Basement Revolver recently released their ace debut album, Heavy Eyes. Now the Canadian trio return to the UK this October for a tour supporting Amber Arcades.
The trio of Chrisy Hurn (vocals, guitar), Nimal Agalawatte(bass, synth) and Brandon Munro (drums) embarked on their first tour of the UK earlier this year, with a set at The Great Escape Festival. Crafting crunchy fuzz laden bedroom pop sound that possesses a melodic bite provided by Chrisy Hurn who shares intimate stories and personal wounds from her past.
Today, Chrisy Hurn answers our twenty questions:
Hi, how are you today and where are you right now?!
Right now I am at home in Hamilton, drinking a coffee in bed. I have most of the day off, so I am just taking it easy.
How do most of your songs start life?
Most of our songs are written either acoustically first or in band practice.
What was the first thing you released?
The very first thing that we released was a demo version of a song called ‘Mountains’ – but I don’t think that you can find that version anywhere anymore. We recorded it in the recording studio at Brandon and Nimal’s College as a school project!
What was the first single you bought?
Ooooooo good question. I don’t know if I have ever bought just a single, I typically wait for full albums. The first album that I ever bought was Seven Swans by Sufjan Stevens, although the first one that I ever owned was the soundtrack to the Titanic, I got it for my 6th birthday ahah!
What are your songs about?
Mostly our songs are autobiographical, although the newer stuff that I have been writing is starting to branch away from that.
Have you ever been starstruck?
Yes, embarrassingly so. The first time it happened was when we opened for We Are The City – it was our first big show. At first I tried to play it really cool and like I didn’t care, but then later on, and a few drinks into the night, I definitely fangirled. They were very kind! I have gotten a lot better at holding my own.
What’s the music scene like back home?
Hamilton has a very special and dear music scene. There are a lot of opportunities to open for bigger bands coming through town, which has really helped us out. There is also a really great community. I feel very lucky to be a part of it – and there are a lot of bands that are starting to get some momentum, so I am so so happy to see that happen. I think that is evidence of a good scene.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you like to be?
I was going to go get my masters in counselling/psychology to become an art therapist, but I decided to do music for a little bit longer. Maybe one day, but at the moment, nothing makes me happier than making music with Brandon and Nimal.
What’s your experience of being a female working in the music industry?
Hahah. Um probably pretty similar to the experience of being a man working in the music industry?
Of course there are insecurities that get in the way, but I think that everyone has that. There are also some creeps out there, but again, I think everyone has that regardless of gender.
What’s your favourite TV show?
A little embarrassing, but incredibly fundamental to my life – Gilmore Girls.
Who are your favourite new acts?
Two bands that I love are coming out of Hamilton/Toronto right now: Ellis and Tallies. They are going to make it big I think.
Best gig you’ve played so far?
Supporting The Go! Team on tour was likely all of our favourites so far – we got to meet some really wonderful people. It was a very fun time!
What are your top five favourite bands/artists?
Ahhhh it probably changes over time, but probably mewithoutYou, Manchester Orchestra, Japanese Breakfast, Weaves, and Hotelier. But again, it probably changes daily.
Donald Trump?! What the hell?!
Agreed. Thank goodness I live in Canada.
Who would you want to play you in the film of your life?
Dang, well she looks nothing like me, and is far cooler than me, but I am a big fan of Ellen Page?
Vinyl, CD, Download or stream?
I collect vinyl and stream mostly.
Debut album Heavy Eyes out now via Fear Of Missing Out.
UK Tour dates with Amber Arcades:
Wed 3 Oct – Bristol – The Exchange
Thu 4 Oct – Manchester – The Deaf Institute
Fri 5 Oct – Glasgow – Mono
Sat 6 Oct – Newcastle – Think Tank
Sun 7 Oct – Hull – The Polar Bear
Tue 9 Oct – Leeds – Belgrave Music Hall
Wed 10 Oct – London – The Dome
Fri 12 Oct – Brighton – The Haunt
Photos – Rohann Agalawatte
