of Montreal’s playlist
Kevin Barnes and his collective, of Montreal, are not actually of Montreal. That’s not breaking news, but the truth is hot and fresh.
With the umpteen theories floating around about the Georgian band’s name, I pinned down the group to get the facts as they announced the release of their upcoming album lousy with sylvianbriar.
“We usually don’t like answering that question, but I will. That’s pertinent considering you’re actually of Montreal,” says bassist Bryan Poole.
“Kevin was a gymnast at an early age and there was a really important competition in Montreal. His dismount went awry and he broke his leg.”
Kevin’s injury took him out of the competition and sent him straight home for a lengthy recovery.
“His life had been geared towards gymnastics, but he had to recuperate and stay in bed,” Bryan says. “That’s when he picked up the guitar.”
If it wasn’t for the Montreal incident, Kevin might not have discovered music the way he did.
“In a weird way, for Kevin, where the music comes from is Montreal,” Bryan adds.
With some of the bands’ musical influences rooted in the 80s, Bryan’s made a playlist of artists from the epic era.
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Prince
“I could give you a list of 5 Prince records.”
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Grace Jones
“Aw, Grace Jones!”
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Cyndi Lauper
“I just really like Cyndi Lauper.”
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David Bowie
“Bowie is the ultimate. He’s so ‘I’m not what you think.’ Creating characters like Ziggy Stardust, he made things so theatrical. He’s up there with the cleverest.”
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The Cure
“I absolutely love The Cure!”
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Madonna
“She had a lot of impact in a lot of different ways. They’ve figured out a whole formula based on her. Britney Spears and that pop stuff are like watered down versions of what she was doing. Madonna’s on a major label, but she’s still an independent savvy woman. I think Madonna knows how to manipulate. Look, she’s still here and headlining.”
of Montreal’s new album, Lousy With Sylvianbriar, is available now. Find the band on twitter and facebook.