Mathieu Vilandré, drummer for Canadian Grindcore band Fuck The Facts.
Fuck The Facts Interview
– How is 2012 starting off for you Fuck The Facts?
Shot’gunnin beer while continuing to work on new material. Also, we just started playing shows again after a three month break. All and all its going to be a great year once again, looking forward to hitting the road, see old friends and make new ones.
– Can you tell me about the process behind the recording of the latest Fuck The Facts album Die Miserable?
In the past, the band usually recorded itself. The first times we actually when in a studio for a full length was for SH5 and Disgorge Mexico. We wanted to do something different for Die Miserable so we decided to bring out ye olde DIY method (So just go back to what we used to do). We were always hands on when working with other people but now, everything relied on us. Topon has a small studio in his mother’s basement, Apartment 2 recording, so we rented some stuff, used other shitty stuff and spent a month in there. Used a click track, cranked the amps and had fun. We do at least two pre production demos of the album before heading in the studio but it’s always at the time of tracking these songs for the actual album that they really come to life. We change stuff at the last minute and I think it gives a lot of character to the recordings. Our friend Craig (worked on many of our recordings) helped us with his knowledge of sound and mixed the little bugger. Alan Douches mastered it.
– Where do you find the inspirations to write music?
It all depends, we all write and have different approaches and methods. Topon really likes to write at jam, most of the time it’s only him and me so it makes it easier. Disgorge Mexico is the prime example; it is the direct result of a shit ton of jams. I like to work on the songs at home, in front of my computer screen. I usually send the guys complete songs with drums and all. I need to be in a bubble drinking a spirit of some sort, preferably whiskey. Inspirations? Not quite sure, I try to never force it out. I don’t write many songs but I try to make to most of it when shit does come out.
– How is the Metal scene in Ottawa these days?
To be quite honest, I’m not quite sure. From what I can see, it seems to be going decently well. We have a lot of great bands and some pretty good promoters too. I don’t go out often. I work in a bar that has shows so I’m usually fed up by the time there’s a cool show coming through town. I know some people complain about it here but believe me, there’s way the fuck worst. Ottawa is actually doing pretty well, in my opinion.
– What are your current endorsements?
I endorse many things. No one endorses me.
– What’s your vision on the Internet as a tool to promote and market Music?
It’s great, it really is. Instead of sending letters to Grindcore enthusiasts, we send them emails. I’m sure people trade less cassette tapes and 7” records then 15 years ago but it opened an all new world to smaller and bigger bands. I like it old school but I’m no purist, fuck that. I think it allowed the underground music scene to be even more organized and efficiently shared around the world. We use it daily to promote our music and meet new people that might help us on our retarded journey, so it’s good.
– With all the bands coming out today. Do you keep updated with what comes out online at all?
Absolutely not, I make a conscious effort to not be hyped by any band. At least, I try not to. I love discovering a band two years after everyone fucking talked about them (or two years before anyone talked about them!). I feel less biased. I try to do that with everything. I want to be excited about it. Everything is so easily available that it loses a certain value; it’s the downfall of a growing immaterial and crazy accessible market and reality.
– Are there any other products or projects we can see in 2012 and in the future?
Many things but most of them are in an embryonic state. We do have this weird thing going on call Merdarahta. Check it out here: http://merdarahta.bandcamp.com
– Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
Wake up, punch in, work 4 hours, 30 min break, work 4 hours, punch out. Fuck no… We don’t live glorious lives. I wake up smelling like whatever the fuck I drank the night before and I try to do as little as I can. We all work our day/night jobs and jam in the evening. We usually work on band stuff during the day (Writing, booking, practicing, etc). I don’t think there’s a default day for us really except maybe a shitty one. I love it.
– What’s the difference with playing tours in Canada versus playing overseas for Fuck The Facts?
Obviously, there are significant cultural differences, even between countries within Europe. We don’t even drive ourselves so that’s pretty cool. We can legally drink in the van while on the road, also cool. We played a lot of squats. Venues are generally very generous and organized. It’s a different culture of hospitality. There’s an inherent curiosity towards foreign or unknown bands, they know it’s a rare occasion so they make sure not to miss it. There’s a huge language barrier, depending on the country. We definitively are more into the unknown when we’re there, makes it exciting.
Thanks for everything.
Vil.
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