Fundraising has gone amazingly since the last update, as we're currently sitting at $2500!! Tons more sponsors and some huge donations have climbed this hill quickly, I couldn't be more appreciative. The pressure of fundraising is off, and now the pressure of actually being in shape enough to ride this course is taking over. It's such an awesome challenge to take on though, I'm more excited every day.
We went on our first group ride this weekend, a group of 5 of us went from downtown Vancouver out to the Burnaby/Coquitlam border and back. Took us a little over two hours and was great fun! It's very enjoyable to ride with a few more people, you have a great mass as a group and can't help but get noticed more by other vehicles and pedestrians alike. It's a very nice safe feeling, and I look forward to more group rides in the future.
This week I'll be looking to keep the two hour training rides going, maybe even try and push for a 3 hour ride at some point. My body is responding to the bike nicely so far, so I think I can push a bit more and see how it goes.
The bike is amazing to ride. It's so fast and capable. You can ride for an hour and feel like you've barely started, so I want to get out and push and really wear myself out, find that line right now. :)
We head into the first weekend of December, and it's time for my weekly update! Another exciting week for my fundraising goals, as we've passed the $1000 mark, thank you all again! We're doing some kick ass work together I must say ;)
Our next rider meeting is coming up this Tuesday, so I will pass any juicy tidbits along from there as well. Hopefully it will get us one step closer to getting on the bikes, and I can start updating you all on my training rides and such. As well as it will allow me to hopefully start a few of the other fundraising ideas I have.
Training has been going better and better I think! I've been really enjoying the gym days, getting more and more comfortable. I've even gone on my own a few times now and seem to be doing pretty well on my own too, which is very exciting. I also got out for a good 15k run this week, and mixed in a bunch of hills along the way. Even with all the hills my time was as fast as I've ever been, so that's positive as well! I really need to get on the bike so I can see how much of that will convert into the saddle.
I'm also doing some "cross training" up on Grouse over the winter on the ole snowboard, I figure that's a great treat for myself to call it training, and I have access to the mountain this winter, so I might as well take advantage! Let me know if you're heading up sometime, I'd love to meet some new faces out there! Shoot me an email here if you like.
I have to do another special thank you to all my personal donors so far, Paulo Almeida, Derek Snider, Dee Girdler, Jeff Lawrence, Steve Colterman, Jordan Cunningham, Justine and Craig, Erin Glazier, Cheryl Bloxham, Tyver Wilhelm, Thayne Gilliatt, Megan Hamilton, Erin Barker, Bob Gray, Delores Laszuk, Jason Hallman, Melissa Leib, Jill Constantine, Tony Ambrogio, Paige Clarke, Mark
Stephenson, Roger Lafleur, Dan Lorimer, Steph Scott, Aunt Denise and all you anonymous donors! You guys
rock, this is so amazing, thank you!
That's about it for this week, thanks for stopping by, hit me up with anything you'd like to see! See you all next week :)
Happy Riding!
A great Shad jam from his new album that I've been digging so much :)
Another week down, the time goes so fast! Can you believe Sunday is December 1? Hope you've got your Christmas shopping started. Not this guy, but I thrive in the last minute of play. ;)
I've got an idea for a fundraising campaign as well, hoping to get up to Hastings Street this week and talk to our friends at Wheelhouse Seafoods. I'm hoping to do a little stationary riding outside their shop for a few times over a couple of weeks, and use that time to collect donations, but also advertise a day where customers can have their Seafood dinner delivered by bicycle for donations. A chance to get out in the community and meet some peeps and hopefully shed some weight from peoples wallets ;).
We're one step closer to getting our hands on the bicycles now. Every day the anticipation grows within. The butterflies grow with each donation as well, so many people to represent, and such a long bike ride to take on. I just want to get on the bike and start training for some peace of mind haha. I know I can do it, and will make you all proud, but it's still a little intimidating I have to say. Who doesn't like a little pressure anyways though, right? Bring it on I say!
