Calgary, AB-based four-piece alt-rock band, Exit Division is made up of Madison Lee (Vocals/ Keys), Mason Remmer (Lead Guitar), Ben Wealleans (Bass), and Taylor Miles (Drums/ Percussion). The band draws influences from the likes of Alice in Chains, Arctic Monkeys, Deftones, and more!
Their debut album, Psychosis was released in 2020 and features 14 tracks, including their single, “Baseball City”, which you can check out below, and while you’re at it, find out more about the band via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Lion-like in its ferocity, Exit Division is a four-piece alt-rock band hailing from Calgary, Alberta. With its DNA rooted in post-grunge, Exit Division’s sound is known for its intense guitar riffs, in-your-face drum grooves, elaborate basslines, and haunting vocals reminiscent of early 90’s Seattle. Their philosophical lyrics lead listeners into the innermost crevices of the human experience, prompting a subtle and clever ambiguity well surpassing their youth.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
The band takes a collaborative approach in many avenues, including their songwriting process. Drawing on combined influences: Alice in Chains, Arctic Monkeys, Deftones, and Queens of the Stone Age, Exit Division takes you on a journey across genre, time, and tempo, with powerful enigmatic storytelling that leaves you wanting more.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the band quickly adapted, shifting to virtual meetings and writing sessions and recording their parts from home, compiling demos from each member’s individual tracks. “These unfortunate circumstances pushed our abilities to collaborate and communicate with one another, and shifting to this alternate writing process challenged our previous ideas and stylistic choices that we normally gravitated to” – Maddie Lee, lead singer and keyboard player for Exit Division.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Baseball City! This high-energy rock tune is always a fan favourite. With powerful vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and a pounding rhythm section, the band absolutely shares their fans’ love of this energetic song.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
The members’ individual musical tastes and influences are diverse and constantly evolving. “It is so important to have a large musical palette to work with” – Maddie Lee. Currently, the band is drawing inspiration from great Canadian artists including, Joni Mitchell, Arcade Fire, Metric, and The Tea Party.