Name: Callan Furlong
Claim to fame: *laughs* I wouldn’t necessarily say that. But I play in a band called “The Swamp Yankees”. Very rock and roll. Playing around for most of the dingy bars in Toronto, as well as a few bigger venues.
Year: Third Year
College: Victoria
Major: Philosophy. Taking a number of psychology classes, as well as English.
Hometown: I feel very at home on the subway. I enjoy being on it. It’s like I know my way around on the subway and am always on my way to another part of the city. I’m a Toronto boy, born and raised in Denver.
On-campus activities: I should say studying, but not really. I usually come to Cat’s Eye to shoot pool. Very zen and relaxing. I’ve taken part in Battle of the Bands. Open mic.
Favourite thing to do on campus: To explore it.
Least favorite thing to do: Studying.
Dream job: Right now, my dream job would be to compose soundtracks for movies. Ennio Morricone, Italian, he used wordless vocals, like chanting and soprano. And I love picking songs to a soundtrack.
He’s a big influence and inspiration and one my favorite composers for the old cowboy movies.
So you’re in a band… What’s the usual reaction you get when you tell people that?
Usually, if you bring it up without being asked, people roll in their eyes because it’s kind of typical. Everyone is in a band. Sometimes, people are keen, as everyone likes music.
What’s the name of your band and its significance?
The Swamp Yankees. The original idea was to do an alternative country. And the ironic thing is, that we are a bunch of city kids doing country music. I thought that was kind of funny. I was searching derogatory names for non-southerners because I thought it was funny to poke fun at ourselves and to accept the fact that we were not really part of that culture. So I was researching terms and I found this term. Refers to the undesirables of the of the northeastern US.
What’s your role in the band?
I’m the rhythm guitar player and sometimes vocalist. I sing the occasional song. I also do a fair bit of research and picking songs. Also do scheduling and management. I also designed the posters and distributed them.
I mean, we all contribute and some members have other musical acts that they are involved in so that kinda splits their time. They work hard to balance it out. But I’m lucky to not have other music engagements and it’s fun.
Do you have any superstitions regarding performing?
I’m not a superstitious guy, but let me think… Hmm. There’s probably something I do… Well, I almost always have a drink to relax. *laughs*
Have you ever had any problems during a performance?
Oh yeah. Some… Yeah. There are often time, serious technical difficulties, Iike an amp dying. So we’ve had to jump in the van, go across town, pick up another, and start playing.
I break a string at least once every performance, so it’s a good thing I always have a backup guitar.
I remember this one time, at The Dakota Tavern, there was a very drunk audience member. She got up and started giving our drummer a lap dance, which made it difficult for him to continue playing. It was funny.
What is your most memorable performance to date?
Our biggest show was an opening set, opening up for the Psychedelic Furs, great 70s/ 80s band. We had an opening spot for them, playing at Lee’s Palace. And it was a sold out show. Very popular. So that was definitely a memorable experience.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
Personally, it would Tom Waits. He’s just definitely one of the greatest songwriters who has ever lived. He bought very experimental elements of music to a more popular format. Opened my eyes to things.
Strange sounds helped me connect and opened my eyes to music in a broader sense.
Is it expensive to book a show?
Not expensive at all. We negotiate different deals. It depends on the party, like if it were a house party and such, we’d do it cheap. A lot of the members would do it for free alcohol.
Have you had any record labels?
W are unsigned, currently. We are working its agent and management. Not really supposed to talk about it, but we have had some record labels show up at shows. So let’s see how it goes.
What’s your definition of hipster? You seem like the type someone would call a hipster.
The defining characteristics of a hipster are… An abundance of irony and apathy. And I guess the mindset of a hipster is somehow thinking it’s an accomplishment to be into a musical act, movie, song before everyone else has. Another defining characteristics is not admitting you’re one. And those ridiculous bicycles.
Have you ever been called one?
Yes. And I readily self apply that term. I’m in a band, study philosophy, and live in my parents basement.
Any advice for individuals in bands, or individuals wanting to form a band?
My advice, and I’m no expert, is to get on stage. Work hard and practice. I had a lot of stage anxiety. But there’s nothing better than going up on stage in front of people and performing something you’ve perfected in your room. There’s a big difference between playing in your room and playing on stage.
In short, best way to learn is to mess up publicly and learn from those.
As for starting a band, make sure you’re friends with the people you form a band with. Because if you cannot get along, it can become very problematic. But if you’re friends, it makes working through it a lot easier.