Training has been going well still. Still meeting with my trainer once a week. My legs are completely dead today from yesterday. I think that's a good sign. So my trainer says anyway! I have only been on one run in the last week, so I need to get a few of those going this coming week. Tomorrow will be a great time to start!
I did manage to get out and snowboard at Grouse Mountain this week. My first time on a snowboard in 12 years! It was lots of fun, and I think it will help my legs as well. Even with the working out I've been doing, and the running I have been keeping up with, my legs were still toast at the end of each lap. I forgot how much that board can kick your ass down the hill. It felt soooooo good to get out though, very happy to be back on the board.
I'm a little behind on this latest post, so my apologies. Good news is, it's been an amazing stretch for fundraising! We're currently sitting at $655 from 20 different donors! It's been absolutely incredible so far. My vocabulary can't match my gratitude. I'm so thankful for all your amazing support. You guys are amazing. Thank you.
...As for training, I've been staying on the runs which is great. I've also been to the gym 4 weeks now with my trainer, and I'm starting to get pretty comfortable there, that's a great feeling too! I've never liked the gym, or been comfortable there in the the past. But having a trainer is such a great tool, I would suggest it to anyone who is maybe nervous about joining. I can honestly say I'm already looking forward to the next session.
I should also be getting some more information on our bikes very soon. Our contact will be back and I'm hoping it will mean we can get moving forward, so I can start riding! The first route I thought of was heading out to Horseshoe Bay from Second Narrows. Marine drive would be a nice ride I think, though I'm not sure how the road is there for riding, any one have any idea? I'm thinking the longer rides I do, I'll have to find a good coffee joint as a half way spot. Sounds like a delicious treat for the halfway mark!
I've got some fundraising ideas brewing, but I'm still looking for any you might have! I've been contacted by the ride from a person who helps with exactly this, so I'm hoping she will have some helpful tips for me as well. I'm trying to think of more unique things too, maybe a record swap or something? This is why I need you to just come up with the genius ideas for me! Seriously. Leave a comment or shoot me an email.
That's all for this week, next week hopefully I'll be able to expand on my fundraising idea a bit and see if it would be something worth pursuing. An interest gauge of sorts! Thanks for stopping by everyone.
Well another week down, another night in the gym in the books. It's only been three workouts, but I'm starting to hit a bit of a groove with my trainer. Things are feeling more natural, and the next day hasn't been completely miserable, so I think we're headed in the right direction!
I only managed to get out for two runs in between workouts this week. I ran a 5K faster than I ever have before, so that was great! Though I haven't got out for a good long run in a while though, so I'll be looking to do that this week. Get out and really stretch myself out and push it. Feel free to share in the comments section where some of your favourite runs or rides are!
Fundraising has gone the opposite way for me so far though. The ride is a long way off, so I'm not panicking or worried yet, but it's making me a bit anxious for sure. I'm still at the $195 mark, so I haven't managed to coax any money out of anyone else this week. I've got some good leads for donations in the new year, so that's great. It's just a bit intimidating knowing how much further I have to get.
I've got some ideas for fundraising ideas out in the community, perhaps a store or two that I frequent up on Hastings wouldn't mind me doing some stationary riding outside their shops. It would be a good chance to see many people in the day, and I'm sure a few would be happy to give :) I've also been told about using a bar and grill for a Beer/Burger combo which sounds like a good idea. Problem with that for me though is I don't know a ton of people here in Vancouver, so I'm not sure how many people I could get out. Do you have any fundraising ideas you'd like to share?
That's pretty much it for this week. I'm also looking to hear what some of your favourite workout music is? Whether you're going for a run/ride/workout, what do you listen to really get you ramped up? My favourite album right now is "Flying Colours" by Shad, check out the single Stylin, one of the best on the album in my humble opinion of course :)
Well I've decided that a good time for writing my updates each week will be the day after I meet with my trainer for good ole "Leg Day". That was yesterday, my legs are dead, so here we are!
