Interviews

Colin Medley lives in Toronto and shoots videos, usually involving musicians. These sometimes take the shape of interviews and performances, such as the Soundcheck series he produced for the National Post, music videos for bands such as Timber Timbre or Diamond Rings, or recordings of intimate concerts taken throughout his travels, currently in the form of his online series Morning Noon Night.

Colin has shared his musical knowledge & talents as a videographer with the Make Some Noise community on several occasions; he hosted a workshop in the fall of 2009, and returned as a panel participant in 2010.

What is your most memorable Toronto concert experience?
This happened a few years before I even moved to the city. I was still living in Oshawa, and my favourite band was the Constantines. They were on Three Gut Records, an amazing little record label that seemed like the biggest deal in the world from where I was living. I was obsessed with the label, writing them fan letters, collecting all their releases, just being a huge geek. Anyway, in August 2005 the label announced they were closing up shop and throwing two concerts to celebrate their fifth and final anniversary. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to the nighttime show with the Constantines and Oneida, but I was able to go to the afternoon all-ages party at the Tranzac. I remember taking the GO Train to Toronto by myself, not knowing where I was going or what to expect. I'd been to shows in Toronto before, but they were always larger shows at big venues where you had to buy advanced tickets. This was uncharted territory for me, going to a weird venue right in a part of town where I'd never really been before. Anyway, I met up with my friend Robin and we stood in line outside the Tranzac, waiting for doors to open. I remember seeing all the musicians walking around, hanging out, totally right there if I wanted to talk to them (I didn't, I was too shy). I know it doesn't sound like much now, but when you're 17 and the singer of your favourite band is literally standing right next to you, it's pretty exciting.

Doors opened, we went in, paid our $10 (Lisa Moran, who ran Three Gut Records, was working the door – another exciting moment for young Colin), and found our seats near the front. It was the middle of the afternoon, people were still pretty sleepy, not accustomed to seeing a show indoors so early it seems, but I was jazzed! I can still remember the lineup of bands that day. Nathan Lawr (currently of the Minotaurs) went on first, then it was Steve Lambke of the Constantines, doing one of his first Baby Eagle sets. After that, Will Kidman of the Cons did a few songs, then Gentleman Reg. A few members of Oakley Hall played next, and then Bry Webb of the Constantines. Jim Guthrie had the last slot of the day. It was my first time seeing everyone play and it changed my life forever. Since moving to Toronto 3 years ago, the Tranzac has become my #1 hangout spot and my favourite place to see concerts. I've even had the chance to work closely with some of the bands I saw that day on various video projects.

What Greater Toronto Area musician/band’s album do you think everyone should be listening to right now?
I'm going to cheat on this question by giving two answers. I was recently in Austin, TX for SXSW and stumbled upon a great band called Memoryhouse, who are originally from Guelph but now live in Toronto. I'd read their name on the internet a whole bunch over the last year or so but I don't recall hearing much of their music. I'm really glad I saw them play though because they turned out to be one of the highlights of the festival for me. It seems
like they've been able to generate some buzz internationally, which is quite a feat for any band from Toronto. The second thing I think everyone should be listening to right now is the new album from One Hundred Dollars, "Songs of Man." They're a very important band in my life – I've seen them play more than almost any other band (including at the Toronto Reference Library last year!), and this album has been a long time coming. It almost feels like their real first album, since when "Forest of Tears" came out in 2008 they were still a really new band. In the years that followed its release they played a lot and just became such an amazing group. This new album really shows off all their new sounds and sides.

What does the term “Independent Music” mean to you?
"Independent Music" really comes down to an attitude and a work ethic. It's about doing-it-yourself, supporting your peers, and never losing sight of where you came from and who helped you get there. Be a nice person.

What advice would you give someone trying to break into the Toronto music scene?
That's a tough question. Play shows I guess. Go see local bands. Shop at record stores on a regular basis, like every week. This will help you discover a lot of amazing music and help out when it comes time to drop off your album on consignment (the folks working will actually know who you are). Make sure your album artwork isn't ugly. If you're going to make cassettes, that's cool, but let people stream your music somewhere because not everyone still has a tape deck. Make your music affordable or free. Don't spam people on Facebook. Book a tour. Heck, forget about Toronto, play all over and then come back to  Toronto once you have some fans elsewhere. Try getting into   SappyFest. You'll make friends there.

None of this is important unless your music is good. Focus on the music first. Practice a lot. Put on a show people will remember. Enjoy what you do.

Who would win a soccer game between the members of Broken Social Scene and The Hidden Cameras?
I have no clue. I have a feeling this wouldn't be too hard to arrange if you really wanted to know.

