Everybody knows that there are countless good garage bands in Canada. What, you didn't know that? Do you not read the reviews John Sekerka writes in Cosmik Debris? Do you not read Gary Pig Gold's column, Pigshit? Canada's crawling with talent. Up in Montreal there's a band called The Chains with so much talent and such a fantastic sound that one would probably have to move them from the column marked "Good garage bands" and place them in the much roomier, less populated "Great garage bands" column. After all, they don't need any of the disclaimers. You don't find yourself saying they are great instrumentalists "...for a garage band," that they write very professional songs "... for a garage band," or even that their album has good sound "... for a garage album." The Chains obviously take pride in what they do. It's done right and the fact that they are a garage band is only a circumstance of categorization due to the style of music they choose to play.

If you know your rock history well enough to know what The Rolling Stones sounded like when they still mostly belonged to London (the city, not the label), when Brian Jones still steered the ship, and you've got the imagination to think of what they could have sounded like had someone from Motown or Stax joined the band, you can get an idea of what The Chains will sound like before you hear a sound clip. Just an idea, though, as they aren't one of the hundreds of bands doing nothing but feeding on Stones bones. They've got their own sound that begins there and, through that soul conduit, goes its own way to become something very satisfying. It's music that feels good. Pumps you up when you think your energy's gone for the night. You've felt it before on occasion, when you've gone to see those rare bands rock with authenticity. It lifts you up. This Montreal band rocks authentique.

Thanks to Get Hip, one of the highest profile labels for garage bands, The Chains will not remain Montreal's secret. Alexandre Boivin (vocals, harmonica, tambourine), Eric Boulanger (drums), Frederic Charest (bass, vocals), Jean-Philippe Cournoyer (rhythm guitar, vocals), and our interview subject, lead guitarist and keyboardist Sebastien Hould, will be seen and heard, hopefully in your city. With the recent release of their debut album, On Top Of Things, it would seem things are starting to happen for The Chains. I caught Sebastien Hould between gigs for this conversation about the present and future of the band.

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Cosmik: Labels are unavoidable, and there's probably more than one that fits The Chains, but "Garage" is tagged on any band that plays music with this kind of sound. Do you consider The Chains a garage band?

Sebastien: Well a bit from column A and a bit from column B. Seriously though, I believe we are a garage band but we don't take it as an excuse to sound lousy. We really take pride in what we do, it's well-bred yet it's set out to sh-sh-shake the house! I guess you can't escape being labelled garage when you have a "The" name.

Cosmik: Well, The O'Jays got away with it, but to be fair their version of "Wild Thing" really sucked. It's obvious you take pride in what you do. It doesn't sound lousy. It sounds like you work a lot harder than most of the mega-buck bands. Is that about right, or are you just freakin' genius players or something like that?

Sebastien: I'll level with you, we don't work that hard and if we would we'd probably split up. It has to be based on pure fun and that's the bottom line. Now I've never heard The O'Jays' "Wild Thing" but it makes you wonder why they covered this at all. Like how come Berry Gordy always filled up Motown records with bad Beatles and Monkees covers? Wasn't he getting enough hits on his own?

Cosmik: When he was a boxer, yeah. At least he had the sense to shy away from the Sonny and Cher covers. What set you guys apart from the rest, for me, is that you play this very authentic sounding 1963 London blues on the one hand, which a lot of bands do, but you can spin around and play something much more soulful without really losing that other sound, which I really don't hear many bands being able to do. What do you think are the ingredients or... I guess circumstances or whatever within the band that makes this happen?

Sebastien: Me and Alex were quite aware before we even started out what ingredients was needed to cook chicken. We originally wanted to do an R&B band but being taught by the rawk'n'roll school of life we ended up sounding like what you hear on record. You can definitely hear a bit of R&B, blues and soul in The Chains. I love the way the early Rolling Stones records were diversified, now if it worked for them it sure can work for us.