Its been another great week for my fundraising goal. Last week I wrote as I hit the $100 mark, and this week I'm sitting at $195, so that's pretty sweet. I've been amazed at all the support already, it's pretty awesome people are willing to help out already, so far from the ride date. Thank you so much for all the mentions and retweets on twitter, the word has spread around. And a great big special thanks to all the donors so far, Jason Hallman, Melissa Leib, Jill Constantine, Tony Ambrogio, Paige Clarke, Mark Stephenson, Roger Lafleur, Dan Lorimer, Steph Scott, and Aunt Denise! You guys rock :)
I've been keeping up on the runs and the training in between gym nights, been hurting a bit on the longer runs lately, just gassed. So lots of work to do still, and a long way to go. But it's nice to have such a great goal to work towards. When the workouts hurt or the runs/rides are in the pouring rain, it's an easy event to think of and stay motivated.
We're in the process of getting the team up and running right now. Very excited for our bike fittings coming up. We've got great sponsors and they're taking care of us 100%. It's still going to be a bit before I get my bike and get start accumulating saddle time, so in the meanwhile I'll keep up the training and be as ready as possible for the day I get my sweet ride!
I'm super pumped for my first decent distance training ride, I've already got it planned out. I just need my sweet new wheels to get it going :)
I have even gone as far as to get myself a trainer for the gym. Setting Wednesday nights aside for an ass kicking, and hopefully prepping myself properly physically for this crazy journey!
I'm about to go for a short run tonight, thought it might be a neat way to see some Halloween decorations in all their glory before they're taken down for another year.
And I'm looking for ideas or suggestions on how to fundraise for my ride, besides pestering you fine folk online :) Feel free to send me anything you think I could use, I need all the help I can get!
I've got butterflies just thinking about this ride, these coming months are going to be crazy! Thanks for stopping by.
This of course is my mountain bike, "The Ride" will
feature a slightly more streamlined setup ;)
I have not wrote on this site in some time. Even logging back in the format is completely different, I'm just typing in the box and assuming this will post just the way it always did haha.
I am extremely excited for this opportunity. There are many reasons for sure, but right now I'm just riding the wave of enthusiasm that seems to grab us when we find a new adventure.
The many stories that I will encounter over the coming months are something I look forward to. I've never done anything like this, and cancer is a subject that everyone is impacted by. So I think this will be a much more emotional journey than I am anticipating even.
My head is all over the place at the moment, there is much more I could touch on, but I think I'm going to leave it at this and not get too scatterbrained.
Well a little more hip hop this time around for you fine folk. This time we head to the bright lights and city sights of Bolton, ON. Yeah, that's right ;). This is where "Scatter" hails from, and his latest free offering Get up to Speed, is worth taking note of.
The album is actually composed of 6 previously recorded tracks. He's offering it up for free, in hopes of building some excitement around his name. It's a great listen, and features some other great Canadian artists (Mic Boyd, D-Sisive and Moka Only). He has an old school sound that I really enjoy.
The first track is named "No Brainer", and it's got that old school vibe that I was talking about. It hooked me into his album right away. Something to nod your head to and really enjoy the beat. My other favourite song would be "Back to Reality" and that track features D-Sisive (who seems to be everywhere these days). The song just zooms along and has a great flow for me.
I've always been a beat guy, and Scatter has me figured right out. I hope we can expect more soon from the Ontario talent. If he keeps pumping out tunes like these, hip hop fans will be Scattering to find his latest.
Just a few more goodies that I came across over the weekend and felt the need to share.
Redgy Blackout is dishing out free music right now. Of course it's only worth downloading if it's good. Thankfully that's no issue for the Van City music makers. Give them a follow also, there hoping to hit 1000 followers before taking off for Toronto. They're not shitty Twitterers either, so it's well worth the follow.
Joel Plaskett is another one of those dudes I can listen to anytime. He and the Emergency are working on a bunch of tracks right now. Once a week they are releasing singles, as well as a "making of" video for each one. It's a pretty cool way of getting the new stuff out there, I'm on board.
Lastly, I know I haven't featured a whole lot of hip hop on here, but I am a fan, and find myself liking it more and more. There are some great Canadians out there that have my ear right now, and a name that's been around for a long while, has all sorts of new stuff going on, and seems very excited about it (how about that run on sentence, that's a doozy). Choclair's back, and his latest track with D-Sisive is pretty sweet. Not gonna lie, I'm pumped to see what he has up next.
