MARTIN SAINT (Vocals, Guitar)

I'm Martin Saint, lead-singer and second guitar with Montreal’s The Ember Glows. I also pursue a solo project under my name, plus a recent electronic collaboration with DJ Sarcastic called Portmanteau.

Why do you play music?

For self-expression, plain and simple.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?

As a guitar player, hands-down Johnny Marr and Wayne Hussey. Vocally, to name a few, Jim Kerr, Ian McCulloch, Jim Morrison and Bowie. As a lyricist, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Matt Johnson, Roger Waters, Brett Anderson, Ian McCulloch again. With The Ember Glows we all bring something different to the table so that helps us not to sound derivative yet at the same time there’s just enough common ground to hold it together and make it coherent.

What's a favourite book or film?

Since my own background is Literature with several Film classes it’s a hard one. I’ll just say any books by Milan Kundera or Dostoyevsky. I also love poetry books. I’m thinking of Leonard Cohen, Charles Bukowski, the Beats, etc. A few movies; Sunset Boulevard, Chinatown, Don’t Look Now, Out Of The Past and The Proposition (screenplay by Nick Cave, incidentally)

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

A live show is like a sprint, the recording process a marathon. I couldn’t have one without the other. I love the adrenaline rush you get from playing live. It suits my love for risk, that feeling of living on the edge. You stand there in the ring with the crowd. They can detect phoniness so beware of any false gesture, the lie in your voice. It’s as raw as it can get. Recording is about stamina, focus and endurance. I enjoy this feeling of building something brick by brick and seeing it slowly take shape. Thankfully I’m a very patient person.

What would be a dream collaboration?

Among the living, Richard Ashcroft or Damon Albarn. It doesn’t hurt to dream, does it?

Describe a favourite album.

Speaking of Ashcroft, I’ll go with The Verve’s second album A Northern Soul. Timeless songs, very strong lyrics, powerful vocal delivery, plus you can really feel the chemistry of the band coming through. I tend to like minimalist production and that one leaves the band a lot of sonic space. Lots of tension in the performance too.

What's your favourite local haunt?

I’ve always loved Casa Del Popolo.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?

A long time ago I was playing guitar with my teenage band and some very, very drunk -and high on God knows what drugs- lady started this lascivious dance in front of me, with her jeans zipper all the way down. I kept doing mything,notpayingtoomuchattentionuntilIfeltsomethingpullingatmyleftleg. Ithoughtitwasoneofmy stupid male friends making fun of me but as it got more insistent, I looked down and saw it was that lady. Believe it or not she then bit my leg!! I had to shake her off the best I could and meanwhile still carry the song. I have witnesses to this story, by the way. The doorman was a friend of mine. I was hoping he’d help me out but he was too busy roaring with laughter along with everyone else...I need new friends! The important thing is that apparently I didn’t miss a beat!

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?

I can’t really think of any, to be honest. I don’t over-analyze it.

Has the current COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine influenced your creative process?

Yes, enormously! In fact, it’s been an intensely creative period for me personally, and the band too. No excuses not to do it. Yes, it required adaptation but I found it motivating, actually. It’s easy to just sit around and lament a situation you can’t do anything about but much more stimulating to figure out how to renew yourself and come up with different ways of working.

If you weren't playing music in Montreal where would you be?

I dream of living in Europe. Possibly Prague, Berlin, the U.K

Any sage advice for young musicians?

It’s not like I have any wisdom to pass on, that would be presumptuous. I’d just advise not to be afraid to suck, no matter what others say. That’s a rite of passage, a part of the process. No matter what snide remarks others make, how they ridicule you, etc...That doesn’t matter. In the end you know you’re doing it for the right reasons, for yourself, not to please the gallery. All I’d say, for whatever it’s worth.

Kevin Hills (Bass)

My name is Kevin Hills, I’m from Montreal. I am currently the bass player for The Ember Glows, Scene Noir and also DUSK. I was also in bands Let Us Out and Mr. Hawk.

Why do you play music?

I’ve always played for the beauty of the chemistry existing within a band structure. There is nothing quite like the musical influences and ideas of different people coming together and producing something new..

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?

What made me want to pick up the bass was The Cure. Simon Gallup’s bassline and his stage presence just hit me as a teen. Later on, I became a massive fan of BLUR and the basslines of Alex James. The Lyrics and vocals of Bowie, Brett Anderson (Suede), Guy Chadwick (The House Of Love), Ian McCulloch (The Bunnymen) also had an impact on me.

What's a favourite book or film?

I couldn’t even try to pick ONE favourite film so I’ll just go for a book and I must mention one of my fav writer, Neil Gaiman. “The Ocean at the end of the lane” and “American Gods” really gripped me.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I’m more of the live type. The recording is a long and tedious process as far as I’m concerned. That being said, it doesn’t mean I run around the stage doing scissor kicks. I do however on occasion bend over and have a long hard stare at my boots. Bass players,...tsk

What would be a dream collaboration?

Recording anything with Keith Levene (ex Pil) would be a dream, if we could get past the erratic behaviour. If only!

Describe a favourite album.

