Interview with POLARITY

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

I grew up listening to oldie artists and bands that my dad listened to back in the day. It drove me to eventually start playing these same songs on the piano and guitar. Then one day I watched my very first concert at my high school which was a battle of the bands competition. I was so inspired to be in a band that I started taking music lessons and then eventually started playing in bands myself. Had I not gotten into music, I probably would be a computer programmer or a pharmacist which were what my parents wanted me to be!

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

When I'm not playing music I'm working heavily on my martial arts training. It's the only other passion that never interferes with my music but also helps to enhance it. It perfects my overall character to help breathe more during performances, work on my physical stances when moving on stage, and calms my mind down when I get tired, stressed or frustrated.

How long has your band been around?

In total of 12 years (the last 2 years didn't count since we were all in lockdown haha). We've had numerous band member changes but for the majority of the band it's always been Jasmine and I.

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

We're based out of Toronto Canada. Toronto is a very hard music scene to break into but we've been very fortunate to also share the stage with many other heavy bands all across Ontario with a similar sound to ours.

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

When we were first rehearsing with Jasmine she brought up the name to us and it stuck with us ever since. It represents the kind of band she always wanted to be in (the duality of heavy rock vs light ethereal music) and it still resonates with us even until today.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Some of the best live shows were at popular venues in Toronto like The Opera House, Lee's Palace and The Mod Club. They have big stages with big sound. One of the other most memorable shows was playing at River Bar at Echo Beach opening the event for Sum 41.

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

Lee's Palace in Toronto. We're very familiar with the stage and the staff know us well. The only other ones in Toronto to cross off our list would be the Phoenix, Massey Hall and of course the Budweiser stage!

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

Deftones, Incubus, Gojira, Mudvayne, Flyleaf (with Lacey back), Chevelle, Dream Theater and Thrice

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?

Definitely practice and rehearse often. Both by yourself and with your band. Always communicate everything together with your band because you always need to be on the same page. Also check your ego at the door because it's about the band and what you bring to the band not how big of a diva you can be.

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

Be more careful who to trust in the industry. Always get everything in writing and never do anything even of its for fame that compromises your bands music and essentially its soul.

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

Event Horizon. It really encapsulates the duality of light vs dark sound and it's also one of the most technical songs to play on guitar.

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

Lately my personal favorite is Circle, one of the 3 newest tunes we did live off the floor at Jukasa studios. This song is also the very first time I'm playing on a 7 string guitar to which has been a fascinating new challenge for me! As for the most requested song I would have to say Tug of War. It's an older tune but it resonates well with the audience and they enjoy every second singing to it.

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

It can vary from time to time. Usually I start with a guitar riff and some other song ideas to bring to the band at rehearsal. Other times Jasmine comes up with lyrics and a story for us to write guitar to. And other times we would all just do an improv jam together and then something cool usually comes out of that.

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

Mainly to challenge the listener to really listen to the words Jasmine sings and flow they're with the music. Our lyrics are that of the human experience and it calls you to feel emotions and to think different ideas about our world as we know it.

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

Of course we do just like in any relationship in life. We always try to understand where each of us are coming from and we do our best to come to a compromise and agreement.

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

After a very long hiatus away from the stage and with two brands new members, we want to come back with a stronger presence. We recorded 3 live off the floor tracks and music videos to share with the world as they best represent us and how we perform live. We also just finished a run of shows during the summer and we're gearing up for the new year with new music we've written and looking to get a new album out in time before tour and festival season next year.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Yes! Always stay in touch with us on our Instagram and our Facebook pages. Keep listening to us on Spotify and also keep checking out our music videos on YouTube.

https://polaritymusic.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/track/1BWky9xyVOwO9zgSMca8sO?si=MlCD-pY4SMyWdVbH5ry9jQ&utm_source=copy-link

https://youtu.be/Mu8zob_h7M4