Les Alumettes are a challenging band to research. No website, little press. Google mostly turns up websites for French books. Here's what I was able to find out about them before asking Natasha questions directly:

- They are all (ahem) ladies.
- Ottawa, not Toronto, is the capitol of Canada.
- They claim "punk rock, polka dots, and French immersion education" as their influences.
- "Alumettes" is French for matches.

Now you know what I know. Lets read on and learn together.

WHO ARE LES ALUMETTES? WHAT OTHER BANDS HAVE THE MEMBERS OF LES ALUMETTES PLAYED IN?
Founding members are drummer Heather (ex-Holy Hell), guitarist Nina and bassist & singer Natasha (both ex-Sophomore Level Psychology), guitarist and singer, Christina (of No Fixed Musical Address). Christina is taking a break to focus on her awesome and creative business (www.lootbystina.com). Jordanna is the newest and most exciting member of the band.

IN HER BLOG, MATILDAZINE, JENNIFER WHITEMORE TALKS ABOUT SEEING HER OLD BANDMATES FROM SOPHOMORE LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY IN THEIR NEW INCARNATION AS LES ALUMETTES. IS BREAKING UP A BAND LIKE BREAKING UP A RELATIONSHIP, WHERE YOU WANT TO SHOW THAT YOU'RE COOL WITH THE NEW PEOPLE YOUR EX IS SEEING, SO YOU OVERCOMPENSATE BY ACTING UBER-FRIENDLY TOWARD THEM?
Sophomore Level Psychology broke up partially because Jennifer and Misse wanted to pursue other creative outlets. So it's more like when you break up with your partner because they switch teams, (are attracted to a different gender) you know, 'œnothing personal, I'm just more into writing right now'?. So, I think we can all be genuinely friendly to each other.

LAST MONTH YOU PLAYED OTTAWA'S LADYFEST, ARE LES ALUMETTES ALL POLITICS OR JUST ALL GIRLS?
Well, I think I can safely say that we're feminist and queer-positive but we also like to have a good time. We like revolutions that involve dancing. We've also been known to jam with those possessing the XY chromosome, so we're a 'œmostly girl'? band.

IF SCIENTISTS INVENTED MAGIC TOMORROW, WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU'D PULL OUT OF YOUR HATS?
A magical flying bathtub, as a mode of transportation. Like, if you're far from home on a cold, windy night and you don't want to take the bus, you can just hail magical flying bathtub to transport you. After that we'd pull out an end to oppression and poverty.

I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTTAWATANS (IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL PEOPLE FROM OTTAWA?) I KNOW THAT OUR NATION'S CAPITAL GETS QUIET AND BORING AFTER ALL THE POLITICIANS GO HOME AT 5:00PM. ARE YOU RAGING AGAINST THE DYING OF THE LIGHT? ARE MY FRIENDS BORING LOSERS WHO WOULDN'T KNOW FUN IF IT JUMPED UP AND TORE THEIR BALLS OFF?
Yeah, I think your friends are boring. You should hook them up with us and we'll show them a good time. We have our fun here in Ottawa!

WHERE WOULD YOU TELL MY FRIENDS TO GO IF THEY WANT TO STOP BEING SUCH LOSERS AND START HAVING FUN IN OTTAWA?
Here's what Les Alumettes like to do for fun:
- karaoke at the Shanghai. One of Ottawa's oldest family-run Chinese food restaurants is also a stylish, queer positive, fun night out.
- Spins and Needles is the monthly craft and DJ night '“ a different craft featured every month
- see live music at Babylon, Club SAW or the Avant Garde Bar (we love seeing Ottawa bands like Pianosaurus Rex, the Hussies, the Sick Fits, J'envoi, Sarah Hallman and Quebexico)
- vegetarian feast of Sri Lankan food at the Ceylonta
- al night dance party at Disorganized
- we also think the cat park behind Parliament Hill where the semi-feral cats go to play is pretty cool

ALUMETTES ARE MATCHES, RIGHT? DISCUSS THE METAPHORS IMBEDDED IN YOUR CHOSEN NAME.
Les Alumettes perform melodic rock with a fiery spirit. We're a little dangerous to play with, but might save your life in a snowstorm.

By Evan Dickson