Following on from last week’s profile of Ustralian, we get to know Deaf Wish, a Toronto based record label, website, party thrower and much more… Rock Trembath fills us in on what they’re up to North of the equator.
What is Deaf Wish?
DEAFWISH started as a record label for the music our friends were making. As time went it on, it progressed to embrace a distinct brand of party and a loud – do it yourself – type sound. We’ve released vinyl, tapes, CD’s mp3’s & podcasts of music we consider worth hearing.
Now that is our main objective. To spread music we consider good.
What inspired the name?
We have pretty solid roots in rap music, so deathrow records was where I started with the line of thinking. The whole ‘murder was the case’ approach to thinking wasn’t something we could relate to… our mums hugged us too much or something – but that “all or nothing” approach to music always spoke to me.
It stems from the idea that music is the only thing worth living and dying for.
Also, it was the first .com domain name that was available when we checked 😉
You have the tag “Deafwish is a Lifestyle” on the website – tell us a bit more about that…
The slogan we’re rollin’ on right now is “Live Loud, DIY DEAF”. It really calls out to the fact that we all have had our hands in punk rock and we tend to live that way. Cheap beer, crappy tattoos and music that pushes back on the mainstream sound are all a big part of what we’re doing. Not to say that there aren’t exceptions in the mainstream, we just tend to focus on the people who are going to do the music anyway.
Aside from music we’ve sponsored eating contests, amateur fights and a bunch of other stupid crap that falls in line with our idea of having a good time.
If you like what you’re listening to & are having fun with friends, then you’re on your way to livin’ DEAFWISH.
What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?
Recently? Sisqo & the Yin Yang Twins with an open bar at Mighty in San Fransisco. In Europe, I’d say my birthday at the Old Blue Last in London. Here in Canada, we’ve torn up the Bovine during Canadian Music Week. If you see an old punk lady with no legs picking a dude up at the end of the show, things have gone to plan…
That’s some DEAFWISH action haha
What’s the best party you’ve ever thrown?
Probably the Pancake eating competition at the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg.
A: The bands were all awesome.
B: a guy ate his own puke to try and stay in the comp
C: the two finalist chugged ranch dressing out of the trophy to decide who won
My mom was so proud.
If I was going to dedicate the next 15 minutes listening to Canadian music, what do I need to hear?
That one is tough because there is a lot of Canadian music that I feel never got it’s chance to shine. First off, I got to throw it out to 70’s rockers “The Stampeders”. I still listen to “Wild Eyes” when I need a pick me up.
As for more current music, I’d have to put you on to Bloodshot Bill & any of the Transistor 66 stuff. Mac DeMarco, the pack A.D. and this band I just saw in Toronto called July Talk. I’d also have to rep my boys in Up’n’Atom for making me wish I could land kickflips and Arctic Circle for keeping the metal scathing black.
Outside of local music, what’s on your iPod?
All kinds of stuff!! I have a hard time staying true to a genre. Excision is some insane dubstep from Kelowna, I’m a sucker for the Plies mixtapes because they’re so street and far from my reality. I try to keep on top of who mixmag is dropping sets from… I’m kinda a music whore.
I’ve also got a weak spot for classic country like marty robbins, loretta lynn and all the crap my parents played in the car.
Best thing about working in music media?
Meeting people from around the world who love the art form that I do. Finding new venues and seeing/hearing what they have to offer.
Worst thing?
The hangover? hahaha
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Learn more about Deaf Wish at their official website: http://www.deafwish.com/
