the Radical Fabulatorium

John Adam Ian

The Radical Fabulatorium is both a radio show and a podcast. The show broadcasts weekly on LocalFM/CFMH on Sundays from 7 PM to 9 PM Atlantic Standard Time | Stream it at www.localfm.ca Interviews are released as a podcast after the broadcast and are available on all streaming platforms, or by going to www.theradfab.com

  1. Aug 21

    Tim and Pete of Pickle Juice | The Whiteroom

    In this episode, I talk with vocalist Tim van der Krogt and drummer Pete Lavery from the Revelstoke, British Columbia band Pickle Juice about their second EP, The Whiteroom. We talk about the growth between the band’s first two EPs, why the first one felt like a “proof of concept,” and how becoming more confident as a band affected the new songs. Tim and Pete also explain how they narrowed approximately ten songs down to the five that worked best together. We get into the band’s songwriting process, which often starts with Tim bringing in the basic structure, lyrics and melody before the five members develop the arrangement together. Pete talks about his previous experience playing with Hazels in the UK, and Tim explains what Pete’s ability to hear the bigger picture brings to the band. I also ask about some of the musical details that stood out to me while listening to the new EP, including why “Dogma” never returns to its chorus, the layered guitar parts in “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” and the thick, cloudy guitar tone that opens “A Little More Time.” Pete talks about returning to an older drum arrangement for “Dogma,” and how he tries to capture the energy of the band’s live shows in the studio. We also talk about the members’ different musical influences, the connection between Pickle Juice and Revelstoke’s snowboarding culture, long drives between shows, and touring in a truck that blows hot air on one side and cold air on the other. Tim and Pete also discuss involving members of the Revelstoke community in their music videos and the band’s plans to begin working on its first full-length album. Topics include: The growth between Pickle Juice’s first two EPsChoosing the five songs for The WhiteroomHow the band develops Tim’s original song ideasPete’s experience playing with HazelsWhy “Dogma” never returns to its chorusThe guitars in “I Don’t Wanna Wait”Capturing the band’s live energy in the studioThe opening guitar tone in “A Little More Time”Why Ben and Tom exchange bass and rhythm guitarThe influence of Revelstoke and snowboarding cultureTouring Western CanadaWorking with the Revelstoke community on music videosPlans for a future full-length album The Whiteroom is available now on streaming platforms. Music, videos, merchandise and links to Pickle Juice’s social media are available at picklejuiceband.com.

    Tim and Pete of Pickle Juice | The Whiteroom
  2. Aug 1

    Tim MacMillar of Protest the Hero on Within, Sheet Happens, and Going Independent

    More than 20 years after first seeing Protest the Hero perform in the cafeteria at UNBSJ, Jai reconnects with guitarist Tim MacMillar to talk about the band’s new album, Within. Tim reveals the connection between “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray,” reflects on the band’s earliest New Brunswick shows, and explains how Protest negotiated its way out of its final record-label obligation to release Within independently. He also breaks down traditional record deals, royalty splits, master ownership, streaming data, SOCAN and why he believes artists should retain control of their music whenever possible. They also get into Tim’s work co-founding Sheet Happens, transcribing Propagandhi’s Supporting Caste from the original stems, the influence of classical piano on his guitar writing, and what Nolly Getgood brought to the mix of Within. Plus, Tim turns the interview around to ask Jai about his favourite songs from the new record. Topics include:• The “Led Astray” callback hidden in “Liberty Spike”• Revisiting more than 20 years of Protest the Hero history• Releasing Within independently and retaining the masters• How record-label royalties and recoupment work• What master ownership means for streaming and satellite radio• Sheet Happens, transcription and learning from other musicians• How piano influences Tim’s approach to guitar• Working with Nolly Getgood• “The Orchard,” and the album’s instrumental passages Within is available now through Protest the Hero, Bandcamp, Sheet Happens and streaming platforms. Protest the Hero photo credit: Sandra Lee Layden Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

    Tim MacMillar of Protest the Hero on Within, Sheet Happens, and Going Independent
  3. Jun 28

    Dee Hernandez on Cuba, Canada, Deshecha, and Making Music That Feeds the Soul

    Dee Hernandez joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about her upcoming album Deshecha, her newest single “Used,” and the journey that brought her from Cuba to Canada through music. We discuss Dee’s writing process, including how many of her songs begin with bass lines, rhythm, mood, and feeling before lyrics or chords take shape. Dee also talks about writing in both English and Spanish, and how each song’s language is connected to the experience, dream, or memory that inspired it. We get into the stories behind songs like “Used,” “Danzón,” “Odumile,” and “16,” as well as Dee’s work with producer El Tata, musical director John Bailey, and the musicians helping bring her Afro-Cuban, jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and Latin influences together. Dee also speaks openly about coming to Canada as a teenager, reconnecting with Cuban musical traditions, journaling, dreams, motherhood, community, the importance of artistic confidence, and learning to make music that is fully and honestly her own. Dee’s upcoming album Deshecha is on the way, and her music is available now on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms. Check out Dee’s music and tour dates here:https://www.deehernandezmusic.com/ Dee Hernandez photo credit: Terry Winchester Modifications made (cropping and graphic design). The Radical Fabulatorium:https://www.patreon.com/theradfabhttps://www.instagram.com/theradfabhttps://www.twitter.com/theradfabhttps://www.facebook.com/theradfabhttps://www.johnadamian.comhttps://www.theradfab.com

    Dee Hernandez on Cuba, Canada, Deshecha, and Making Music That Feeds the Soul

About

The Radical Fabulatorium is both a radio show and a podcast. The show broadcasts weekly on LocalFM/CFMH on Sundays from 7 PM to 9 PM Atlantic Standard Time | Stream it at www.localfm.ca Interviews are released as a podcast after the broadcast and are available on all streaming platforms, or by going to www.theradfab.com