Info
Genre: Alternative/Pop
Years Active: 2009-Present
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
Record Label: Warner Music Canada/Invogue Records
1) What's your name and role in the band?
I'm Mercedes, and I sing and tickle guitar/keys in Courage My Love.
2) Which genre would you consider your music and why did you choose to write this style?
M: We're a very diverse band. We've never really tried to nail down a specific style or genre when writing our music. We've always just done what feels right. That being said, we fall under the alt-pop umbrella on this new album.
3) Your band is from the Kitchener, What is the scene like there?
M: When we were first starting out the scene was very metal/hardcore based. Every weekend there would be shows and all the same people would be there. It was a great environment to begin as a band. I think you can hear those heavy, dark influences in our music.
4) Why did you decide on the name Courage My Love? Do you have courage in love?
M: We came across the name when Phoenix and I were in an old repertory theatre from this old 1930s sci-fi movie called "Things To Come".
I think you need to have courage to love anything or anyone. We picked the name because we've always been about sending a positive message out there. At the same time, you have to be real and live in the real world. Nothing is all butterflies and rainbows all the time. There are ups and downs in life, and that is what makes the struggle for happiness worth having. "Courage My Love" to me is the message that there are dark clouds on the horizon, but you can find strength within to weather the storm.
5) How would you describe Courage My Love to someone on the street?
M: Dreamy sweet horror movie music.
6) Which factors played a role in finally deciding to sign with Warner?
M: We had had a few offers from different labels and were weighing our options, but Warner just seemed like the best fit. They're a major label, but very artist friendly. They signed us at the age of 17 and have had the patience to let us grow. We know our team personally as people, have friendships with each one of them. I think it's important to share a common goal with the people on your team and appreciate all the work that each individual puts into it.
7) You recently released your third album Synaesthesia, what has the response been like?
M: it's been great to see our fans reaction to the new sound and songs. We're very blessed. It's opened a lot of doors for us in the radio world that were never even an option before. It's also given us the opportunity to tour around the world, and it's only been out for 3 months! I'm excited to see what the future holds, and very grateful for the support so far.
8) What was the recording process like for Synaesthesia? How did it differ from previous albums?
M: We really focused on the writing element of this record, which is why it took such a long time. We worked with David Bendeth and Chris Perry as co-producers, so there was a new feel but also kept it within the CML family. We really took our time and challenged ourselves in the studio.
9 a) How would you describe the difference between The Becoming and Synaesthesia?
M: Every record is a snapshot in time of where you were in your life when you wrote it. When we wrote Becoming, we were relatively naive and wide eyed innocent. We were learning about ourselves as a band and as people. I think you can hear that hesitation and anticipation on the record. Jump to a few years later writing Synesthesia, after touring heavily for a few years and a few personal issues we all had to overcome. We had all grown up a lot in between. We all experienced love and loss, crazy highs and devastating lows. I was broken when I went into the studio for the first Synesthesia session, literally crying between vocal takes. It was a big change emotionally. I think you can hear the raw emotion and honestly in the lyrics of all the Synesthesia songs. It's a lot more vulnerable and bare. To me it feels more human. You can literally hear the healing process when you listen to the record all the way through.
9 b) Why drop the heavy elements on the new record?
M: I wouldn't say we straight up "dropped" the heavy elements. We just evolved. Our goal has always been to write songs we like and that are true to us as artists. We did make a conscious decision to go outside our comfort zones and push outside the box with this album, but we were trying to open ourselves up creatively, not tie our hands. Some of the songs came from an angsty angry place where heavy guitars and drums felt right, others came from different places. Our only challenge was to not release something we've already done before in the past. We want to push forward and evolve as musicians and writers.
10) Family is a big part of this band, What does it mean to have the family support for your dreams?
M: It means everything. We wouldn't be where we are if our families weren't as supportive and encouraging as they are. They've been a part of this since the start. We're really lucky!
11) You just finished up a US tour, how did the crowds respond?
M: We did a USA run and a cross Canada tour. It feels good to be back in our home country revisiting these cities we haven't been to in a while, especially playing these new songs in front of people for the first time. The crowds are always really supportive and passionate for us, large or small, so we obviously really value that.
12) In September the band is playing the Not By Choice reunion show, any comments on them?
M: We're on tour with Simple Plan for their "No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls" tour, and very excited to have Not By Choice hop on the Toronto show. It'll be great to see them do what they do best in front of a crazy crowd! I can't wait.
13 a) What has Kevin Lyman and Warped Tour meant to the band?
M: Kevin gave us a huge opportunity by taking us under his wing on the entire 2014 Warped Tour, and it means a lot that he's having us back again this summer. It was great to meet so many fans and fellow artists that we all look up to. Can't wait to do it all again!
13 b) Excited for another warped summer?
M: Absolutely. I think it'll be even better this year now that we've already learned the ropes and have a new album to promote. Can't wait to be a part of the Warped community again.
14) Which bands from around the local Ontario/Kitchener scene would you suggest to someone looking for new music?
M: Definitely check out "Romancer", if you're into ambient rock, and "Goldfinch" if you like shoegazey grunge. We have friends in both those bands, and they're all very talented musicians. Also have to give shout outs to Gracefield and Dogbus.
Listen to or buy the album wherever music is sold and watch the video for their single "Stereo" below.
Published May 9th, 2017
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