You don't need to go 88 MPH to get excited for this stuff!
Come on, how good of a title is that?! :)
I figured I would post a few things I have my eye (or ear?) on coming up in the near future.
Island SoapBox favourite Steph Macpherson has some Toronto shows coming up. For those of you living in the "Big Smoke", free up March 22 (Canadian Music Week Showcase show at Dakota Tavern), or March 24 (Canadian Music Week Showcase at Cadillac Lounge). Get out and see her. You won't be disappointed, I promise you!
Macpherson has an album release in the coming months, and she will be back here in Victoria for some shows before then. You can get out and pre order the album while she is here in town. It's an album I eagerly anticipate!
Steph will be playing Friday April 6th with another SoapBox favourite, Jeremy Fisher, at St Ann's. Sounds like $18 well spent!
Some other albums people are eager to hear are streaming for us right now. Said the Whale, Plants and Animals, and Yukon Blonde all have something to tickle your ear canals (?).
And one more album that I'm super pumped for, Zacharly Lucky has a new offering coming soon, and of course if you follow Lucky at all, you know he's touring. No Victoria stop planned yet, but expect a review of his latest coming soon to Island SoapBox!
Dan Mangan can do no wrong. That's something I strongly believe. He made an album recently and it was called "Oh Fortune". It was really, really good. Like really, really, really good.
So you should just get it (if you haven't already).
Listen to it.
Enjoy.
Repeat.
I know I've said it before on here, and I'm hoping it's not the last time I say it, but Meghan Gamble knows just what I like. This latest gem is from a group called Madison Violet, and their album "The Good in Goodbye".
Released this past September, the twelve track full length is an outstanding effort from the Roots duo. The music feels familiar from the first time you push play. It's a sound that you can relax and tap your toes to at the same time. Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac have been pumping out material since 2004, so this album being as polished as it is makes perfect sense.
The Toronto group has really got it dialed in. "Come as you are" is definitely my favourite song on the album. Killer harmonica off the hop and some great harmonies make this an instant classic. I find myself humming this tune all day long when I hear it.
Another favourite little diddy (and I really believe diddy is the perfect word), is "Cindy Cindy". It hooks me in with the Banjo and the pace. It's just two and a half minutes of fun.
There is no weak point on the album. The ladies have an intoxicating sound that grows on you each and every time you play it. Simply put, it's forty minutes well spent.
Madison Violet have a tour south of the border coming up in support of their latest works. For our American friends, it would be in your best interest to get out to a show when the group comes rolling through. You may be supporting "The Good in Goodbye", but with the talent this group has, you can be sure the "goodbye" part won't be for long.
This isn't exactly "new", but it's been sitting in my inbox for months now, and is one of the reasons that I had to start writing this blog again! (And I have to thank Jen Fritz for it!)
"A Diving Bell" is a a four song E.P. from City of Glass, and the group from Vancouver has got four real beauties here for their next L.P. All four tracks they offer up are quite nice, and I think lead singer Michael Champion will suck you right in. The dude sounds good.
"Sticks and Stones" is the first track on the album, and it's my favourite so far. Right off the hop the guitars pump me up. I enjoy the build of the song, and the intensity of the singing just excites me. Whether you're heading out to Walmart (seriously, what's with those check out lines?!), or jumping on your mountain bike, it's a good jam to get yourself revved up.
The full length is due out sometime this year, and City of Glass have my attention. With the sound and skill these guys have, their next release could very well be your new favourite.
I recently read a review on another webiste that I like to read about a Dog Pack they had tried. Funny enough, my wife and I had the same pack before this one, so I knew just how crappy it was. That is why I had to write this review, because this pack is awesome!
We purchased this a long while back at a shop in Victoria (Capital Iron), and we've been impressed with it ever since. The pack is very durable, and it looks and feels this way in the shop. It has great padding along the straps, and under the whole pack, it seems very comfortable, and Tobias certainly loves it.
