Calling All Captains Interview
Originating from the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta, Calling All Captains is pop-punk/post-hardcore band that comprises Luc Gauthier on vocals, Brad Bremner on guitar and vocals, Connor Dawkins on guitar and vocals, and Tim Wilson on drums. Together, they have embarked on an exciting musical journey, earning a reputation for their electrifying performances and heartfelt song writing. They are now back with a new EP titled “(e)motion sickness”.
We caught up with the band to talk about their artistry, creative process, new EP and memorable times.
- How did Calling All Captains come together? Can you share the story of how you all met and decided to form the band?
Band: The current lineup formed about 6 years ago when our previous vocalist left the band. We had the crazy idea to move Luc from drums to vocals. The first song we did was ‘Disconnected’ and it just clicked - except now we didn’t have a drummer. We had all watched Tim play with his previous band ‘Greater Than Giants’ and absolutely loved his style. We asked him to fill in for a tour and he enjoyed it so much that we’ve stayed that way ever since!
- What were some of the early challenges you faced as a band starting out in Edmonton?
Luc: I think the hardest thing was that all of our touring was a DIY venture. We aren't from a place where bands typically come on tour, so getting an opening slot was - and still is - very difficult. We see many smaller bands get picked up for tour support but we are stuck constantly headlining largely due to our location. This has always been difficult to overcome.
- How do you manage the creative process within the band? Is there a particular member who takes the lead in songwriting, or is it a collaborative effort?
Band: Luc and Connor do a majority of the songwriting, but all members are integral to shaping the sound. Our producer Quinn Cyrankiewicz also plays a huge role in how our songs develop from demos to finished product.
- What has been the most memorable moment for you as a band so far?
Band: Probably opening up for The Offspring in our hometown and seeing a crowd of 10,000 people looking up at us.
- The title of your new EP is "(e)motion sickness". Can you explain the meaning behind the title and how it ties into the themes of the EP?
Luc: We actually decided on the name before we had written all the songs. Our lyrics generally tie into the theme of being sad and dealing with those emotions, but once we coined the name we could really write with a purpose. Being emotionally unwell can mess you up and affect your physical health, not just your mind.
- Can you share some insights into the recording process for "(e)motion sickness"? Any particular moments in the studio that stand out?
Connor: The recording process is probably the thing I enjoy most about being a musician. It’s where I can truly bring my ideas to life and set them in stone. I’m always going back and changing demos while working on them, but once we lay down the final takes and call it a wrap - that’s how those songs will always exist to everybody that will hear them. Every little aspect is important at that stage. I really enjoy working with our producer Quinn - he is a phenomenal guitar player and songwriter and we always seem to be on the same wavelength in studio. We’ll have ‘aha!’ moments all the time where we realize we’re both thinking the same thing without saying it. It makes the recording process really fun and exciting.
- Which track on the EP holds the most significance for each of you, and why?
Luc - Skin & Bones. this is the first time I've ever opened up about my difficulties eating and it felt freeing to take hold of it.
Connor - One More Day. This song is very personal to me and it’s the first track where I take the lead vocal. I wrote it about how as you grow older you start to realize that not everybody around you is going to be around you forever. People get sick, people leave, people pass on to whatever is after this life.
Tim - Sunbeam. I feel like this track embodies a lot of our previously unchanneled creative intuitions. We explored ideas, sounds, and vibes that no one has heard from Captains yet. There are definitely tracks on this EP that have our “classic” sound, but Sunbeam is one step into the future.
Brad - Be Cool. I feel like this song is the first step in a new direction for us. It has elements of both pop punk and post hardcore, but also some new vibes that we haven’t experimented with yet. It’s the first open doorway into a new sound that our fans will be hearing more of from us in the future, and we’re very excited to see where it takes us.
- You're about to embark on a tour this summer. What are you most looking forward to about hitting the road again?
Luc: We just got back from this tour at the time of writing this, and I can say it was an absolute blast. Visiting some smaller cities across BC was a real treat to see how far our music has reached, and we’re excited to be hitting the USA again for the first time since before covid.
- What are your aspirations for the future of Calling All Captains? Where do you see the band in the next few years?
Band: Opening for Nickelback. No, it’s not a joke. Thoughts become things.
- What advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting out and looking to make a name for themselves in the music industry?
Luc: Just go do it. Don't be afraid to put out that song for the fear it doesn't do well. You can write another! Don't be afraid to book that show in the case it doesn't sell out. You can play more and meet new friends!
Just get out there and see how far you can push it. You won’t know until you try.
- Reflecting on your journey, what has been the most important lesson you've learned as a band?
Brad: As a band, I think the most important lesson we’ve learned is to persevere. There are lots of highs and lows in the music industry, and sometimes the hardest thing to do is to keep going when you’re never sure if you’re going to “make it”. You get good opportunities, and passed by on others, and picked up and dropped by labels, and at the end of the day none of that matters, you gotta keep the same work ethic despite whatever else is going on. We know so many other musicians and bands that were more talented and had more potential and just gave up at some point, and the longer we’re in the game the more we realize it’s just about finding a way to persist and carry on, no matter what. Good things will come to you, but only if you keep going.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Callingallcaptainsband/
