Canadian rockers, Whatzername have unveiled their new single, “Freedom”.
“This song is a tongue-in-cheek anthem to those that work minimum wage in a first world society,” band members Ashlee Standish, Clairisa Rose, and Jess Gold share.
“It addresses the idea of social responsibility, and how hard it is to stay sane while being poor and impossibly trying to ‘get ahead,’” Rose continues. “It’s about poverty, and the limitations people face because of their financial barriers…
“All while living in a ‘free world,’” they add.
It’s the same edgy and fierce torrent of songwriting perspective that welcomingly prods and provokes from across the St. Catharines/Niagara Falls, ON-based trio’s collection of work — including 2019’s breakthrough single, “Something,” follow-up offerings “Vulture” and “Heart of the Undead,” and more.
And it’s all come to a head with their newly released eponymous debut EP, Whatzername (2021).
“For some, music is a hobby, or something you enjoy listening to,” Gold says. “For us, music is as important as breathing is. It’s how we heal, express, communicate, and connect with others on this planet.
“We’re familiar with the heavier and darker side of living, and have an edge,” she adds. “We are not happy pop music; we’re moody, dark, haunting — yet soothing in a knowing, consoling way.”
“Freedom” and Whatzername expunge all you thought you understood about music — and twist it into a mysteriously woven collection penned by three multi-talented artists redefining what modern rock should sound like.
Check out “Freedom” below, and find out more about Whatzername via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi! We’re Whatzername from St. Catharines, Ontario. We love music & ice cream.
Tell us about the recording process behind “Freedom”?
Freedom started off as a fun guitar riff that came out of the end of the song “Times running out”. Originally it was going to be a 2 part song, but we loved Freedom enough to make it it’s own song. It was fun to build the guitar layers, the dissonance with the opening chords. Our pal Danno joined us on lead guitar on the track, we joked it was our homage to early Bad Religion. We had a great time recording it. Jess’s tight drum playing with Clairisa’s chanting background vocals brought the energy to where it needed to be. A straight ahead, fast punk song with a message.
What was the highlight of 2020?
What was the highlight during the year of the Covid-19 pandemic? Well what felt like the biggest roller coaster of our lives I would say staying healthy, but that topic aside it would be finishing recording this EP & releasing our first music video “Vulture”.
What do you hope to accomplish in your career in 2021?
We are working hard on just expanding our fan base, writing and recording more, and when we’re able to, playing some shows!
Is there anyone out there you’d like to collaborate or open/close a concert with in the future?
There are many musicians we admire and look forward to sharing a stage with one day but at this moment I’d say Bif Naked, Half moon run and Lady Gaga.