Podcast Summary: This Week in The West Kootenays – Episode 35: Max

Release Date: March 4, 2023

Introduction of Max: The Multifaceted Producer

The episode welcomes Max as a guest, highlighting his extensive involvement in the local music and podcasting scenes. Max is introduced as a member of bands like Aditz, Severed Arm, and Reality Trap. His impressive portfolio includes producing over 8,000 podcast episodes and running a record label. Sean, one of the hosts, humorously notes Max’s vast experience:

Sean [02:29]: "He produced more than 8,000 podcast episodes of all varieties. And he still does it, if you have one. He's the guy."

Nostalgia for Classic Films and Evolving Comedy

The conversation shifts to a nostalgic discussion about classic movies such as Police Academy and Ghostbusters, reminiscing about their impact and the preference for watching them in their original or dubbed versions. Sean shares his fondness for watching movies in French with his cousins:

Sean [05:04]: "Like Ghostbusters, if I can. Like, if I'm hanging out with my cousins back in Montreal, we get high and want to watch Ghostbusters. We watch it in French and then we recite the whole thing."

The hosts delve into how comedy has evolved, referencing legends like Bill Hicks and George Carlin. They lament the formulaic nature of modern stand-up compared to the raw authenticity of past comedians.

Sean [14:31]: "He's saying the blunt truth. Sometimes it's very unpleasant. But he's gonna make it funny as well."

Cultural Shifts: Montreal vs. West Kootenays

Sean and Max contrast their experiences between living in Montreal and the West Kootenays. Sean reflects on the cultural richness of Montreal and the subsequent cultural adjustments after moving:

Sean [07:44]: "Growing up in Montreal was cool for that. I was surrounded with a lot of culture that I could tap into, like, easily."

Max echoes similar sentiments about the slower-paced life in the Kootenays, emphasizing the difference in community interactions and cultural engagement.

Max [07:50]: "That's a different experience, man. It took me forever to get that experience, too."

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Local Music Scene

The discussion transitions to how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the local music scene in the West Kootenays. Sean observes a resurgence in musical collaborations and the formation of new bands post-pandemic:

Sean [19:32]: "I'm telling you, there's something happening right now. Right now it's happening. I can feel it."

Max notes that the pandemic allowed smaller scenes to merge and collaborate more freely, leading to a vibrant and unified local music community.

Max [20:28]: "We're almost all the same. Maybe that's why I'm not getting."

Podcasting Experiences and Ethical Dilemmas

Sean shares his challenging experiences as a podcast editor, detailing encounters with problematic content. He recounts editing for a right-wing Christian podcast that began to produce uncomfortable content:

Sean [28:15]: "They started veering into, like, right-wing, like, American, like, living in Florida. Like, they were going that way."

Despite his discomfort, Sean continued due to financial necessity but eventually distanced himself when the content became too misaligned with his values.

Sean [29:54]: "If they were reaching, I don't know, a hundred thousand people per episode, I would have probably walked out of that and say, I don't want to be involved with that."

Recording Techniques: Multi-Track vs. Live Recording

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the technical aspects of music production. Sean explains his preference for multi-track recording over live off-the-floor methods, emphasizing the control and quality it offers:

Sean [47:41]: "It's gonna get like a real live feel instead of like track by track like I did with Bitter Wash."

Max contrasts this with the local trend towards live recordings, which capture the raw energy of performances but can introduce unwanted noise and bleed between instruments.

Max [47:40]: "So all the different mics. Yeah, and it's all gonna bleed in. There's gonna be no separation."

Personal Stories: Balancing Life and Music

The hosts delve into personal narratives about balancing personal life with musical commitments. Sean recounts his journey from a drummer in Montreal to focusing on bass and leading multiple bands in the Kootenays. He discusses the challenges of maintaining relationships and personal well-being amidst a demanding music career:

Sean [35:58]: "I'm in three bands. Although the Aditz were not really a jam band because the drummer lives in Creston."

Max relates by sharing his own experiences of moving from city life in Calgary to the more tranquil Kootenays, highlighting the adjustments required.

Max [08:28]: "Six years? In Castlegar? Yeah, pretty much."

Community and Future Events

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts discuss upcoming shows and the supportive nature of the local music community. Sean highlights the interconnectedness of bands and the enthusiasm surrounding upcoming performances:

Sean [39:35]: "We’re playing in Weimer, March 18 and Bucket. Those guys are kids from the soccer college in Music."

Max promotes the upcoming show, emphasizing the diversity and energy of the local bands involved.

Max [53:03]: "We're trying to sell you nothing. Well, I'm gonna try to sell my business."

Humorous Outro: The Gumball Initiative

The episode concludes with a humorous segment featuring Troy's quirky gumball initiative. Troy announces a community gumball project, accompanied by playful banter and comedic dialogues with his father:

Troy [57:55]: "Psychiatrists Review. I'm psychiatrist Helen. It may seem to some that our friend Troy here is a villain from wanting to stick his dick in a gumball made of other people's gum."

This light-hearted conclusion serves as a comedic finale, contrasting the earlier serious discussions.

Key Takeaways

• Max's Expertise: His deep involvement in music production and podcasting provides valuable insights into the local entertainment landscape.
• Cultural Evolution: The shift from Montreal’s vibrant cultural scene to the more intimate Kootenays highlights the adaptability and resilience of artists.
• Pandemic's Positive Impact: COVID-19 fostered new collaborations and revitalized the local music scene, encouraging the formation of new bands.
• Ethical Podcasting: Sean’s experiences underscore the ethical considerations in content creation and the importance of aligning work with personal values.
• Recording Practices: The debate between multi-track and live recording methods illustrates the ongoing evolution in music production techniques.

Notable Quotes

• Sean on Bill Hicks:

  "Bill Hicks is a lot like Carly, like saying the blunt truth... he's giving it like Bill Hicks to like, the last couple tours he was literally dying of cancer."

• Max on Recording Techniques:

  "There's gonna be no separation. Like the bass gonna be picked up by the mic from the drums."

• Sean on Community:

  "I wrote that I want to show them that there's worth. And committing yourself to, like, something holy, like, your whole self."

This episode provides a rich tapestry of discussions, weaving together personal anecdotes, professional insights, and humorous exchanges, painting a vivid picture of the vibrant yet challenging environment of the West Kootenays' music and podcasting scene.