Cosmik: Do you get into the old stuff a lot? I mean as a listener? Or do you get enough of that feeling when you play?

Sebastien: Yeah of course I'm into freakbeat/soul/R&B but I sure ain't no record collector. I can listen to the same record over and over.

Cosmik: I can hear The Stones' influence in some of your sound, but the soul comes from somewhere else. It fits so well it seems like it shouldn't be too far away, but it has to be. So c'mon, what are the soul influences?

Sebastien: We're a vocal based band with louder guitars and it cuts through as opposed to most guitar oriented rock bands. I guess it does explain why it sounds soulful, and Alex really has a strong voice.

Cosmik: Is there a philosophy, something that's actually been discussed, that the band sticks to or that you use when you write the songs?

Sebastien: Not really but we want the band to sound as authentic as possible as the original 60s band. I don't feel it's wrong for us to do so. Some people do. Then again some people enjoy liver and spanking. Go figure!

Cosmik: Liver?! God... The other thing's cool, but liver's gross. You actually get nailed by... who is it, people at shows or critics who bitch about anything sounding 60s?

Sebastien: Neither, no one ever did actually. I guess I'm only expecting it! Maybe I should rest a little.

Cosmik: People do bitch about that though. The "retro debate." You've got a huge bunch of people who love anything retro, and another huge bunch of people who are disgusted by anything retro, and the first group can't hear that a band is updating the sound, and the second group doesn't realize their favorite bands aren't doing anything that hasn't been done a million times before.

Sebastien: I've never had one of those retro debates but I do read about them in magazines. It's true what you say about bands recycling and honestly it's quite alright. There's room for everyone here. While I haven't heard anything mind-expanding for years it still doesn't mean I don't hear a good tune once in a while from one these so-called "original" bands. The electronic scene is heavily sampling those 60s and 70s records yet they're seen as fresh and new.

Cosmik: I work with bands from all genres of music, so I hear a lot of what's said on the outside. That's where the bitching is. I haven't heard anyone bitch about The Chains, but an anti-retro hothead probably would. Is it hard to let that stuff just bounce off and do what you do?

Sebastien: I'm very self-confident and wouldn't mind a wrestling match with an anti-retro hothead. It's true that musicians always are the worst critics. I mean people come see us, they dance, they shake and once the show's over they couldn't care less if we reinvented sliced bread or not. We love our fans.

Cosmik: I don't care what year it sounds like if the music makes me feel good. There's positive energy music and negative energy music, and yours is positive energy music. Not such a positive world, though. Do you find more people coming to your shows than when things were smoother, politically?

Sebastien: I didn't see any difference but things haven't been politically smooth for such a long time maybe I just don't remember. The Chains' good vibes taking over negative energy music... That's funny! Maybe they should have our record played 24 hours a day across the world so that we can achieve world peace some day.

Cosmik: I ask because the way I feel when I listen to Chains songs... It's like escapism. Happy, not worried about a thing until the record ends. I sure as hell don't wanna put Eminem on right afterward.

Sebastien: Good!

Cosmik: Ah, big Eminem fan, are ya?

Sebastien: Let's just say I haven't been into ho's, pimps and murderers recently.

Cosmik: I hear he's considered essential listening among garage artists.

Sebastien: Oh well he does come from Detroit... and maybe his mom was a Stooges groupie, who knows? Maybe that's where he gets his garage credibility.

Cosmik: What's the songwriting situation between Alex and you? How does it work?

Sebastien: It's a team effort between the both of us. Though I find it strange that ever since Alex has taken up that model train hobby we've been writing separately...mmmm.

Cosmik: I heard it was since he took up with some blonde, but that's for another interview. Hustler or something. Naw, come on, it's the fucking Beatles question. It's mandatory. People listening to your records will want to know. "Hey, which part did Sebastien write and which part did Alex write?" One does lyrics, one does music? One goes for pizza?

