Curtis Steeksma answers it all!

I have had the opportunity to ask Curtis, the lead singer of Fighting for Ithaca a few questions through a virtual interview, and it’s just your lucky day, because here it is!

For those of you who are not familiar with Fighting for Ithaca, they are a pop/punk band from Vancouver, British Columbia. The band was “born” through a Craigs List ad, went through some changes over the years, but the current members of the band consists of Curtis Steeksma, Phil Maloney, Jonny Steeksma, Tommy Phoenix and Adamm Mounstevens.

You may be wondering where they came up with the name, Fighting for Ithaca. Well for them, the name means “Fighting to get where you belong”. The Ithaca reference is a nod to Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey.

The band is signed with Vancouver record label, 604 Records, thanks to a stroke of luck that involved drummer, Phil Maloney running to the head of 604 Records and passed him a copy of the bands EP. After that, the fans, otherwise known as “The Ithacans” stepped in and began tweeting and messaging the label, showing support for them signing Fighting for Ithaca. That, in combination with favorable feedback from other 604 bands helped to solidify the deal!

The band released their first album with 604 Records, To the Rescue on October 22, 2012. If you have had a chance to see the album itself, you would have noticed that it features comic book versions of the band, so I had to ask Curtis what his favorite comic book character is?

CS: Oh man, that’s a tough question because I collected comic books when I was younger. I love and have always loved Wolverine and Gambit from the X-Men. I’m also a huge fan of Spiderman and Deadpool.

Their first single, Last chance, was released on June 25 to iTunes and radio, and the fans took into their hands to make it be heard, from coast to coast.
What does it feel like to hear your song on the radio?

CS: It’s a weird feeling at first because you’re left thinking “is this really happening?” but it’s also extremely rewarding to know that our hard work has paid off and people are enjoying our music.

Where were you when you first heard it?

CS: I was actually at home, lol. We received the heads up that we had been entered into a radio competition in our home city of Vancouver. Basically, the station places two songs/artists against each other. The song that receives the most fan votes continues on to the next round. If the song wins 5 nights in a row, it enters the hall of fame. Our debut night we were competing against Justin Bieber so we knew we had our work cut out for us but our amazing fans really pulled through and we won 5 nights in a row. In fact, we recently heard from the Program Director at the radio station that Last Chance received the highest amount of votes of any song in the competition ever!

I have a question about another song on your album, “Out of Time”. In this song you sing “ We’ve tried those dead-end jobs and boring 9-5’s” So my question is: What jobs did you have when you were younger?

CS: We all still have day jobs but when we were younger, we all had our share of interesting work experience. Everything from flipping burgers at McDonalds to removing dead bodies after an accident.

You guys were a part of the Lost In Paradise tour last year, with Faber Drive, Victoria Duffield & Courage My Love, how was that?

CS: Ha! Well, we certainly were. Let’s just say it was some of the best times, with the best people, we have ever had.

Did you have any crazy fan moments during the tour?

CS: There were a few times with fans trying to get back stage or on the bus but nothing TOO crazy. There were a lot of girls that would get so excited they would start crying when they saw us, which was a totally new experience lol.

What do you miss most about being on the road?

CS: Meeting everyone! I made new best friends in every city. I really love meeting and connecting with the fans. I miss that the most.

If someone were to ask you what role Social Media has in the music industry, what would your short answer be?

CS: Social media is a crucial component in getting noticed. If you’re a huge rockstar, I’m not sure it matters as much but to get that initial notice, musicians really have to masquerade as marketers.

Now, I would like to ask you some fun questions that myself, as a fan, would love to know the answers to.

What was the first album you remember buying?

CS: Metallica, the black album. Hahaha.

What is your current “go-to” song?

CS: I’m really loving fellow Canadian artists Ten Second Epic’s song called Eastbound from their latest album, Better Off.

Is there any band that you go see in concert whenever you have a chance?

CS: Honestly, I try to go to shows all the time! I really miss seeing a band called Story of The Year. They have an incredible live show!

To close the interview, I have constructed a series of “THIS OR THAT” questions

Coca Cola OR Pepsi?
CS: Coke!

Chocolate or Peanut Butter?
CS: Chocolate!

Cats or Dogs?
CS: Dogs! (Apologies to my cat)

Television or Movies?
CS: Movies

Facebook or Twitter?
CS: Twitter x 10

Batman or Superman?
CS: Superman, because he is an alien.

Morning or Night?
CS: Night

Do you have anything you’d like to tell your current and future fans?

CS: THANK YOU for supporting us. Come talk to us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/fightingforith) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/fightingforithaca) we really do try to respond to everyone.
Be confident in yourself. You are unique and beautiful. This world would not be the same without you.
Can’t wait to meet you all <3
Love,
Curtis & Fighting For Ithaca

I’d like to send a big thank you out to Curtis for agreeing to do this interview with me, and I hope there are more in the future!

-Jenna Melanson “Canadian Beats”

Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.

Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.