7” Survey: Triple Gangers
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Image courtesy of Triple Gangers
Every edition of this season’s Long Winter, we’re releasing a free split seven-inch, each side featuring a song from one of the night’s featured artists. To compliment the releases, we’ve issued a seven-part questionnaire to each of the artists involved, giving the subjects an inch (about 85 words) of space to answer each of our questions.
Long Winter: Who are you and how did Triple Gangers come together?
Ghislain Aucoin: Triple Gangers is first of all a best friends project that came to fruition while the three of us (Aurora Cowie, Ida Maidstone and Ghislain Aucoin) shared a house on Spencer Ave. in 2010. Songs would explode out of us over coffee and breakfast in the coziness of our kitchen nook as we let our imagination wander to the sounds of the Yamaha PSR-48 (may she rest in peace), which at the time was the source of all Triple Gangers’s beats, pads, and bass lines. We've since then expanded our sound quite a bit to maximize the party vibes.
How about “Roadrash” – what inspired that?
“Roadrash” is a song dedicated to Ida and Steven Scott, for whom the open road is a second home. Their little red Ford Focus has been to Vancouver and back countless times! This song feels special to us because yes it is a love song but it's also an adventure song! I'm imagining Steve and Ida looking cool AF Sonic Youth (Goo) style every time we play this song.
For lots of listeners, this will be their first point of access to your music. Where does this song fit into the rest of your catalog?
“Roadrash” is definitely one of our most loved songs. I feel like all our songs sort of stand out on their own and are part of their own little world and act as reactions to other songs. For example, “Roadrash” is breezy and light compared to, say, “Avalanche.” This juxtaposition of light and dark is one we feel adds depth to the catalogue. I think it's a healthy thing to embrace all the moods that make music fun to perform and to craft a record that takes you in many directions. All of it is uncomplicated dance pop that's meant to bring joy to the listener.
Once they’re turned on to this, what releases (songs, EPs, albums, or otherwise) should people pursue as logical next steps to getting to know your music?
Our album Forecast is one we are proud of and would encourage everyone to listen to, though our back catalogue has some essential picks. Our debut release includes a personal favourite called "Saltwater" that means a lot to us which you can stream on our Bandcamp. I also think we've written a BANGIN Christmas song that all should hear.
When you think of winter, what’s a memory that stands out for you?
Our first ever Triple Gangers show was in January 2010! We came up with a set in one day and just went with it. That winter was special as we didn't have many songs yet so we would improvise on themes such as hand modelling or being a horny cat which helped develop our vocal textures and got us singing weird shit. January 2010 was when Ida met Steve! We all lived together with Karen Ng, whose dad would come over and make us seafood! Good times.
How do you survive winters in Toronto?
I think most people have their rituals that get them thru the dreary months, whether that be books, movies, records, sex, weed, or good food! Living as cozily as possible and surrounding yourself with fun friends – whether they be pets or plants – is essential. Also one can simply embrace the winter season, no? It's refreshing out there and the brisk wind is energizing! Maybe just going with it is one's way to better winter mental health.
What are you most looking forward to for the March 18 edition of Long Winter?
I've actually never been to the Black Box Theatre and have no idea where it is in that great big hall. Queer Songbook Orchestra always dazzles so we'll make sure to catch their set. I've never played Long Winter before and I can't wait! I guess we have to plan our outfits now! That's the best part.