Sebastien: Alright, Alex writes most vocals and song ideas usually comes from either one of us but they're worked upon together. Most of the work is done on an arrangement level where it never ends. It's easy to get a track together but harder to make it sound like you hear it in your head but you know that.

Cosmik: I promise to leave out the "How long have you had those haircuts" question. Do you have an outlet for things you write that just don't fit The Chains' sound?

Sebastien: Ok! Ok! Now if you insist, Alex got his hair cut last week, he really did . But seriously I've never given a thought about this. I would probably use them in some spinoff project. Eric our drummer has his own spinoff twist band.

Cosmik: No haircut for you, huh, hippie? Sorry... Did you say "Twist band"? Twist in what sense? What songs?

Sebastien: Like ...ummm. Well I'm not too familiar with their repertoire but it's a full blown saxophone lead instrumental band that sounds somewhat like The Champs I guess. Music to twist on!

Cosmik: It's just I'm not used to people saying "He's in a twist band." TWISTED band, yeah, but not twist band.

Sebastien: Oh but they're twisted alright!

Cosmik: Sounds good, actually. How supportive is Montreal for a band like yours? Is there a scene?

Sebastien: I wouldn't say there's a scene but I have to admit a lot of garage bands do come from Montreal.

Cosmik: Sounds... kinda like a scene. Why do you think those bands are all hangin' 'round Montreal?

Sebastien: It's odd actually as I don't know of anything specifically rock'n'roll here. We don't even have an oldies channel. Must be the smoked meat or the bagels. Now have you ever had a delicious Montreal bagel?

Cosmik: Yeah, but I had it in Seattle, so by the time it got here it was pretty gross, man. Certainly nothing that'd make me pack up and move my band there. Are there enough venues to keep all the bands booked?

Sebastien: Yes there are, plus venues usually are well-equipped. Montreal actually is one of those cities with a big bar/per capita ratio. What I meant about not having a scene is that bands don't get enough airplay and very little press coverage here.

Cosmik: But fan support? Do you see a lot of people doing the 60s clothing thing and showing up at all the gigs, doing the lifestyle, knowing all your songs and the whole bit? THAT'S a scene.

Sebastien: No, Toronto on the other half is all that especially for the lifestyle, Vespas and clothing. We will be playing in the Toronto area with The Seeds later on this summer. You never really rule your hometown. Nevertheless, we have a pretty loyal fan base. The record release party here was a smashing success earlier this year.

Cosmik: Very cool. That's one of those things you never forget, you know? A great moment in your life. A record of mostly your own stuff out there and a party to celebrate it. Most people are hypercritical of their own songwriting. I'm wondering if you have a sense that your stuff is pretty damned good. And that, as players and with those songs, The Chains are a very good outfit.

Sebastien: I like the album. I believe we did a good job but can't wait to have a second one out. We've had the usual line-up changes and we're now sounding better than ever.

Cosmik: Oh, okay, I'm just catching on to you guys, so I don't know about line-up changes. Who jumped from where to where?

Sebastien: Well we got Hot Stuff Marc on rhythm guitar, Dominic on the Fender bass plus we added a piano player that we carry around in our luggage when needed. Mind you it'd probably be easier if he'd walk, he weighs a lot!

Cosmik: How did the sound change?

Sebastien: It's more of everything! More soul, more hooks, more fuzz and a lot sexier! The organ has added a lot of new exciting sounds plus you've got all this new synergy being with new band members.

Cosmik: Having your CD put out on Get Hip has to be a jolt of confidence. Good stuff comes out on Get Hip. How did this Montreal band hook up with this Chicago label?

Sebastien: Very easily actually. We cut a demo one morning, sort of mixed it and mailed it to Greg at Get Hip! He liked it and we we're set for a deal. That's really what happened. The Get Hip family has been great with us and understood what we we're about from the beginning. This is important if you want to have a good time playing and creating music.