The padding is soft though, so your dogs hair is going to stick to it. Along with hair, the soft surface also absorbs water, and therefore your lovely wet dog smell to go with it. A trip to the washing machine will solve this issue in a hurry though.
All cool dog bags have buttons.
The pack has two great compartments for storage. They are plenty big to hold whatever you could possibly want in there (remember to only load your dog up with a MAXIMUM 10% of their total body weight. 40 LB dog = 4 LB carry weight.). We like to have Tobias carry his water and dog bags (and if he's lucky some treats).
The price of the bag is reasonable as well. Right around $50-$60 depending on the size you need. This was actually less than what we had spent on our first bag, so we were really
happy with the cost.
The bag has held up great. We use it almost daily, pretty much everytime we go out the door we throw his pack on him. The zippers and buckles all still function perfectly, and he has worn it in all conditions you can think of. Muddy hikes and bikes, nice long day walks in the sun, and anything in between.
If you are thining of getting a pack for your pooch, Granite Gear is what you want. The price is right and the quality is top notch.
Took a few pics on the new cam, and Sheena put a pretty sweet vid together.
Well I haven't wrote on here in quite some time, and today I'm writing about something I haven't wrote a lot about on here in the past, but I sure am excited about it. Mountain Biking has always been something I have enjoyed, and after some good friends coming out here and visiting my last September, I've really stepped back into the sport.
Growing up in Ontario, we would watch countless videos of guys doing incredible things on their bikes. Most of it didn't seem possible. Huge drops, zooming fast manuals, giant ladders, and stupid-big tabletops were just some of the things we loved to watch our favourite riders conquer.
We watched video from all over the world, but over and over again, British Columbia would be showcased in these videos. Whether it was the crazy networks in the treetops, or the giant trees and boulders that dotted the landscape, we always knew we had to get out there and ride.
I'm lucky enough to call B.C. home now, and it was those good buddies that I used to ride with back in Ontario that really inspired me to get back into riding, to take advantage of this wonderful province and what it offers the outdoor enthusiasts.
The opportunity came shortly after my friends had to leave to purchase a 29'er. I had read a few things here and there on them, and from what I was reading, I knew I had to have one. I've always loved hard tails, it's what I am used to, and to get a faster hard tail with the ability to just roll over things? Sign me up.
I lucked out completely when I came across a link on the Oak Bay Bikes website, they were selling off their demo fleet "aggressively". I was at the shop the next morning, waiting for them to open. A 2009 Norco Jubei 2 was waiting inside patiently for it's new caretaker. I had a ride planned later that morning, and as soon as I got to take that bike for a test spin, I knew I had a new set of wheels for Hartland that day.
A couple hours later, when we put rubber to dirt, it took less than twenty minutes for me to proclaim "I can't believe I've been riding 26 all my life, I feel ripped off!". The bike rolled amazingly. Pointing it down was so much fun, the big wheels feeling plush under me, I've never rode full suspension, but this thing was feeling like one, absorbing the roots and drops, picking up speed. Fast, fast, fast. And when you pointed it up? Same thing. You keep those wheels moving, you feel like you can ride over anything. Rocks that I would have never attempted to climb on my Cindercone felt like no match for the Jubei 2. I felt like a superhero that whole day, riding lines that weren't there the day before. Suddenly my whole riding experience changed.
It was a rosy honeymoon stage with my new steed, and I have to admit, I'm still in it. The ability to throw the big wheels up rocks and climb so aggressively feels amazing. I spend more time in the saddle of this bike because it can keep up with the terrain, going up or down.
Down may be where I was most surprised. As I mentioned earlier, after going from a 26' hard tail to this 29' hard tail, it actually feels plush. The first few drops and downhill runs I took, I couldn't believe how the bike felt like it just floated over the trail. I knew I was the same rider as the day before, but I felt like I was on another level. This bike did nothing but build confidence for me.