Just like movies, I really have too many. I’ll stick to a couple. Doves-Lost Souls (soothing) Spiritualized-Ladies and Gentlemen, we are floating in space (essential) Just Mustard-Wednesday (cool) SHAME-Songs of praise (Yes please). I could go on for hours.

What's your favourite local haunt?

I used to go to l’Esco quite a lot, the sound is amazing. Think I lost my member’s card somewhere in an old pair of pants haha. Before the whole Covid situation, I was really liking La Casa del Popolo for it’s relaxed mood and great food. You often had Sergio from Morte Psychica spinning some awesome tunes. My fav sports bar would be Bruno’s on Beaubien. It’s where I watch a lot of Euro, World Cup or Premiership games.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?

I was playing at la Rockette in Montreal with Let Us Out. Some weird guy was winding up everyone by the bar and he was pissing off Armando’s (guitar player of the first band) brother. We were just about to start and an all out bar brawl started right next to us. At la Rockette, there is no stage, you play audience level next to the bar,...A gin tonic glass went flying by me onto my pedal board, the LUO guitar player jumped over to get involved and landed on my pedals (they went flying everywhere) and the drummer jumped over his drum kit knocking my bass amp over. I was left pushing people off our gear, still holding my bass AND the amp. Intense action. The invasive, belligerent t*** got thrown out but the atmosphere was electric. My guitar player grabbed the mike and started lecturing people about the “unhealthy” nature of violence and wouldn’t quit,...I looked at the singer and walked over to my fuzz war pedal to cut the crap,...intense feedback brought everyone back on cue, hahaha We then started playing, the energy was there like never before. Hahaha

I was also there when Martin became a tasty manwich on stage, I can confirm this “epic” story.

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?

There are so many talented bands. There are also lots of commando style gigs under the Van Horne underpass. There’s a great selection of beers.

Has the current COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine influenced your creative process?

I was going to write a double concept album about the whole thing on a ukulele. Honestly, it had zero impact on creativity but it certainly stopped the rehearsals for a long time.

If you weren't playing music in Montreal where would you be?

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Any sage advice for young musicians?

Don’t believe the hype. Go see your friend’s bands too, support your fellow musicians and If someone invites you to play at their gig, be sure to return the favour. The most important thing, ALWAYS BE NICE TO THE SOUND TECH! If not, trust me, it’ll come back to haunt you. I had a singer in a previous band find out the painful way.

Richard Bunze (Lead Guitar)

My name is Richard Bunze from Montreal, QC, Canada. I play guitar in The Ember Glows which is my main project. Some other bands and projects include a cosmic psych rock band called Room Control, in which I play bass, with our drummer Dan on drums. I also have a solo instrumental shoegaze soundscape project called REPO. And Kevin and I have recently started a post punk band called Dusk in which I play guitar.

Why do you play music?

Because I love it. It makes me feel alive.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?

Certainly, what brought us all together was all of our respect and love for playing and creating music. All of us have different musical influences but some are similar as well, and in the end all the tastes come together to create what we output sonically. Some of my big main influences to this day, especially on my guitar playing and overall vibe are: U2, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Interpol, Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, Daniel Lanois, Slowdive, Swervedriver, The Verve, Besnard Lakes. There's so many...but those are the main ones.

What's a favourite book or film?

I love music docs and music biographies and I have to say one of my favorite reads was the Alan McGee biography called "Creation Stories: Riots, Raves, and Running a Label". One hell of a wild ride that's for sure! As for films: BLADE RUNNER, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION...and a little LA BAMBA every now and then doesn't hurt either ;)

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I really do enjoy both...Live is so visceral and exhilarating...it's a real rush for sure and I love that feeling of digging into the guitar, pumping through my amp and everything coming together with the rest of the guys. It's just a blast. However, in studio is where sounds come to life and ideas come to fruition. I really enjoy tracking guitars and coming up with sonic textures and layers to the songs in studio. It can be a lot of pressure and a time crunch but also incredibly rewarding to hear what the band just accomplished at the end of a session.

What would be a dream collaboration?

Working with Daniel Lanois in some capacity would be a dream. That guy just oozes feel when he plays guitar and is so inspiring to listen to. I have so much respect for him as a musician and producer. I'd be happy playing the Triangle for him even lol.

Describe a favourite album.

There are many but I suppose the one that early on, hit me like a lightning bolt, forged a musical sonic blueprint in me, and affected me on a truly emotional level was 'The Joshua Tree' by U2. Thinking back to my 12 year old self, not yet playing guitar, listening to the full album for the first time on my cassette boombox in my room...hearing the majestic intro to 'Where the Streets Have No Name' and realizing just how special and magical music was and is. It brought the goosebumps and I knew at that very moment, that I needed this in my life and had to be a part of it somehow. It was also my first real discovery of ethereal and cinematic style of guitar playing. I didn't know a guitar could sound like that. The Edge got me hooked and I'm forever grateful for his style of playing.

What's your favourite local haunt?

Casa del Popolo and L'Escogriffe...for both playing live, and for grabbing a few beers with friends. Also, in the summer months the giant terrace at St-Ambroise/McAuslan Brewery is a great place to be.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?

