In this interview feature, we get to know the most radicalist up & coming stars on the planet.   

This time we explore the both dissonant and melodious music of blistering Toronto four-piece, Weaves.

Comprised of (comedian) Morgan Waters on guitar, Zach Bines on bass, Spencer Cole on drums, not to mention the formidable presence of frontwoman and chief songwriter Jasmyn Burke, this rising Canadian foursome pride themselves on an ability to stay present when writing their eclectic music, and with good reason. Weaves’ music is as ferocious as it is playful as it is heartfelt as it is inquisitive.

Their music sounds as if the genres of both pop and punk have been shredded before being zealously reassembled in a winsome manner recalling the Pixies or early Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with each song individually coloured by Burke’s elastic vocals in hues that range from the honeyed to the corrosive.

Humbly beginning life as voice recordings on Burke’s phone, Weaves’ songs soon become truly exhilarating as exemplified by their bombastic self-titled debut EP on Buzz Records as well as a slew of raucous singles thereafter including the torrential, all-guns-blazing ‘One More’; the infectious art-rock cut ‘Tick’; and the disarmingly affecting ‘Shithole’.

Having released their exuberant debut LP, Weaves, last year we thought it necessary to catch up with this audacious band’s frontwoman, Jasmyn Burke, to discuss process, presence and a persistent DIY attitude.

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TMR: You have previously spoken about the significance of being present in your band and your music. Why is this so important to you and how do you stay present?

Jasmyn Burke: I think that's probably the only real way to connect with people. You have to be in it with the audience and feeling those vibes together. Helps to make the experience all the more fun and I mean, who knows if people will care in 5 years --- so live in the present.

TMR: You’ve been touring a lot in the couple of years since the band’s inception. How has it been and what are some of your most notable memories on the road?

JB: Indeed, we've been on the road a lot the last couple of years and I mean for the most part it's all been really fun. I'd say it's great getting the chance to play Europe. We played Picnic in the Park in Oslo, Norway which was pretty amazing. Didn't get dark until midnight or so.... ummm we played this little room in the U.K. that was sold out and just pure sweat and energy from the crowd. I dunno, when the crowd gives you something it just makes it so much more fun to perform.



TMR: Your songs often come from a very intimate place yet it also feels like there are so many different elements colliding. Can you tell us a little bit about how your songs develop from the initial seed to the fully-flourished song?

JB: Well most of the lyrics are flushed out within the first half hour of my writing the songs. So we kind of have the insides and then work out. Morgan and I usually demo after he's heard my little iPhone demos and then we work on instrumentation. Then I guess it gets morphed again through rehearsal and playing it with the entire band. But then I think songs kind of take on a mind of their own when you're on the road playing them every day and that's kind of the exciting part.

TMR: What is your favourite Weaves track and why?

JB: hmmm I dunno. I love the entire album! But I'd say One More, Shithole and Coo Coo are the most fun to play live.

TMR: Your music has a simultaneously dissonant and melodious, ugly and beautiful quality. How did you arrive at this aesthetic?

JB: I don't really know. We try not to think about it too much. Just feel the groove.

TMR: You’ve kept a lot of Weaves’ activity pretty insular and independent (e.g. writing, producing, shooting your own videos), why have you kept it this way?

JB: Well I mean economically that's what we can afford ha. But I think we also just have a clear vision of what we want. But we've also worked with a few awesome directors and our main photographer. So we have a little mini team but I try to find people that kind of have a similar aesthetic to mine so that we can collaborate and feed off of each other.



TMR: If you weren’t doing music, what would you commit yourself to?

JB: I think I'd be a midwife. Maybe I still will...

TMR: We’re a blog specializing in new music so are there any up-and-coming bands you’re really enjoying lately? 

JB: I mean these acts aren't big but I love fellow Torontonian Charlotte Day Wilson as well as Daniel Caesar. Also The Lemon Twigs and I mean I can't wait for the next Sunflower Bean record.

TMR: What does the rest of 2017 hold for Weaves? 

JB: Well we started recording our next album today! So lots of writing and touring as per usual.

TMR: Word on the street is Weaves are suckers for a warm cup o’ tea. What is Weaves’ ultimate brew?

JB: heh LOVE TEA. Rooibos is my main jam because I try not to drink too much caffeine and it seemingly tricks my mind into thinking it's a black tea.



Weaves is out now (via indie-rock stalwart Memphis Industries) and catch the band on tour if you can!

-Karl Jawara