INTERVIEW: Goodnight, Sunrise — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Goodnight, Sunrise

___________

SOME of the best songs come out of…

despairing periods and hard times. That is the case with Goodnight, Sunrise and their new single, Remember Now. It revolves around an inter-band relationship/break-up; the resultant division has compelled a song that will strike a chord with many – the Canadian group tell me more about it. Vanessa, David and Paul are one of the most promising bands out of Toronto right now; pushing forward and keen to come to the U.K. and play here.

I ask them about the earliest days and the music that inspires them; whether they are planning ahead already; how the video for Remember Me came together; how this Christmas will play out – and advice for any new songwriters out there.

________

Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been? For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hi, hi, hi! We are Vanessa, David and Paul – A.KA. Goodnight, Sunrise…A.K.A. a super-fun-Indie-Rock 'n’ Roll band from Toronto, Canada!

Remember Now is your new song. I believe its origins are rooted in heartache a tough time. Can you tell us more?

Ooooooh…you want the dirt?

Basically; think Don’t Speak by No Doubt - but not at all famous. But, for real; the short version: Dave and Vanessa started out as friends, became a couple about two years into the band and recently (this summer) broke up. The song Remember Now pays homage to the friendship while remembering the pain and sadness that comes with a breakup. What they’ve been able to do is put the band, the music and the love first; to move through it and create something new...

Something whole.

Was it quite therapeutic putting the song out? Did you learn something about yourselves hearing it back?

Putting the song out was incredibly cathartic.

It was a tangible way to make sense of an emotional time; sharing the experience with others made us feel as though what we went through was worth it in the end. Music helps us make sense of our crazy journey on this planet – and we hope that our music does that for our listeners as well.

How important was director Ryan Brough with regards capturing the song’s spirit in the video?

Ryan’s vision was immeasurable. It’s funny; although we only met Ryan when the shooting began, he quickly understood us – possibly more than we understood ourselves! He had a sixth sense when it came to capturing the tiny moments, looks and laughs that make up the rich fabric of our band family. Every time we watch the video, we catch a glimpse of some secret moment that we haven’t noticed before – some secret moment that Ryan found and threw in there.

He’s totally like an intuit…but for music videos!

Is there going to be new work arriving from you guys next year?

HECK YA!

Can you take me back to the start and how Goodnight, Sunrise came to be? How did you all discover one another?

Oh God…that’s a lonnnnng story….

But it starts with David and Vanessa joining ANOTHER totally different band called The Big Deal - that’s how they met. They quit that band, started a new one; found Paul on Craigslist (as one does), and the rest is history...

What music do you each grow up listening to? Do you all share tastes?

Hahahahahahahahhhaah. Sorry. But, no; we definitely all do not share tastes – that’s what makes our music different, unique and so collaborative...

David: Michael Jackson and U2.

Paul: Pearl Jam and Led Zeppelin.

Vanessa: Britney Spears and Tiesto.

It seems like Canada is a nation with a lot of talent coming through. Is there a supportive and exciting music scene where you are? Is it easy to get gigs and support?

Absolutely! Canada is amazing. There is SO much talent - and we’ve found a supportive community in every single town we’ve ever played in. Toronto is our home and we’re proud to say that we’ve been part of an ever-growing and ever-increasing community of musicians and promoters.

We’re really lucky to be able to call this place home sweet home!

IN THIS PHOTO: Tokyo Taboo

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

Okay. We actually saw THE most amazing band in Toronto last month…and they were from LONDON! U.K. readers: if you ever get the chance, make sure to check out Tokyo Taboo! It was one of the best shows we’ve seen in a while - and their new album is INCREDIBLE!

In terms of Canadian artists; our faves include Sumo Cyco, July Talk and Dear Rouge!

IN THIS PHOTO: Dear Rouge

Are there plans to come to the U.K.? Have you performed here before?

Our favourite tour ever was the one we did in 2016…to the U.K. We couldn’t believe the support and enthusiasm we were met with. It was absolutely incredible and we really can’t wait to come back. We’re planning several tours to the U.K. for 2018 - depending on which festivals we get into.

We hope to be there at least twice – we love you guys and really want to make the U.K. our second-home for our musical ambitions!

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Failure is an obstacle, not an absolute. Act like that’s the only truth on this crazy planet. Oh, and also; don’t be mean…

To anyone…ever (smiles).

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

One-hundred-percent play Make It Out Alive by Tokyo Taboo. It’s our new fave song. It’s SO rocking - and we love to support local (for you!) artists; especially those who feel as passionately as we do about supporting women in the music industry!