Cosmik: That must be pretty cool to have the official seal of approval from Get Hip. Basically from The Cynics, because I figure a band like yours, all of you would have to appreciate the historic importance and just the greatness of The Cynics.

Sebastien: Yes of course The Cynics have been around and it shows. We played with them in Pittsburgh for their latest album release party and god knows there were a lot of people there. Being on Get Hip is especially helpful outside America where we haven't toured yet. People trust Get Hip's roster, they'll always lend an ear for a Get Hip record even though it's a new band.

Cosmik: As an indie band, I assume you have the usual indie band's problems, like "how the hell do we tour when we have jobs to go to" and all that. So how the hell do you tour?

Sebastien: Obviously we don't tour as much as we'd love to but then again quantity is not always quality. So catch us when we get to town and I promise a good time.

Cosmik: Where have you been able to go so far? I know Get Hip has their bands on the move a few times a year, at least. Have you had the serious touring yet, or is that coming up?

Sebastien: Well we've been around the US and Canadian east coast, plus we did some midwest dates like Pittsburgh and Chicago, still we haven't played out west yet. It's in the works, as is playing Spain this winter.

Cosmik: That has to be pretty exciting. Have any of you been in bands that have toured Europe before?

Sebastien: Alex who for a certain time was playing lead guitars in The Spaceshits did tour all across Europe and Eric also used to drum for a ska band called The Kingpins and they did Europe once as well a few years ago.

Cosmik: You're going to have a blast. I've had a few jaded musicians say they've done Europe so many times they hate it now, but most people say they can't wait to get back. Gonna shift gears on you here a bit. I don't think I ever asked this question directly before, but nobody gets famous on the mass market scale doing this kind of music, so I don't figure you're in it to get rich, either. Knowing that, what would be the ultimate for you? What would be the "We did it, we can die happy now" kind of pinnacle for The Chains?

Sebastien: It may sound cliché but I seriously believe we're in it for the music. Initially our goal was to release a good record. We never thought of record sales or reviews but I admit I find it funny now seeing that reviews are great and some tracks even got played a few times on Little Steven's Underground Garage FM radio show.

Cosmik: I think it only sounds cliche when it's said by someone cranking out crap, you know? Your songs are a blast to listen to and they make people feel good, so I think you're in it for the right thing. What about the future? Where do you want The Chains to fit into the big picture in your life?

Sebastien: The Chains for me is way to get out of town, meet people and enjoy myself. I'd love to do more of those summer festivals and why not tour exotic countries. Mind you, there's always something to do when out of town. We just recently were in "not exotic" Chicago and had a great time visiting the Chess studios where a tour is given by Willie Dixon's nephew, and man, is he funny.

Cosmik: Besides all the obvious great blues guys, The Stones recorded there. Standing in the actual studio, in "the room," did it occur to you to wonder what a Chains record made there would sound like? What it would be like to record among the ghosts?

Sebastien: It's funny you say that as we did the tour with Greg the label manager and he was saying the same thing. Now I just have to work on getting Willie Dixon's nephew to borrow us the museum. The room sounds alive and you can't help but think that hey! 12 X 5 and all those great Chuck Berry hits were recorded here, yet all we heard about was Koko Taylor's "Wang Dang Doodle." Don't ask, you need to visit the museum.

Cosmik: Don't think it's not on my list of things to do, man. I just want to sit in that room by myself for an hour or two and listen to the air. Well, Sebastien, we want our readers to hear you guys. We're helping them with the CD, so tell them how to hear you live.

Sebastien: Anyone interested in seeing us and getting a bite of Montreal garage should seriously consider attending the Wilderbeat festival this August in Port Burwell, Ontario... just an hour and a half from Detroit. Aside from catching The Seeds you'll also get a bunch of Montreal bands like us, The Gruesomes, Les Séquelles plus other bands and plenty of international DJs. See you there!

(C) 2003 - DJ Johnson