Ontario is known for its diverse collection of hardcore bands and Dancing With Paris is one of the select few who have pushed their limits to make sure they’re heard. With a Christmas gig in Toronto right around the corner, guitarist Andrew Wilson was able to shed some light on a few questions
How did you come up with the name Dancing With Paris?
The name came when we found out that our drummer Terrence Harris was in love with a stripper named Paris. The one night that he fell in love with her, was the last night he ever saw her.
If Dancing With Paris was a physical being, what would it be and what type of personality would it have?
It definitely would be a black hole disguised as a hippo I would say. Its massive when you see it and it sucks you in for good.
When did you first get involved in music?
I have been involved with music since I was a little kid. My dad would play tons of music non-stop until I knew the words to everything. Then I would get all my toy drums and play music in the background, while I made a stage with chairs and made my family watch me as I made an ass of myself. Good thing I’m a guitarist now.
How did the band first come about?
I went to school with our vocalist James Manning and manager Piers Simpkin and we wanted to start a band. Piers and I were already in a band before but nothing worked out. James knew Terrence and they both wanted to start a band so we did. Three years later and a couple switch-ups and here we are!
Why did you feel the need to change your sound over the past couple years?
The sound we had before was just amateur and very messy. We had no idea what we were writing or what kind of style were writing, we were just doing it for the hell of it. Everything changed for the better I feel because now, we know the direction we are going in and we are all on the same page.
What artists influence you the most?
Personally, After The Burial, Deftones, Thrice and Dredg.
Underoath or Alexisonfire?
Alexisonfire.
How would you describe your music?
Metal/pop/experimental.
What’s one unique thing you bring to the table that other bands don’t?
We are mixing genres of music that others aren’t and we use 8 strings.
Do you think its more difficult to make it as an unsigned hardcore band than just an alternative rock group or pop act?
I think that it is harder for a hardcore band to get out there because of the content of the music. Pop acts are easy to listen to; it’s all ear candy. The way to get out there in a hardcore band is to have the ear candy, and just work your ass off.
What’s been your favourite show that you’ve played and why?
Sudbury was the best show we have ever played. The crowd response was amazing, merch sales and just the overall atmosphere.
What’s missing from the Canadian music scene and what does it need less of?
What’s missing is Dancing With Paris and what it needs less of is the generic indie/screamo music that everyone seems to play these days.
Favourite place in Toronto to hang out at?
Sneaky Dee’s!!
What does music mean to you?
Music is the soundtrack to my life.