Dan can vouch for this one as well...we were playing a Room Control show a few years back in Ottawa. It was mid set, we were rocking away, and then a very inebriated, out of his head, street person stumbled into the venue. The stage is very near to the front door and the guy comes up to me at the edge of stage, mid song and screams "do you take requests?". And I say back to him "we only do originals!" We play on. The guy starts grooving and dancing to the music and pulls out what looks like a gun? Or lighter? Or a toy gun? He starts waiving it around while drunkenly dancing and flalling his arms. I could tell the staff were nervous. The next thing I know there are police lights flashing outside and cops take this guy away. And the funny thing was, we just kept playing right through it all.

What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?

I mean you can be creative in any city you live in, but I suppose Montreal's cultural diversity, languages, cool neighborhoods, amazing food, art, architecture... there's alot for any artist to sink their teeth into for inspiration just walking through the city. I love MTL. Did I mention the food? ;)

Has the current COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine influenced your creative process?

Possibly the sense of isolation? The band itself remained quite creative during Covid and as soon as lockdown started to ease up, we were in the rehearsal space (masks on and socially distanced of course) tightening up some tracks that we then headed into the studio to record during July/August of 2020. We then released our debut EP 'Passerby' in March of 2021. I also managed to release REPO 'The Lines in Between'... my debut solo EP in May of 2020. All during Covid. So it remained a creative time indeed.

If you weren't playing music in Montreal where would you be?

I suppose playing music in another city!?! West coast or the Maritimes? Maybe Berlin!?

Any sage advice for young musicians?

Do it because you love it and always have fun. Listen to the goosebumps...that's your Soul talking to ya, saying "Hey! This is a special moment. Soak it in." Music is magic.

Dan Stefik (Drums)

I’m Dan Stefik, from the West Island of Montreal. I play drums for The Ember Glows and Room Control. I’m also a guitarist, but not currently in an established band playing guitar.

Why do you play music?

Because I stopped playing hockey at a young age, and had nothing to do with my time. Seriously though, since I was obsessed with music appreciation from a young age, it seemed like a logical step to make the transition to playing music, especially because I was being consistently inspired by what I was listening to. And I still am.

What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?

Starting on guitar, Slash and Eddie Van Halen (and then later Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and Adam Franklin (of Swervedriver) amongst others) had me practicing guitar obsessively. Slash, Adam Franklin, and EVH were the epitome of coolness in guitar playing, combining feel and technique, but I also adored Satch and Vai because they were pushing the boundaries of the instrument in ways that I much appreciated. Then I eventually came around to drums, primarily because of Neil Peart, who seemed to express himself so effortlessly on drums.

What's a favourite book or film?

My favourite book is probably Eros and Civilization by Herbert Marcuse, because it helped me to understand the importance of idealism and gave me hope for the future. My favourite film is 2001: A Space Odyssey because when I watch it, it literally stretches my mind. I can feel it.

Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?

I’m typically nervous when recording, for obvious reasons (perfectionism), but when it clicks, nothing beats that feeling. Performing live is fun because it’s social, and connecting with an audience is precious.

What would be a dream collaboration?

I, personally, would love to collaborate with anyone, so long as they could teach me something about music, or could open me up to inner potential that I never knew I had.

Describe a favourite album.

The Kinks’ The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968). When I listen to that album, not only does it contain 15 incredible songs written by one of the greatest songwriters ever, but the songs betray the spirit of an age, with all of its potential and possibilities, all of its shortcomings and limitations. In other words, the stuff of life.

What's your favourite local haunt?

L’Escogriffe is great, but I also appreciate Turbo Haus, Quai des Brumes, and Casa del Popolo, for different reasons.

What's your strangest experience while performing live?

Playing with Room Control at Pressed (in Ottawa), an itinerant waltzed (stumbled actually) into the bar and I was watching the whole thing from my drumkit. Then he grabbed something out of his pocket (looked like a toy guy?) and pointed it right at me. I remember thinking that if he actually shot me, it would be a decent way to die, playing drums that is. I could easily think of worse, hahaha. But I’m glad I’m still here to tell that story

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What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Montreal?

The diversity of music that has come from Montreal, everything from folk-poets (Cohen) to Indie stars (Arcade Fire) to post-rock gurus (Godspeed) to metalheads (Voivod). And those are just the popular ones. So much more to get inspired by. I also used to love the range of venues Montreal had to its name, but I’m worried for this aspect of the scene, given recent developments.

Has the current COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine influenced your creative process?

I think it’s just made me appreciate the balance between my social (extroverted) self and my individual (introverted) self, and perhaps it has made me more comfortable with alone time, which is good.

If you weren't playing music in Montreal where would you be?

I’d learn Slovak, move to Prague, and hope for the best.

Any sage advice for young musicians?

Don’t do it for the wrong reasons (money, fame, etc...) Make music because you want to contribute to the panoply of ideas that constitute the art world. Find out who you are (know thyself!) and then perform music that expresses who you are, from the inside – out!