Now as the months have wore on, and I've gotten a chance to really put her through the paces, the negatives have made them self clear as well
I don't have the clearance from my crank to the ground that I used to. I'd love to tell you the geometric reasons for this, but I simply don't know (I'm not a big spec guy). It could just be this model, or maybe it's a 29'er thing, but it's definitely worth mentioning (strongly thinking of going to a 1 x10 set up in the near future, this would help).
Also, starting from a stand still is a bit more work that you're used to. The big wheel needs some power to roll over, so if you slip out half way up a climb, chances are you will have a hard time getting started. These are really the only two negatives that I've really had to deal with while riding, and for me personally, the positive far outweigh the negatives.
So I guess what I am trying to say is that I love my 29'er, and I would strongly recommend you give one a go. I know they are easy to joke about, and it might not be the "cool" thing to ride in the Pacific Northwest, but who cares about that? Faster is faster, and that's all I've got since riding the Wagon Wheels.
Hello all, it's been too long :) Thanks for clicking over, since it's been so long between posts. Originally I wasn't even going to post anything, because it's been so long, but these people have got me off my lazy ass, and here we are.
Dan Kosub is lighting up Lucky Bar this Saturday evening (July 23), releasing "Jacobs Island" to the Island faithful. Dan's been super pumped for this show for months, and it should be a great night at the downtown Victoria establishment. "Aurelia" is probably my favourite tune from Dan, mostly because I grew up in "Orillia, Ontario", and the words sound the same. I didn't say it was deep, I'm just telling you why I like it ;). Dan is a really nice guy, and I'd love to know his hard work was rewarded with a killer crowd this Saturday, so get out there!
On Wednesday July 27, Mr. Something Something will be coming through town as well. They have a really fun sound, and their live show reputation is nothing short of awesome. A great local music promoter Nathan Ambrose put me onto these guys, and I'm glad he did. Get over to Metropolis for this Mid-week night out.
Well I don't have much more than that right now, just had to make sure I got these two items up. Hope you guys dig it, enjoy your summer and see you soon!
Well, how many posts can I start this way? It’s been way too long, but I’ve finally got something together here, to share with you wonderful folks out there. This is gonna be a pretty random, and completely packed post. I figure I’m just gonna write about everything I want to share, rather than try and save any of it for another day (cause who knows when the hell that will come?!).
First up is Sidney York, and her brand new album, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic. With no shortage of musical experience, Brandi Sidoryk has put together one beautiful full length. She is calling a few spots in Western Canada home right now, and I'm sure they are all very proud of the talented songstress. Funny enough, the self titled "Apocalyptic Radio Cynic" is probably my favourite tune on the album, it's just effing gorgeous! Look for it at the end of the month.
More new music to sick your ears on is coming to us from Vancouver, as the McAloneys’ and their group Cupla have a couple of awesome new tracks up. This is just a group of super rad people, so to hear them putting out such awesome music is amazing. It’s a group that makes it very easy to cheer for and become a fan. Check out "Path Unknown", that'll bring up your day.
Another fellow Canadian I expect to have a great summer is Bodhi Jones. He’s got lots in the works, and judging by our favourite VanCity Busker’s blog and twitter feeds, he’s stoked about life right now.
As for us Vancouver Islanders, there is plenty to be stoked about these days as well. Personally, I’m beyond excited for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings playing here at Alix Goolden Hall at the end of the month. June brings plenty of talent into town, and I’m really excited that Sasha Lewis will be one of those acts. Keep an eye on her to find out exactly when and where, but plan for mid to late June.
Another act in June worth your time is Jessica Benini. The Victoria talent will be releasing her album June 9th at Upstairs cabaret. With the pipes this woman has, this may be a downright inspiring show to check out.
Also today, presale starts for Rifflandia. They have added Royal Athletic Park to the list of venues, sounds awesome.
And there you go all, a quick and dirty run through of everything that has my attention right now. Plenty of great Canadian content in there, and probably even better then all the mentioned acts music, would be their personalities. Seriously people, how lucky are we to be Canadian and have all these great acts represent us?
