Winhara

I feel as though being a stunt double or a special effects man for movies would take much of the “ooh and awww” out seeing a movie – simply because you know what is happening to really create the moment where a helicopter is ninja kicked in half by the hero.

Unfortunately I have the same feeling with music now. As a youngster (i.e. 16) I was living at concert venues and summer festivals. I just loved being surrounded by the music and being “this close” at the front of the stage to people doing what I only dreamed of. Everything seemed larger than life. But as time passed and I became more aware of things happening on and off stage in the music industry I was less and less impressed. That and a lot of music started to suck…

Anyway, what I am getting at is that there are very few bands that I get excited about when I hear an album is coming out or that they are going on tour. One such band is Brooklyn based White Rabbits. Although I don’t know everything and anything about this band, I do know that from what I have heard and seen (thanks YouTube) I love everything they do. Needless to say I was ecstatic when I realized they would be playing Toronto on October 24. And then I realized the bad news…WE were playing on October 24. What made it even more painful was that they were playing a venue on the same street as us…two doors down.

As the date grew closer I was joking with many people that I was simply going to run next door, watch the concert and sneak back in to our show before anyone was the wiser – which was totally undoable of course. Then this led to joking about both bands loading their gear in at the same because the venues were so close together and getting a chance to bump into them that way. It was all so LOL.

All these thoughts had for the most part left my mind by the day of the show, as I was more focused on our own show that evening. However, as we were beginning to unload our gear into the venue, what should come around the corner but a big white cargo van with a trailer that proceeded to stop two doors down. After our gear was unloaded (and much teasing from the other guys) I finally worked up the courage to go talk to them. Now, I have met my fair share of famous hockey players and musicians in my time and for the most part have kept things cool – but for some reason – mostly my unbridled love for the band, I was more like a 12 year old girl meeting the Jonas Brothers on this day. I came around the corner of the venue, saw the guys all standing around the van having a smoke and just started rambling at mach speed…

”Ummm yeah. Hi, my name is Stephen.” – extends for hand shake.

(Steve from the WR introduces himself as ‘also Steve’)

“Yeah anyway what time are guys on tonight because I REALLY wanted to see the show.”

(I think 11pm)

“Ahhh see cause I am also in a band that is playing tonight two doors down and…”

(Oh what band is that?)

“Winhara”

(Sorry?)

“Winhara, we’re a local band…anyway, that sucks cause I really like you guys and we have you at work on the mixed CD…”

(Sorry?)

“Oh, I also work retail and yeah they are a small Canadian company and it is usually just Britney Spears so when you guys came on I was all like (voice cracks) ‘Ohhhh no way this is on here!”

(Well that’s cool)

“Yeah, well and OH! I saw your performance on Letterman, man that was SWEET!”

(Oh well thanks, thanks a lot)

“Oh, sorry I realize I am rambling, I don’t usually get nervous when meeting people but… (trailing off)…you guys are really good”

(Oh no worries man, we are just dudes)

“Yeah but you are good!”

(Well thanks, anyway maybe cut your set short tonight so you can make it…haha)

“Yeah they don’t really need a drummer…acoustic set tonight boys…anyway, thanks, thanks – extends for hand shake again – and it was super cool to meet you guys, later!”

….And then I ran away…Didn’t leave a business card, didn’t try and pump up the band or mention our “after party”…Nope, I just ran away.

For a moment, I was a 12 year old girl.

P.