Introducing: The Buttless Chaps

05 January 2009, 08:00 | Written by Ro Cemm

(Tracks)

It feels somehow wrong to be writing an introducing piece on a band who have been together for 10 years. Yet that is how long Vancouver’s The Buttless Chaps have been producing their distinctive, emotional Canadiana. Having earned themselves a reputation as a hard touring band, earlier this year they played a tenth anniversary show which was broadcast nationally in Canada for CBC Concerts on Demand.

Led by Dave Gowans brooding baritone (think somewhere between a less tremulous Stuart Staples and The National’s Matt Berninger), The Buttless Chaps spin tales of rural versus urban alienation, harnessing the spacey melancholy of post millennial albums such as ‘OK Computer’ or ‘Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’ and combining it with their perfectly orchestrated mix of acoustic alt. country and electronic swells, with the odd horn section thrown in here and there for good measure. Gowans’ lyrics perfectly capture the ill-ease of the country boy alone in the big city, and the expanse of the countryside. TLOBF had a virtual cup of coffee to talk over the how and whys of the Buttless Chaps with the bands affable frontman.

For people out there that have never heard of you: Give us three reasons why they should…
We have been around for over a decade & have released six studio albums that have changed each time as the band has grown ( I hope for the better for each one) , If you are into a blend of roots music with a taste of symphonic electronic music then perhaps we are worth a listen.

Can you recall the moment when you first decided you wanted to become a musician?
I think it was when I was about 6 years old performing Barry Manilow songs for my grandmother and getting a sense of her approval

Where do your songs come from? What’s your inspiration?
A lot of cinematic images come to mind, most of my lyrics come from visual experiences, things I have seen, travelling, film etc.

Name your Top 5 records.
This is a hard one as they change all the time, but here are some faves :

Grant Lee Buffalo – Mighty Joe Moon
Neil Young – On The Beach
Depeche Mode – Violator
The Handsome Family – THrough the trees
Richard Buckner – Impasse

What was the first gig you ever played and was it a success?
I played rhythm guitar in a band for one show, filling in for their guitarist.. at the end of the set the sound man said over the PA, “good job guys, keep on practicing! ”

What one piece of criticism has stuck in your mind and was it justified?
One guy threatened to kill me after the show and waiting for me beside the stage to finish, it was a bit intimidating, I think we were not having the best gig but that was a bit extreme, just because we didn’t know any AC/DC covers.

What one thing has caused you to waste your free time in the past 6 months?
My wife and I just had a baby girl who is now 6 months old, I have not had any free time that i can think of !

If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d be doing?
Working at my record shop

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Cooking at a filthy tea room in Victoria B.C., I worked there for two weeks once needing to pay the rent.

Finally, We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
Canadian 80′s new wave !

Rational Youth – Close To Nature
Martha & The Muffins – Women Around The World At Work
Strange Advance – We Run
Gowan – Strange Animal
Men Without Hats – Where Do The Boys Go ?

mp3:> The Butless Chaps: ‘Coal Grey Sky’

Cartography is released in the UK on Mint Records on February 9th 2009

The Buttless Chaps on MySpace