Synthetik Blonde

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

Brad: the song ‘Long time’ by Boston made me want to play guitar and if I wasn’t doing music I’d be a cartoonist.

(I) Stefani: my first tape cassette karaoke machine when I was very young and if not music then I teach but also would be a painter (I used to paint and sell my art).

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

We both love listening to music, are artists and love travelling. We find inspiration and ideas in the world around us- every day living through life and love experiences, but especially when listening to music and travelling. I often write lyrics on roadtrips.

How long has your band been around?

Just a few years. We officially formed early in 2020 after we shared a moment overtop of Don Henley’s ‘Boys of Summer.’

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

We are from Regina, SK. I don’t feel our roots influence our music per say (our music is far removed from country) but living in a smaller community with less to do we had lots of time to play and create, especially when things were shut down.

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

Brad suggested a few variations with the word Blonde in them and spitballing ideas off of “Blonde” birthed what is now Synthetik Blonde (ironically we are both natural blondes). We chose SB because our sound relies heavily on my Roland fa-06 synth and our electronic rock sound is a perfect fit with the name; but also because lyrically and visually I enjoy playing with/challenging societal norms and issues in a playful yet cheeky way. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Well we’ve just started performing live and have had some amazing shows. Two shows ago (June- our album launch party) I (Stefani) rockstar donkey kicked my guitar over and poppedy nose ring out almost simultaneously mid song but kept right on going - our fans/friends still talk about it (Though I’ve since gone wireless).

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

My yard is actually my favourite at the moment and I will be looking to host bands there. I love/prefer outdoors there’s just something different about the energy and sound - it comes alive as it moves through the air!

We have our first venue gig at The Lot Club in Regina on July 28th. Our dream show id anywhere in the mountains at an outdoor festival! But also specifically the summit of Banff overlooking the panoramic view!

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

Brad would love to play with FM Attack, Pink Floyd and/or Journey at any show or festival.

I’m of a similar mind but additionally: softie Tukker, Blondie, Madonna, or Gwen Stefani would be just amazing!

(Outdoor festivals like Shambhala would be amazing but any electronic rock festivals)

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?

Never give up! When you feel like giving up it means you’re getting close so keep pushing ahead! Grow thick skin as fast as you can and don’t waste time on haters rather give all your attention to the ones who see you!

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

Get your act (insert flavourful word here) together. Don’t give energy, time and space to things that move you away from your goals!

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

Awe we love them all… this is hard to choose!

Brad: “‘Fly With Me’ because anyone else could have written it and I would love it just the same. It has one of my chord progressions, a beautiful theme, soaring melodic vocals, and I get to take off on a big melodic guitar journey.

(I) Stef: “Which one means the most hmm..  they’re all my babies but if I can only choose one I’d have to go with ‘In Love’ because it tells the origin story of how we met and essentially there would be no Synthetik Blonde if we hadn’t”

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

New Addiction

Under My Skin

Do You Wanna Know

Dreams Of You

La La La

Fly With Me

And In Love

We get a lot of requests for La La La, Synthetik Love, Fire & Ice, Under My Skin and In Love.

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

I (Stefani) am the primary composer and lyricist finding inspiration in life and the world around me. For example: our Synthetik Love track is about choosing yourself and walking away from someone who says they love you but use the word to manipulate, control and keep you. Typically each song is created by playing and having fun on my synth. Sometimes I have a theme or word already in my mind but most of the time I start as a blank canvas. As I’m laying down chord progressions and the form I hear a melodic line and the words just come flying out of me. Then I adjust/add layers of sounds and vocals and voila a song is written. I rip the composition from my FA-06, record vocals then Brad brings his tasty guitar magic and lays it down. We do all our own recording and production right in our home studio.

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

I talk alot about: Love the right kind and the wrong kind, but also encourage liberty, freedom, authenticity and acceptance of the self.

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

Oh yes!!! But not often mostly because I’m right- isn’t that right Bradley?! (He laughs) ok but seriously and honestly our disagreements are  mostly concerning which songs to showcase in a shorter set- because we love them all but can’t always perform them all. And me trying to convince Brad to wear sequins!

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

Yes we want to spotlight that we just filmed our first professional music video for “Dreams Of You” working with talented Sask filmmaker Aaron Sinclair (made by possible by Creative Sask funding through the export and market grant). We’re excited to plan and host a viewing party event as soon as production is completed.

We also just released our sophomore LP “PIECES” and are enjoying all the positive responses as well as showcasing the album live.

As for future plans we’re almost finished recording our third album “Dark Side of Your Love” and are looking forward to our first venue gig at The Lot Club and more yard shows (Cathedral Regina). We are really hoping to book more venues, festivals and go on tour!

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

Yes we have our website: www.synthetikblonde.com as a hub

Insta & threads: synthetik_blonde (Synthetik Blonde

Twitter: @BlondeSynthetik

Facebook: Synthetik Blonde

YouTube: Synthetik Blonde OFFICIAL