I Spoke's latest release, a split 7'? with Panserbjorne, is available on the Culture Industry label. Matt Blair spoke with Leah, Chris and Ryan of the group about anti-oppression art and Toronto's hardcore community.

YOU'VE SAID THAT YOU'RE 'œCOMMITTED TO MAINTAINING AN ANTI-OPPRESSION FRAMEWORK'? WITH WHAT YOU DO. HOW DOES THAT AFFECT THE WAY YOU MAKE MUSIC? Leah: Using an anti-oppression framework for how we make music means that we try to think about how privilege, power, and exclusion are at play in hardcore/independent music, and we try to challenge people to see these things and to act to try to make change. Hardcore can be such a powerful tool, in the sense that it is free from conventions and at its root is both anti-establishment and anti-capitalist. There are ways to use music, shows, and records to challenge the world around us and ourselves.
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HOW MUCH CAN A BAND REALLY DO TO BRING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE?
Chris: Do I think that our band will change the world? No. Do I think that our band might change someone's opinion about something, or cause someone to look at the world differently? I hope so. There have been many people and bands that have had that effect on me. I just hope we can have that effect on someone else.
Ryan: Music has always been responsible for social commentary and political deliberation brought about by the community it creates.' Though melodic, the fact of that this music is abrasive is a testament to it being more about words and action than only being a dance party.' The wall of chaos in the music incites people to read lyric sheets to understand what we're so passionate about.

HOW HAS TORONTO'S HARDCORE COMMUNITY BEEN CONFRONTING THESE ISSUES?
Chris: I don't really see the Toronto hardcore community confronting any issues, which is the biggest problem. People don't think these issues are real problems. But that is speaking generally. There are some people out there doing some really good things. I often hear people say things like, 'œThe music speaks for itself'? and I think of that as a cop-out. Music in itself does not speak. It can cause people to feel certain emotions but gives no context for those emotions. Lyrics, liner notes, talking at shows, these are what give context and allow the music to speak.
Leah: Hardcore here seems a bit limiting. Not everyone is really into the idea of politicizing what is wrong with the scene and trying to work together for change. I do think there are some amazing people out there who are in bands and booking shows and doing stuff that is helping to create an environment that is safe and positive, and that is great.
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WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE TAKE PLACE IN MAINSTREAM MUSIC AND THE INDIE COMMUNITY ALIKE? Ryan: Some changes have been taking place. People can buy even a Coldplay CD and learn about fair trade and Amnesty International by reading the liner notes. People should know that you can have fun, and communicate meaningful messages at the same time.'  Mainstream music should be about community and beliefs, synchronous with fun.
Leah: I would like to see a greater commitment from independent artists to challenge issues of racism, class, sexuality, and gender, not necessarily in their music directly '“ there are many ways to confront oppression '“ but at least through some means, either by having a little write up in liner notes, working on compilation projects or benefit shows, or distributing flyers/pamphlets/zines at shows. Basically, we need to see more sharing of ideas and challenging of the status quo in independent music.
Chris: I'd like to see mainstream music focus less on music as a commodity. In mainstream culture, music is only validated if it can sell X number of records. I would really like to see independent music stop trying to mimic the structure of mainstream music. I would like to see people being independent out of choice, not necessity. I'd like to see a stronger DIY network to support the independent community.

By Matt Blair