If you attended the Vancouver 2010 Olympics or the Pemberton Music Festival in 2008, you may be familiar with the Canadian band Animal Nation. Their music can’t be placed into any one category. A mix of hip-hop, indie rock, and electronica, the two members, Garnet Clare and Mike Armitage, said in a phone interview that they have been labeled everything from “hip-hop for kids who don’t like hip-hop” to “indie-nerd-hop”. If you mix the style of a couple snowboarders with the sound of the band Atmosphere, and the influence of today’s modern electric sound, you would have Animal Nation.
Living in Whistler BC, they are working to make it big with their music in Canada – something not easily attained. They both have jobs in Whistler to supplement their passion which is a similar situation to many students. Not only do they work hard, their music contains Canadian references that imply their Canadian pride. Notably, their music video for “Party Animals” found on their MySpace page shows Mike wearing a Vancouver Canucks baseball cap. He agrees that it will benefit the Canucks to relieve Roberto Luongo of his responsibilities as captain this season. Their Canuck pride is relatable, and it is inspirational to see talents so near to us pursuing their dreams.
Animal Nation recently released a new EP entitled “Basti Made Me Do It!” which was produced by German producer Sebastian Hochstein. The influence he had on their music was “more electric and less organic” Mike said. The decision to name the EP after Sebastian came from the motivation that he gave the guys during the project. It was Sebastian’s first time in Canada, yet he wasn’t interested in the outdoor opportunities that British Columbia has to offer. The boys claim that he literally made them do it when they got sidetracked, but Sebastian insists his dedication to the project came off as pushiness. The pushiness paid off. With the collaboration of Animal Nation and Sebastian Hochstein, this mix of genres merits a genre all in its own.
Animal Nation is going on tour within Canada beginning September 30 in Ottawa and ending November 11 back in Whistler. During the interview, they were on their way to a cabin in Montreal to add original content to their new live show. They often use animal mascots to get the crowd going, so anything is possible. Unfortunately Kamloops didn’t make the cut, so for potential fans, you can get their music online. Their mySpace page has a link to purchase the new EP through iTunes at a very student friendly price of by donation.
Sebastian plans on working with Animal Nation again. In the mean time, he is releasing an album with Illect Records next spring, an album with JustMe from the Scribbling Idiots, and an album with Shawn Lov. He is so busy working on his music that we were forced to speak at 1:30 a.m. Germany time.
As for our Canadian boys, expect to see them on the road together and also independently working on their side solo projects. Watch for their mascots, and find some of their tunes, you’re sure to hear from them in the future.
Visit them at: http://www.myspace.com/animalnation
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