Montreal natives The High Dials have been pumping out infectious power pop for the better part of a decade now. Their newest record, Anthems For A Doomed Youth, was released this past November to widespread acclaim, proving they are one of Canada’s best kept pop secrets.
Combining the very best aspects of The Kinks, The Byrds along with more psychedelic influences such as Love, The High Dials have been championed by high profile publications including NME in Britain and the New York Post.
High Dials vocalist-guitarist Trevor Anderson graciously took the time to take part in the MusicNerd Q & A:
Where do you currently call home?
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Why do you live where you do?
We were all born here and still like it a lot.
What is occupying your time these days?
We’re quite busy working on a movie soundtrack and getting ready for some industry showcases in March (SXSW and CMW)
First record purchased and at what age?
I bought my first record with my own money at age 12. It was a pretty bad single by Gowan, who was my second favorite act after The Police.
When did you start to play music?
I began playing guitar at 16 after several failed attempts. But I started writing songs at 11 and would perform them acapella in the schoolyard. They had a Run DMC/Wang-Chung vibe.
What three records could you not live without?
Songs of Leonard Cohen, Disintegration (The Cure), Wee Tam (Incredible String Band)
Who or what is getting too much attention these days?
Social networking. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but now everybody has to have a Blackberry or iPhone or be an isolated crank.
Who or what is not getting enough attention these days?
Your life, the people around you, the air you’re breathing! This is it, this is your life!
What has been your most memorable show?
Playing the Underground Garage Festival outdoors with people like Bo Diddley, the Stooges and the Creation was pretty memorable. There was hurricane approaching that night too, lots of storm clouds as the festival ended. We still think back on it frequently.
Worst career moment thus far?
We played a show to one audience member in the basement of a ratty NYC club. The music upstairs was so loud it was bleeding into our show. The microphone was filthy. We broke two strings in the first song and then just stopped playing. Very bad feelings afterwards. Definitely a repressed memory!
Most extravagant rider item?
A rider is pretty extravagant for us.
Why should people care?
Hahaha. I don’t know if they should, there are way more important things in the world. I hope we communicate something wordless in a way that excites the synapses. The best and truest thing I can say is that we put everything into what we do, it’s no game or marketing idea. The music matters a lot to us, it’s our existence on a plate. Best enjoyed with a beer and a turntable or live.