With two, triple-platinum albums under their belts, these Toronto-based rockers are already veterans of the music scene. Guitarist Ian D’Sa and bassist Jon Gallant took some time out to chat about…
Their new album, ‘Billy Talent III’:
Ian D’Sa: It definitely has a new sound to it. It showcases some our early ‘90s grunge. A lot of the songs are heavier in a rock way, not so much in a scream-y way…. With this record, we’re more wearing our ‘70s and grunge generation voices on our sleeves.
What they’re listening to right now:
Jon Gallant: Wings, Paul McCartney, Mother Mother.
ID: I’ve been listening to a lot of Mud Honey. I didn’t really get into them in the early ‘90s, but I have a mixed tape with a couple of their songs.
Tour essentials:
JG: An iPod is definitely a very important thing to have because it goes on the plane [and] it goes on the bus…. It’s like the exclusion from everything that’s going on around you; [it] gives you a bit of a break.
Spending their free time on tour:
JG: You try to sleep in… take a long walk for five or six hours…. I’ve gotten lost a couple of times, and badly too. One time in Belgium, I walked for hours and couldn’t find the hotel…. If you ever walk with Ian, it’s hard to keep up, because he walks like a jogger.
Their favourite cities to visit:
ID: I love Paris…. I love the culture there.
JG: The major European cities are all pretty awesome.
Star struck moments:
JG: When I met Dave Grohl [from Foo Fighters/Nirvana]…. They’re really nice and humble, but I felt like I was meeting a girlfriend’s father for the first time. I wanted to be on the ball.
Dream collaborators:
ID: If there ever were a Soundgarden reunion, I would definitely love to with them.
JG: Any of the classic rock bands who don’t play anymore, Led Zeppelin, The Black Diamonds…
Thank you, Ian D’Sa and Jon Gallant!