Dare to Be Foolish

SICK!

NASTY!!

FOOLISH!!!

No, I’m not describing the piles of garbage left over from Vancouver’s Civil Servant Strike. This is how those in the know would describe a certain brand of music creeping up ever so violently throughout BC’s live music scene. I am talking about the stuff that exists only to blow one’s mind – not to seek airplay or fame or groupies by the dozen (although who’s complaining…). Music that is pure, raw and revolutionary.

Call it what you like. Hardcore, Experimental, even just plain Instrumental music will do, but the one common thread is that it pushes boundaries. I personally seek out music that has 3 main elements - intensity, musicianship and real honest emotion. I just recently stumbled upon a group that possesses all of those things without the usual fits of stardom and egotism that too often come as an unwanted side-dish.

Castle Greyskull is a name some of you born in the 80’s might relate to a children’s cartoon series, but in fact, it also relates to one of Vancouver’s best kept musical secrets. I’m not sure how long the secret will last, because my HEAD literally exploded the first time I saw these guys live. You know when you hear a piece of music that makes everything you’ve heard up to this point obsolete? If not, check these guys out. I recently had a chat with the boys and found them to be really solid, down-to-earth people who live & love music. No rock star posturing here, and they thankfully don’t take themselves too seriously, which I discovered in the following interview:

NS: Guys, I just listened to your record. What sort of talk went down when you were writing the songs or just working out the kinks? Just wondering what kind of writing process/policy for material you guys have.

CGS: Well, after doing about four months of extreme squat thrusting we decided we were ready. It was just good communication & everyone gets a say which leaves us in a really good position for expanding on what we do.

NS: Everyone gets a say, eh? I like that. Real Democratic-like. We all have our opinions. Speaking of opinions, are you guys prepared for, and how do you deal with negative reactions to your music? Surely not everyone can handle such intensity…

CGS: We are most definitely prepared for negative reactions. We're aware that the majority of people probably won't really be into our music, but that's cool, if we can only affect one person with our music, we will be happy.

NS: How would you guys react if someone called your music "foolish", specifically your live show?

CGS: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as for the music and live show I think everyone can find something to enjoy.

NS: Your new record “If We Were Sharks” is packed with some incredible songs and musicianship. What is the writing process like for you guys? Are you very picky when it comes down to it?

CGS: It (writing) takes forever because we're insanely persnickety (thanks thesaurus.com!). I guess there's no real policy or anything, we just write what we feel is good. Before we went into the studio, we had already written the songs we wanted so everything was pretty much planned. We recorded the album in three days so there wasn’t enough room to be particular with everything, but as it turned out, the record came out wonderful.

NS: What does the future hold for you guys as a band?

CGS: Well, the main goal I guess would be to live off of our music. Just tour and write, but regardless what happens, the future holds plenty of good times.

NS: Indeed. Now, since I’m getting tired of asking all the questions here, lets switch it up a bit. If you guys had a chance to ask one question to anyone in the world, what would you ask and to whom?

CGS:

Adam: I would ask Melissa R (of pussycat doll fame) to marry me.

Jerome: I would ask Melissa R (of pussycat doll fame) not to marry Adam and marry me

NS: Thanks a lot guys. Best of luck on tour, and try not to be captured by the crab people!

So, as I once again feebly attempt to wrap up my column into a neat little package, I find myself looking through my record collection for other artists who push boundaries. I am sorry to say that there aren’t nearly enough. So hey Musicians! Get out there, enjoy yourself and make the music YOU want to make, not what will get you on the radio or buy you a swimming pool. Dare to be foolish, and don’t be afraid to blow people’s minds. As painful as it may sound, I enjoy having my head explode once in a while. Afterall, variety is a slice of pie, or something like that.

Visit www.myspace.com/castlegreyskullband for tunes, tour dates, tricks and/or treats.