Colin Medley lives in Toronto and shoots videos, usually involving musicians. These sometimes take the shape of interviews and performances, such as the Soundcheck series he produced for the National Post, music videos for bands such as Timber Timbre or Diamond Rings, or recordings of intimate concerts taken throughout his travels, currently in the form of his online series Morning Noon Night.

Colin has shared his musical knowledge & talents as a videographer with the Make Some Noise community on several occasions; he hosted a workshop in the fall of 2009, and returned as a panel participant in 2010.

What is your most memorable Toronto concert experience?
This happened a few years before I even moved to the city. I was still living in Oshawa, and my favourite band was the Constantines. They were on Three Gut Records, an amazing little record label that seemed like the biggest deal in the world from where I was living. I was obsessed with the label, writing them fan letters, collecting all their releases, just being a huge geek. Anyway, in August 2005 the label announced they were closing up shop and throwing two concerts to celebrate their fifth and final anniversary. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to the nighttime show with the Constantines and Oneida, but I was able to go to the afternoon all-ages party at the Tranzac. I remember taking the GO Train to Toronto by myself, not knowing where I was going or what to expect. I'd been to shows in Toronto before, but they were always larger shows at big venues where you had to buy advanced tickets. This was uncharted territory for me, going to a weird venue right in a part of town where I'd never really been before. Anyway, I met up with my friend Robin and we stood in line outside the Tranzac, waiting for doors to open. I remember seeing all the musicians walking around, hanging out, totally right there if I wanted to talk to them (I didn't, I was too shy). I know it doesn't sound like much now, but when you're 17 and the singer of your favourite band is literally standing right next to you, it's pretty exciting.

Doors opened, we went in, paid our $10 (Lisa Moran, who ran Three Gut Records, was working the door – another exciting moment for young Colin), and found our seats near the front. It was the middle of the afternoon, people were still pretty sleepy, not accustomed to seeing a show indoors so early it seems, but I was jazzed! I can still remember the lineup of bands that day. Nathan Lawr (currently of the Minotaurs) went on first, then it was Steve Lambke of the Constantines, doing one of his first Baby Eagle sets. After that, Will Kidman of the Cons did a few songs, then Gentleman Reg. A few members of Oakley Hall played next, and then Bry Webb of the Constantines. Jim Guthrie had the last slot of the day. It was my first time seeing everyone play and it changed my life forever. Since moving to Toronto 3 years ago, the Tranzac has become my #1 hangout spot and my favourite place to see concerts. I've even had the chance to work closely with some of the bands I saw that day on various video projects.

What Greater Toronto Area musician/band’s album do you think everyone should be listening to right now?
I'm going to cheat on this question by giving two answers. I was recently in Austin, TX for SXSW and stumbled upon a great band called Memoryhouse, who are originally from Guelph but now live in Toronto. I'd read their name on the internet a whole bunch over the last year or so but I don't recall hearing much of their music. I'm really glad I saw them play though because they turned out to be one of the highlights of the festival for me. It seems
like they've been able to generate some buzz internationally, which is quite a feat for any band from Toronto. The second thing I think everyone should be listening to right now is the new album from One Hundred Dollars, "Songs of Man." They're a very important band in my life – I've seen them play more than almost any other band (including at the Toronto Reference Library last year!), and this album has been a long time coming. It almost feels like their real first album, since when "Forest of Tears" came out in 2008 they were still a really new band. In the years that followed its release they played a lot and just became such an amazing group. This new album really shows off all their new sounds and sides.

What does the term “Independent Music” mean to you?
"Independent Music" really comes down to an attitude and a work ethic. It's about doing-it-yourself, supporting your peers, and never losing sight of where you came from and who helped you get there. Be a nice person.

What advice would you give someone trying to break into the Toronto music scene?
That's a tough question. Play shows I guess. Go see local bands. Shop at record stores on a regular basis, like every week. This will help you discover a lot of amazing music and help out when it comes time to drop off your album on consignment (the folks working will actually know who you are). Make sure your album artwork isn't ugly. If you're going to make cassettes, that's cool, but let people stream your music somewhere because not everyone still has a tape deck. Make your music affordable or free. Don't spam people on Facebook. Book a tour. Heck, forget about Toronto, play all over and then come back to  Toronto once you have some fans elsewhere. Try getting into   SappyFest. You'll make friends there.

None of this is important unless your music is good. Focus on the music first. Practice a lot. Put on a show people will remember. Enjoy what you do.

Who would win a soccer game between the members of Broken Social Scene and The Hidden Cameras?
I have no clue. I have a feeling this wouldn't be too hard to arrange if you really wanted to know.