Vancouver Fashion

Vancouver's online fashion culture magazine

TV Heart Attack: shedding some light

March 23rd, 2010 | Published in Music Style

Interview by Maria. Photos by Sean Cox. Makeup by Aurielle St. Cyr. Click here to view larger version.

Everybody loves a good tune as much as the next guy, but a tune quite as good as those powered by TV Heart Attack is a rather different story. Their sound has been described as “part ballad, part bitch-slap”, where genres are mixed and then forgotten, and learning the lyrics comes naturally. It is then concluded that, without debate, a listen to their current album “Lost in the Sway” and their self-titled debut are more than worth a listen.

A band with such a sound is bound to be naturally stylish, and after meeting front men Jason Corbett (pictured above, left) and Art Guest (pictured above, right) we were far from disappointed. So much, indeed, that we snapped some photos of the two and asked them a few questions.

What is your favourite part about making music?
Jason: Making music is a great way to express yourself and to connect with people. If the song is good magic can happen.

Art: The blood, the sweat and the tears and the elation of pulling it off. Listening to the final product and the live show.

How did you decide to call your group “TV Heart Attack”?
Jason: It was a song I had written and the title just stuck with me. I liked how it sounded. It could mean different things to different people.

Art: I had no idea, Jay! Really?…

If you could call your style of music something more personalized and unique, what would you call it?
J: Why define a genre? Let the listener develop an opinion based on the music itself. One critic called us goth-light! I thought that was funny.

A: Music for the masochist?…

What venue anywhere in the world would be your ultimate venue to play at?
J: CBGBs in the late 70’s. Opening for Blondie. Yeah. That would rule.

A: The Roundhouse in 1976. The week before I would have seen The Ramones. They would have changed my life. I would have been in the crowd with the likes of Joe Strummer and Johnny Rotten. TVHA would have been one of those bands that ripped them off. I’d wear safety pins and cut the sleeves off of my jacket. THAT would rule. Oh–and I want to play the Hammersmith, too. Like Bowie did on his last show.

If you could perform with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
J: I’d like to have Queens of the Stone Age join TV Heart Attack on stage to back up David Bowie.

A: Since Jay just stole my answer, I’d have to say… Neil Young. I’d sing backups and kinda just watch. There’s no way I’d be able to handle my excitement!

From the venues you have played at, which one is your favourite so far?
J: Any venue can be great if you have the right frame of mind and you are in the moment with the audience. I would say The Venue in Vancouver. We’ve had some good ones there.

A: Sometimes the best venues are the ones your friends create… in their basement.

How do you choose what to wear for a show?
J: I just keep changing until I run out of time.

A: (Laughs) It’s so true! On tour we take turns in front of the mirror. Well, sometimes it’s fun to dress up. Sometimes you’re just… indifferent. Fatigue plays a part, unfortunately. But at home in Vancouver there’s never an excuse to NOT dress well for a gig!

Is there an item of clothing or accessory you never go on stage without?
J: Leather wristband equals time to rock.

A: My white pants.

What are some of your favourite clothing stores to shop in?
J: If I had to spend time in one store it would be Agent Provocateur.

A: Hmmm… Good question! There are too many. I like to mix n’match: Cheap and fancy. Sometimes it’s vintage, sometimes a boutique store. Sometimes I spend hours staring at suits in Holt Renfrew just wondering when I’ll be able to afford one.

How about local boutiques or brands?
I love Ken Diamond leather goods. Mr. Lee’s General Store is fantastic. When it comes to food I can tell you we love to eat at The Naam after a local show. How’s that?

A: Ken Diamond makes great leather! I want a guitar strap. I also like John Fluevog. I know somebody who knows somebody, and apparently I’m a perfect fit for all the reject models!

How would you describe your personal style?
J: 21 Jump Street meets American Psycho.

A: Post Punk meets James Dean. I’m always trying to copy what the Clash wore too but it’s almost never in style. Mod. I wear different eras in a mish-mash of black and denim. Combat rock.

In your opinion, what piece of clothing or accessory makes the “finishing touch” on an outfit?
J: Good shoes or boots. You can always judge a man by his footwear. It’s true. Try it.

A: It’s all in the fit. Seriously! You can date a picture by how the clothes fit. For example, highwaisters, boot cut jeans, skinny jeans, etc…

Which member of the band is the most stylish?
J: That’s hard to say. How I answer this question could start a rift in the band that could never be repaired.

A: Jay, stop being a diplomat. You know it’s you! What a loaded question!

TV Heart Attack plays at the Shark Club this Saturday, March 27th along with Sex with Strangers and Like a Storm. Do not miss it. Click to view facebook invite.

Published in Music Style

Fresh off the press

Archives >>

Attached Photo Gallery

Fresh in Music Style

Kickin’ it with the Boom Booms

The Boom Booms make music that makes you want to get up, dance, and maybe take off your shirt and/or pants. That's an good thing in our books, so a visit with two of its members was in order.

Rockin’ It with Little Red in Vancouver

Australian band Little Red finally made it over to our shores. We caught up with them while on the road and were there to witness their first ever Vancouver show.