Slippery when wet, Downtown Mischief blends jazz, funk, rock, and comedy, all baked with 100% love. Where does it come from? They channel it from outer rim alien reptiles. How can you not dance when the holy spirit inhabits your soul? Sailing from Vancouver Island, these guys can stay up for 2 days playing guitars on a rooftop and then go make a good impression on your Grandma at 6 am, and after having a nuanced opinion about some niche topic that you half care about, they will have a little nap, like baby foxes after their mother doesn’t return home after her morning hunt in Worcestershire England.
Loosely based, you can find them anywhere! From festival stages to panhandling on the corner, the only constant is smiles, and irreverence for the jurisprudence of our time, regardless of what jurisprudence means.
Name:
Downtown Mischief
Genre:
Funk, Comedy, Samurai Rock, Hiphop
Founded:
2015
# of Albums:
2
Latest Album:
Galactic Mantis
Latest Single:
Fall into the Sky
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
There were a lot of anonymous turn-of-century Turkish folk in my house growing up, I LOVED IT! But I was never allowed to know the artists’ names. I also liked Abba.
Favourite musician now:
I’m still into Turkish folk and Abba, although these days I have been leaving my comfort zone and really embracing my best friend’s father’s Armenian jazz records.
Guilty pleasure song:
Going to California – Wave
Live show ritual:
I (Poppa Phat Smile, Band leader, Bass/Guitar/Vocals) usually call everyone in the band and figure out where they are. Then Wishbone Jenkins (Lead OP-1 player and 1st Shaker) drives me around as I frantically make phone calls that may or may not have anything to do with the show. Everyone we pick up has their own ritual within our frantic group ritual:
The Lone Ranger (Tenor Sax and 2nd Flute) needs to be wrapped in a freshly opened sheet from Walmart.
Viperteeth (Alto Sax/Guitar/vox) will sit like a 14th lvl rogue in the corner until he is amped enough to truly be the star.
Krontokes finds someone to disagree with and does deep, unrefined, often painful, psychoanalysis on them until he forgets his anxiety (this takes 1-3 hrs).
Tractor, The Beam of Attraction does yoga in a very quiet and secluded place preferably with luscious ferns about (Note to reader, it is strongly encouraged he is not interrupted at this time for the sake of all parties involved).
Strong Man Daddy (Drums) typically drives his Tacoma for about 4-6 hours, it does not matter where, as long as he ends up at the gig eventually.
Kiss me Bananas (Formerly known as Crispy Bananas) catches 5 Pokemon within 30 meters of the venue, following this he must joyously chill, always knowing his secret banana could be activated at any time!
Once all these activities have been performed we gather in a triangle and argue about ancient greek philosophers and whether the mentor system truly trumps the post-industrial revolutions public school system. This takes about 45 minutes and then we are ready to hit the stage!
Favourite local musician:
Staves the Tiger – He doesn’t have anything released but he is so next level. If you see him anywhere say hi from DTM
EP or LP?
This has always confused me. I think it doesn’t matter as long as it is engaging.
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely Night owl. Catch our track titled Night Owl on our first album, Slidin Poseidon
Road or studio?
Both! ideally one month on one month off of each. Live shows are really special for us but the studio is where we spend a LOT of our time.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Hell ya! Our 3rd album “Nuglord” is coming out this summer with our first single coming out in May!
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Paggliachis
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Fernwood. I walked it to school every day. Fernfest happens here. It is a great beginner hill for longboarding. The people who walk upon it become more beautiful with every step.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Beacon hill park. It smells great in the summer, it is right next to the beach, it is ideal for duck hunting.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
It used to be Logans (Although the sound was horrendous) but since it has closed..hmm for sound, probably upstairs Hermans. For the hype though, playing Lucky bar or late night on Government street
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Definitely Vinyl Envy. These guys have a sick shop and are rad dudes! Our favourite online store is certainly Octopus Tentacle.
