceful atmosphere...mixed with the first great fight of a hockey game. Spurts of blood, flying helmets, and adrenaline pumping more than American gas consumers on the Fourth of July. The music itself cannot be placed in any sort of genre, and they prefer it this way. Why stick to one straight style when you can blend everything great into something even better?
"We try really hard to appeal to a variety of individuals, and we have a great many influences. Sometimes we feel like being hard, driving, metal-infused, angsty-players, and other times we love contemporary and classic pop, and everything in between", says front man David Isbister. "We definitely want people to know that we are unapologetic for playing anything that we play."
Each member of Mass Undergoe brings their skills to the table and together they have created this brilliant feast for all to enjoy. For example, Alan Calimbas, the genius behind the guitar brings absolute power to every song, and just by watching him play, I swear I lost two pounds. Marino Mestrovic, is the soul of the band, as the bassist. Though more of a "quiet guy", his back up vocals bring the tracks together nicely. Not only that, but when he does open his mouth to speak, he's hilarious. Next is Brandon Lazenby on drums. Brandon is the heartbeat that keeps Mass Undergoe alive. He doesn't just rock out the rhythms, though. He also enjoys playing acoustic guitar as well as writing and producing music. And, last but definitely not least, is David Isbister, front and center. David's vocals are empowering to the spirit. Whether it's a more subdued song like " I need you", and "We were young", or one of the great power tracks such as "Cancer Stricken" and "Youth Anthem", his voice is just as diverse as the crowds he attracts. Even my four year-old daughter goes around the house singing "I Dug My Grave And Walked Away".
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to speak with everyone of Mass Undergoe, but lucky for us, we got Mister Isbister to give his to give his two cents for the first interview of 2009! Happy New Year everyone! This is the year we will all make a real change!
TL: What do you think it is that makes you stand apart from other bands?
David Isbister: First and foremost, I think we painstakingly avoid self-identifying as a "LOOK" or a "SCENE". I would say that labeling a genre and what not make us a little bit awkward feeling. If you examine a scene, they are passing trends that very often become more about who is there, than what substance the art and the experience has.When we look at the crowd at our shows, we see punk/goth kids, indie folks, college frat-dude types, straightforward rocker types, young, old, gay, straight, and so on. Many of our friends and fans have met and embraced genre-bending with the music as a catalyst. Many are couples now! But overall, no one really fights. The moshers mosh. The dancers dance. Singers sing. You know. I think that in itself is what we are trying to do that may be different: appeal to everyone without directly pandering to them. We really have a creative focus to be humorous, effective, and emotion stirring artists. We take what we love seriously, but not ourselves. We feel it is important that music is simply heard, and either liked or disliked. We try to make the mission just to be heard. It is up to the human hearing it if it is any good.
TL: At what age did you start showing an interest in performing?
DI: For me, I was singing right around the time I could talk. That was only three years ago...just kidding. My mom bribed me with food and toys so she could secretly tape me singing "silent night" and the ABCs. I did other theater stuff, acting, pageants, choirs, and so on all growing up. I got shy around grade eight, so I didn't really start singing until high school, and only because I was such a sh*#ty drummer, HAHA!
TL: Many musicians go through several phases and genres before they find their true calling. Did you think, as a younger man, that this was the style of music you would be destined to play?
DI: I used to stand on my bed, and sing along to Richard Marx (don't laugh, jerks!) and the Beach Boys. I would pretend that each little strand of carpet was a fan, and I would like practice moves and stuff. I am blushing right now remembering how often I would get caught. With respect to genre - The Smashing Pumpkins "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" influenced me to play music, absolutely. More specifically, the song, "Muzzle." I had an acute awareness the moment I heard that song that it was going to push me in an artistic direction. When I did decide to sing, rock was natural. I grew up already loving heroes from previous eras- Billy Idol, Doors, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Elton John, David Bowie, ANYTHING Motown or bluegrass- and had recently become interested in NIN, System Of A Down, Mudvayne,Deftones, and TONS of others, so it was natural that I would want to sing pop and punk and metal and everything I could! No phases here, just sheer adult ADD.
TL: Who would you say, has been the biggest influence on you?
DI: Tough one. There are many people to credit for artistic and personal support. I think musically, we have influenced each other more than we realize because our tastes are so ferociously individual. When we decide collectively we like something we are doing, it builds in a sense of quality control. But really - as cliche as it is to say - the fact that I get to emote, and perform and just exist as an artist is owed entirely to those who are kind enough to support us by getting records, coming to shows, buying a shirt on tour, and just even well-wishers in general. That influences us abundantly. I love knowing that people can identify with what we do. It is rewarding, and terrifying, and exhilarating to perform, and I don't think any of us wish to stop. So - we keep pushing!
TL: How has your lives changed since Mass Undergoe was formed? Are you pleased with the response you have gotten so far from your audiences?
DI: It has given me a lot - drive, a bit more confidence, and has allowed me to make sense of a lot of the more cumbersome feelings and situations I encountered growing up. It has established an empowering sense of independance, and has helped me rise above some of my own personal challenges a bit easier. It comes with a fair amount of stress and anxiety, but that might just be how I am anyway...It also keeps us busy. We have a great crowd, so however they wish to respond is fine by us. We are beyond pleased.
TL: How would you describe the effects of your music on the crowds that you play for?
DI: Massive hordes of undulating creatures and excited movement vibing in time with one another, but also with the inherent notes of self-righteousness and independent spirit. Did that sound right? Because I have no idea what I just said.
TL: It must be physically exhausting to perform with such high energy! What keeps you going during your live performances?
DI: It must be physically exhausting to watch a show like the Mass Undergonians do - so it's the least we can do. Seriously though, this is what we love, so that is enough. Add to it that I can say pretty much what I want and crack some jokes ( perhaps offend some republicans and so on) and it's a cinch.
TL: Where do you intend to be in say, five years from now?
DI: The Royal Wax Museum, as live exhibits. Or touring the world playing music for whatever meager amounts of re-numeration we can get. Either/or.
TL: This last November you played an event for the Suicide Girls! What was it like to be surrounded by beautiful, tattooed models all night?
DI: Um, rad.
TL: Do you have anything special planned for 2009?
DI: Yes. We have some showcasing to do, and new recordings hopefully by March. We are going back across Canada and hopefully visiting US and Asian markets. We have actually two major wicked things on the go, but people will have to check in with us once in a while and wait for an official update, because I can't say anything yet. Soon though.
You can check out Mass Undergoe for yourself by clicking on the photo above.
Thanks to David Isbister for all your cooperation and correspondence. I can't wait to meet you all someday, and finally get to see Mass Undergoe rule the stage in person!
Oh, and I want a hoodie! :)
Thanks to David Isbister for all your cooperation and correspondence. I can't wait to meet you all someday, and finally get to see Mass Undergoe rule the stage in person!
Oh, and I want a hoodie! :)
Peace, Love, Rock & Roll
Trinity Lost
Trinity Lost
