Introduce yourself... (Where are you from, what band do you
play in etc..)
I'm from Barrie, Ontario and I've lived in Montreal for a few years off and on since the first time I moved here in 2015. I write, play guitar and use my
voice in the band Binoculars.

Why do you play music?
For pleasure; there is a specific sense of euphoria I get from music that I like to chase from time to time, for passion; knowing music is a
universal way to connect/interact with people and things, and for therapy as the process of creating, learning and performing music is cathartic for me and at this point I feel I need to play music as much as I want to play music.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?
I would have to say Billy Talent because of hearing Benjamin Kowalewicz' vocals on BT's self-titled release from 2003. An older cousin had shown them to me, probably around the age of 11 and though this was 5/6 years before I started learning how to play music and I avoided learning any covers while I was learning new instruments; Benjamin's style of vocals held a strong influence on how I chose to use my voice with music.

What's your ideal festival line-up?
Oh, I wouldn't know. Be cool to play one though.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?
I value both equally for different reasons. For recording, I think it's important to document one's work and art no matter how (in)/significant one feels it may be, because it is a contribution to that work's/art's field as a whole.

For performing, I think the relationship between
entertainer/entertainee can be a truly unique thing to be a part of on either side of the exchange. Primarily though, I prefer the creation process, whether
alone or with a group. The experimentation and discovery in music, though sometimes illusive; I find to be the most rewarding.

What would be a dream collaboration?
If the time, place and finances were there I think just being able to spend as much time as needed to create an album with some close friends
of different musical backgrounds and figure out a sound that incorporates all of them in a way that they compliment and support each other.
Something naturally eclectic with the chemistry of symbiosis.

Describe a favourite album.
It's new, it's hot, it's humble and it's Cherish Everything by Look Vibrant.

What's your favourite local haunt?
You can't spook me. However, I will say my favourite local vegan patisserie is Dugout Pâtisserie on the corner of Duluth and Saint Dominique and it's
run by Marie-Charlotte Dugout. Go in for some sweets and coffee, fall in love and buy your wedding cakes from her.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?
Playing Barfly and thinking I was on the Ed Sullivan show.

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?
The scene is very active and there are a lot of cool inter-disciplinary shows and support amongst artists in different mediums. It's saturated in a good
way with plenty of venues to support it.

If you weren’t playing music in Montreal where would you be?
Somewhere else rent is affordable.

Any sage advice for young musicians?
Wax on, wax off.

You can find Binoculars here.

Pleased To Meet Me: Vernon LeCraw