Ben Worcester of Said the Whale
talks with Island SoapBox
Well due to some circumstances that we really don't need to get into, I was a little slow on setting up the details of an interview with Said the Whale, while they were in town this past week touring with Dinosaur Bones and Tokyo Police Club. Now just because I didn't get this thing set up in time doesn't mean that you, the reader, should suffer. So I've decided to do the next best thing, and that is just make shit up for them! So here it is folks, the interview with Said the Whale's Ben Worcester and Tyler Bancroft, that never happened, but might as well have ;) (Please note NONE of this is real)
It's great to finally meet you guys! When I started setting this thing up (the interview), you guys were Juno nominees, and now a few months later, Juno Champs! Has there been enough time for that to really sink in? You guys have had some major accomplishments over the past 6 months.
Worcester and Bancroft sit in ridiculous lazy boy recliners (they added 5 Burgundy suede recliners to their Rider after notching the Juno), Worcester plays with his phone through my questions, cheering and cursing the Canucks every move (when women come near, he mumbles non-sense about overseas stock markets), he's not heard one word of mine. Bancroft, unbelievably, is eating grapes from the vine as his new assistant feeds him. Through Gold plated aviators, and after staring at me just long enough to make me think he wasn't going to answer, Tyler offers up his thoughts.
"Let's face it, waiting for the weekend of the Juno's was just a formality. Who the hell else would have won that Juno? Hollerado? What, cause they made a music video in 5 and a half minutes? No it was gonna be Tyler Bancroft and Said the Whale the whole time, we knew this."
Not even Bancroft's complete exclusion of Worcester from the Juno talk can get Ben's attention. At this point he's busy working the venue manager, apparently the wrong sparkling water has been supplied for his tooth brush.
A little taken back from their demeanour, I decide to ask them about the upcoming election. How they feel about the whole process, and this election in particular. I look over at Ben, hoping this will get him going.
He whispers something into Tyler's assistant ear. The assistant hurriedly runs off to get his own personal assistant. This assistant quickly informs me that Ben wants Tyler to answer this question. Tyler spits grape seeds into his assistants open hand, and begins to answer.
"We think the election is garbage. There is no doubt this country needs a new leader, and there is no doubt Ben Worcester is that leader. When the election was announced, Ben was ready to take the "Independent Music Party of Canada" straight to the top. He had people ready to run in 400 ridings. That's more than even exist. But then the big Media Consortium decided that Ben could only be involved in the CBC Radio 3 debate, mediated by Grant Lawrence. When it was found that only Elizabeth May would meet at the R3 event, we said screw it. We're god damned Juno winners, and they want Ben to play second fiddle to the Green Party and Elizabeth May? Forget it. So now we're more interested in the American Story, and possibly helping Donald Trump with his campaign down there."
With one more answer looming before I can get to my seat to enjoy the show, I decide to take the easy way out, serve them up a real beach ball that they can knock out of the park. I ask them, "What's next for Said the Whale?"
Worcester has the correct water for his toothpaste now, and is brushing his teeth, complete with spitting onto the Sugar Nightclub floor. His assistant wipes his chin. Tyler thinks about his response as his assistant tries to shine his sneakers. Finally he starts.
"This is probably it for Said the Whale. I mean you can only be on top, and stay on top for so long. So this is as good as time as any to shut it down. I don't think there's any question now about who the greatest independent band with the word "whale" in their name is, or ever was. So what's left? No one can afford us, the stuff we write now is so astoundingly good, that no one can even "get" it. It's a shame to let someone listen to the best music they've ever heard, and have them not have a clue. The ignorance is mind numbing. It's time to get out before we just go mad."
Worcester has bailed on the interview long before this point. He's actually stopped Dinosaur Bones in the middle of their set to let everyone in the audience know they won't be getting any leadership worth while May 2, and they should "mass exodus" to the U.S. to support his upcoming campaign with Trump. Bancroft's assistant wipes my outstretched hand with disinfectant before Tyler shakes it. The end of my strangest interview that never was had come.
*****Please remember that none of this happened, or was even somewhat close to happening. I have nothing but respect for Said the Whale, and so does the rest of Canada! If there is one thing you should take out of this ridiculous post, it's that you should CHECK OUT SAID THE WHALE!
