by Amber Goodwyn
There’s a lot of ink spilled/pixilated in alternative media about how hard bands work when touring, writing, practicing performing. So I forget that there’s still a widely held public perception that playing music isn’t a real job or one that doesn’t require sacrifice… or that it’s just a hobby.
I heard some dude on the radio the other day making just such a ludicrous suggestion, and thought of the Toronto-based rock band, The Balconies. I first saw the band perform in 2009 and they were a tour de force, a talented and musically trained three-headed beast with the audience eating out their palms.
Five years later and the band has become a well-oiled rock n’ roll machine. They’re like a Black Sabbath-themed baler, say, or a Joan Jett-styled thresher headed to Regina to play O’Hanlon’s on Tuesday, June 3.
Powerhouse frontwoman Jacquie Neville took some time out of the band’s hard-workin’ tour schedule to answer my Proust-ish music questionnaire.
What is your idea of perfect, musical happiness?
Performing with my best friends.
What is the greatest (album) love of your life?
When it comes to albums…it’s conditional love. My moods dictate what I love in certain moments in time. Right now I am having another love affair with George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.
Which living musician do you most admire?
Patti Smith.
What is your greatest musical regret?
Not finishing my bachelor degree in classical music.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
I’d like to come back as a two-headed black Unicorn with pink laser eyes and the ability to grant wishes.
What is your greatest music-related fear?
That one day I won’t be able to sing or perform anymore
What is your most treasured musical possession?
My Gibson SG.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I’m an energizer bunny. I’m pretty sure I exhaust everyone around me on a regular basis because I have way too much energy.
When and where are you musically happiest?
On stage performing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I’ve never been able to do a cartwheel. I’d like to be able to do that.
“SHOW” ME WHAT YOU GOT
Elsewhere in town these two weeks, I highly recommend the B.A. Johnston show happening over at ye olde German Club, where he’ll share the non-stage with These Estates and the Broletariat on Saturday, May 31. Also, on my ‘to-attend-if-I-don’t-go-into-labout’ list is the Pop Crimes, Delta Throats and Homo Monstrous show at the SCES Club on Wednesday, May 5.
Go forth and enjoy music!
In my ears: Pulsewidth’s opening set for Merzbow (up on Soundcloud)
Twitter: ambergoodwyn
Check in: ag@prairiedogmag.com