Interview with Maverick

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Music is more than a sound. It changes us, even for a brief moment, and does something deep within us. I guess music got us into music. Needless to say, music was always around growing up, and it wouldn’t be long before we’d go see shows of our own with friends. Being there, feeling the music, looking at the band, there just came the moment for all of us, individually, that we knew. That was it.

I don’t believe there’s anything out there for us that we’d be doing. If there would be a possibility of living in a world with no notion of music whatsoever, for sure we’d be doing something related to art in some kind of way. Or sports... gotta burn all that energy ;)

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Activities we enjoy the most are cooking, video making and brazilian jiu-jitsu. They allow us to be in the present moment and tap in the gut feelings which lead our actions in these due moments. As far as cooking goes, it’s about following a recipe, like an initial song structure. Then, you let creativity flow to add/remove/replace ingredients as you create and make it your own.

How long has your band been around?

We’ve officially put ourselves out there as a formation in 2017.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We’re based out of Montreal. The metal and hardcore scene is quite strong here these days. Although our love for punk rock is the strongest, can’t say it hasn’t touched us in some kind of way.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

As the definition (plus origin story behind the expression) of a maverick goes (an unorthodox or independent-minded person. /…that does not carry a brand. …also used to describe a person who acts free from constraints or organizational guidelines.), all punks have this ‘’maverick seed’’. To us, it is the very definition of a punk. It just made sense to apply the name.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

The first few shows in 2017 were always a blast and very exciting to put our music out there for the first time and see the crowd’s reaction. The last show we played is the one we’re most proud of though. We were fortunate enough to play with the killer bands C.I.D.B. (Montreal), Shit Happens (Winnipeg) and the legendary and most awesome Ripcordz (Montreal). A band who’s been around since the 80’s and has influenced all the generations of punk ever since, and continue to do so, with brio. Plus, it was at the best underground venue in the city (The Traxide), with the finest people in the pit.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Most venues are equally fun, although some are better (chough* Traxide). The crowd is really what makes a gig fun. That being said, our favorite venue in Montreal would be Foufounes Électriques. We haven’t had the chance to play there yet. We’re just waiting for the call… any minute now

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

The list is just way too long for that…. But let’s say we play along, it would go something like this: Operation Ivy, Gorilla Biscuit, The Clash, Queen, Nofx, Rancid, CCR, Cock Sparrer, The Beatles, Green Day, Avenged Sevenfold, Nirvana, Sublime, Blink 182, Motörhead, No Waves, The Dirty Nil, Boundaries, Molotov, Beastie Boys. Ok, we had to stop there. That list could go on forever!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

We’d tell ourselves the same as someone who’s just starting and really wants it: Work ethics. Don’t waste your time with people who don’t take it seriously from the start. Avoid the ones who see a jam session merely as an excuse to party. It’s like any relationship, if you don’t see eye to eye, respect and understanding are lacking, take what’s yours and join forces with likeminded people. A band is supposed to be fun. You gotta enjoy yourself.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Oh, I know I would give myself a few cheat codes hehe. My compadres would tell themselves to know their worth. I guess that goes for all of us. Keep calm, don’t stress, know whatever it is, it doesn’t matter that much. Don’t think or waste time worrying about others’ opinions. Worry about you, and let them worry about themselves. You know, you do you.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

From the ones we’ve put out so far, Epitaph. It’s probably the most sincere one. It’s the inner fight so many of us live daily and struggle with.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Mutineers and A Girl I Know are the most fun for us. Although every song gets asked by the crowd, as they’re all killers ;p, Cockroach and Man of Small Stature (which is also Fil’s favorite) seem to be the most requested.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

We’re driven by passion. When it comes to writing, many things inspire us. Personal stories, goofy things, just ventilating or writing from the heart on matters that seem wrong. As for the music, one usually comes with a good structure and we build around that, together jamming or when practicing on our own. It all depends on how inspiration comes.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Hope and uplifting. Songs vary a lot, depending on the mood and what one is going through in life when writing one, but most of them come back to this.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Oh, sure. Disagreements are normal. We very quickly talk it out, try the different options and point of views, and can easily come to an agreement, or at least, a consensus.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Right now, we’re quite busy preparing and promoting shows. Recordings and merch making are in discussion. We’ve thrown a few ideas around and hope to be back in studio before the end of the year. So exciting!


Yours Truly,

Maverick
(Eddie, Fil, Elliott)

linktr.ee/maverick_punx