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Kevin Schallie (Columbia): Our songs really come across on outdoors and on a big stage
The Canadian band Columbia have been around for three years already and for this time they’ve taken part in numerous musical competitions, released a debut album and toured all over Canada and the USA. Bizarre Music had a talk with the band’s lead singer Kevin
 1) Tell us what have you been up to lately?
Well we decided to have a lazy summer, which is not very us. We have 5 local shows booked and we just finished playing a big festival about 6 hours from our home town of Vancouver. Normally we'd be playing a lot more but we have two Big Canadian tours in August and October and then it's off to America in winter, so we wanted to try and stay home as much as possible this summer. It's the best time of year to be here in Vancouver! We've been away from home quite a bit since last October when we had our first tour of the United States. Also Right now we're working on new songs for the next album, we're hoping to play some new songs for our fans on our next tour. Always working!
2) Give us some details of how your band started?
The band started with myself and Richard. We started a band in High school back in 1999. Since then we've always been in bands together and have been looking for the right people to be in the band with us. Special people who love music like us and have the same goals. We are so lucky to have found the guys we have!
 3) You took part and actually won some competitions. What are they and what did you learn from these competitions? How did you benefit from taking part in them?
Well the problem is that music shouldn't be a competition, but we've been in a few of them and we always do very well. We really feel blessed about that. We represented all of Vancouver for a large competition just a while back and it was nice representing our home town to a bigger audience. As for doing more, I’m sure we might but we really just want to find new fans all the time and tour as much as possible. That's what's truly important to all of us.
4) Who are your biggest musical influences?
We love the Beatles, The stones and for new bands Oasis, Radio head and Incubus.
5) You’re gonna have some gigs this summer. What do you expect from them?
We just want to get our show ready for the fall Tours. Have the songs sound perfect and have our shows go to the next level. It's going to be a while until Vancouver fans can see us again once we're gone on tour, so I know a lot of them are excited for these gigs.
6) In May you performed at the big festival in Canada. What are you impressions from it?
It was really amazing to see all those people and to play our music on an out door stage. When Richard and myself write music we always keep in mind how it would sound out doors and at a festival. Our songs really come across on outdoors and on a big stage. Much better than hearing us in a smaller club or on our CD.
 7) How do you usually prepare for your shows?
Haha for each member it's very different. Brian and the guys like to have a few drinks before the show and meet with people at the venue. Richard and myself like to be backstage not talking with anyone, maybe having a nap. But after the show it's the opposite. We then go and talk with everyone, sign stuff and really get to know our fans. The other guys are a bit more low key and do there own thing.
8) In your opinion, what are the ups and downs of the expansive development of digital downloads? Is the culture of buying CDs dying out?
I think that CD's are dieing of course but there will always be big fans of bands who want more than just a download. I Personally buy only CD's still and support my favorite bands. I even buy the vinyl versions of some albums! We all understand that people will down load songs illegally but we'd rather have them hear us than not at all.
9) What do you like most of all about being musicians?
The constant changes. You are always in a new city and you meet so many people all the time. It really is an amazing life to live and we are so thankful every time we are on tour or having a home show.
 10) What are your plans for the nearest future?
Writing new songs for our next album, it's going to be a big step for the band and we can't wait to get in the studio so people can hear our new songs. It's really going to be special!
11) What would you like to say to your fans in Russia?
Hold in there! We'll be coming there! It just might take a while... It won't be long though. We want to be a band for the people and you can't do that unless you play every where and go to the cities that your fans are in. Playing in Europe is probably our biggest goal and if Russia is the first country we play in we think that would be so special! Canada and Russia are so similar in size and in weather we're sure it would feel just like home! Join Our Ride
Columbia line-up:
Kevin Schallie - vocals, rhythm guitar
Richard Jacquard - lead guitar, back vocals
Jason Tait - guitar
Jacques Rossouw - bass
Brian Welsch – drums
Columbia in the Internet: http://www.columbiaband.com
http://www.myspace.com/columbiaband
http://twitter.com/columbiatheband
We thank Anastasia Pak for helping us to organize the interview
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