Today we speak to Canadian band Maverick who highlight their love of creating music and performing live.
Band Name: Maverick
Members: Eddie (guitar, vocals), Fil (bass, backing vocals) & Elliott (drums, backing vocals)
Genre: Punk Rock
Founded: 2017
Originated From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Discography: Bones Shaker (EP) & The Tower (single)
How would you describe your music?
Although our genre is punk, we enjoy the fact that we put no boundaries on our creativity. When coming up with new material, our only criteria is, “does it fit the sound we’re looking for and do we like it?”
Basically, we enjoy playing punk, fast and loud. With the melting pot of different styles and artists that inspire us, we add a bit of rock n’ roll to old-school hardcore-ish. But again, it’s punk. We like to call it punk rock, but whatever fits one’s definition, we’re cool with that.
What is your musical creative process like?
One usually comes with a good structure and we build around that. Together jamming or when practicing on our own, individually. It all depends on how inspiration comes. Everybody’s quite creative in the band, so whoever has something he feels like sharing and working on, if it fits the sound and we all like it, we work on it.
How did the band form?
Maverick officially started in 2017. Eddie has been working on songs since he was first able to put two chords together… so a while back. People have come and gone since then. Early this year, Eddie met Fil and Elliott at the jam space we share. We hit it off right from the start and Maverick was up and running again, ready for live appearances.
How did you come up with your band name?
As the definition (plus the origin story behind the expression) of a maverick goes (an unorthodox or independent-minded person. /…that does not carry a brand. Also used to describe a person who acts free from constraints or organisational guidelines.), all punks have this ‘’maverick seed’’. To us, it is the very definition of a punk. It just made sense to apply the name.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
So many bands and artists influence us, from Little Richard to Molotov, over the past few decades, we can’t cease to be amazed by great artists worldwide. Landing on specific figures is not an easy task, as there are plenty whom we look up to. We can say with confidence that the 80s and 90s East Bay punk scene is a strong player.
With parents blasting jazz, rock, reggae, classical, artists such as Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and other classics from the very bests. Music has been an active part of our education and childhood. Although our true love for it only came later in our lives, seeds had already been planted.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
We all have plenty of experience on that matter. Our favourite gig so far actually happened in mid-August. The crowd and the bands we played with us were just so good. We were all having such a blast. We treat every gig as the best one ever, and so far, every gig is our new favourite.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
That’s a good question. What we consider good might not be it for the next guy. But for us, and probably most artistic-spirited people out there, it’s doing what you love, with a big smile on your face and in your heart. You get to travel and meet great people who practice the same art as you, discover new artists, exchange cool ideas, expand your mind, see new places… the list goes on.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
When you feel tired of the struggle and wonder if you should just call it a day. Perseverance is hard. The way we see it though, there’s just no way around it. So yeah, it’s still a common problem musicians (artists) have these days.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
Booking a maximum of shows, slowly making plans to tour, our next EP is also taking form, new merch. For the near future, that’s pretty much what we have in sight. Of course, we also stay open and alert to new ideas.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
Same as all we guess. Live off our art, so we can truly dedicate as much time and energy into it as required. If one’s not doing what they love, what good is it. Who wants to live a Zombie life?
You can find out more about Maverick by visiting their Linktree page.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
