Modern Superstitions - Interview
Posted by Hunter on Wed, 18 May 2011.
Modern Superstitions came to our attention some time ago due to a great response from their Canadian audiences. Ask someone to name bands from Canada and you might get Bryan Adams, Celine Dion and Sarah McLachlan (anyone who says Boards of Canada gets null point). It does take time for music from Toronto to reach our shores, but despite this, Canada does have a great music scene, and it was only a matter of time before Modern Superstitions started making a name for themselves here too. Whilst over here in the UK they were kind enough to spare us some time to answer our questions
How would you describe your music to those new to it, and who have your influences been for the band collectively?
We play rock & roll. Female vocals, electric guitar, drums, and bass. Not drum ‘n bass though, sorry. We love The Stooges, Ty Segall, Alice Cooper, Otis Redding, White Stripes, Holly Golightly, The Nerves, Nancy Sinatra, Alex Chilton, The Ramones, Phil Spector, The Who….etc
“All The Things We‘ve Been Told", are you pleased with the responses / reviews it‘s getting, and could you tell us a little bit about what inspired the songs?
The response has been lovely and most of the reviews I‘ve seen have been largely positive. The songs were inspired entirely by Kenneth Branagh‘s ‘Hamlet', ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', ‘Westside Story' and Baz Luhrmann‘s ‘Romeo + Juliet'.
Do you have a particular process behind writing your songs?
I can exclusively reveal to the Jitty that all of our songs are written by Ric Ocasek and the ghosts of Marc Bolan & Bo Diddley.
And while we‘re talking about “All The Things We‘ve Been Told", who did the cover art and how did you find that artist to do the commission?
The artwork is by a good friend of the band, Tara Bursey (tarabursey.com), whom we‘ve worked with in the past. She makes lovely art and a mean dessert to boot.
You worked with Scott Cudmore on your video for Mercy Line, but who came up with the concept for the video, and how much influence did you have in the making of it?
Our only influence on the video was in asking Scott if he‘d like to work on it and keeping out of his way once he‘d said yes. The video‘s concept and execution were up to Scott and the crew. Our only objection was Scott‘s callous demand that Harry shave his beard; it was duly ignored.
Did you have certain expectations of touring, and has it lived up to those? And what have been the standout moments for you?
Our trip has been great so far; the shows have been amazing and there‘s been plenty of time to explore London and Brighton. The standout moment thus far was playing the Canadian Blast with the fabulous Bonjay at the Garage. Other memorable moments include being detained at UK customs for 4 hours at Gatwick, having proper draught Guinness, and getting completely and utterly lost in Shoreditch.
Has the internet been helpful in getting your music out there as a band or have you found it harder to stand out in the “MySpace / Facebook" culture of unlimited music?
I (Matthew) can‘t ever remember a time when the internet wasn‘t a presence in my life and an influence on the way I find music, so I can‘t honestly say if it‘s been a help or hindrance. However, as somebody that loves music, I fail to see how limiting access to music could be a good thing, for myself or the band.
Spotted a while back that you tweeted a clip from Black Books, just wondering if you‘re a fan of Dylan Moran / Bill Bailey?
We love Dylan Moran. Love. Bill Bailey as well, but Dylan Moran is a particular favourite.
And you posted a link to rant on Star Wars Episode 1, I gather you‘re not a fan of the “prequels"?
The prequels are an abomination and are best ignored. Is anybody a fan of the prequels? Do these people exist?
We‘d like to thank Modern Superstitions for their time, and wish them well on their tour.
To find out more about Modern Superstitions, you can find their websites here: