The Incidentals is one dude, Jesse Laderoute, known to some as a bit of a heartthrob, and a prolific songwriter. The lineup that accompanies him often changes, but he insists it isn't due to any diva-esque demands or Noel Gallagher control issues. Ryan McLaren got a chance to talk to him about the band, the plan, and the whole art versus commerce thing.

So what exactly is The Incidentals? You've been a solo thing, a duo, and a trio if I'm not mistaken. How does your band work behind the scenes? Is there any significance to the name?

The Incidentals has been my project for a number of years. The name doesn't have any significance whatsoever and I'm basically too lazy to think of something clever. It refers to any project I'm working on at any given moment, whether that includes other people or me exclusively. I've been an Incidental for almost five years now, I believe. As of right now, I'm playing with two friends of mine named Josh (on drums) and Bron (on bass) respectively. Everybody sings and it sounds nice. I'm really the happiest I've ever been with a lineup and I hope I can continue with this one indefinitely.

You once told me that you thought all recorded music should be free. I'm not sure that I agree. I think I understood your point at the time, but I can't remember it anymore. Can you re-explain?

I was referring to a few separate things. First, I don't think that a business transaction is necessary to validate what amounts to a simple exchange of ideas. I also think that it's unhealthy as an independent artist to strive for success by following some archaic corporate business model down a very narrow path towards success. Independent labels are guilty of it as well, as most of them operate using the same model on a smaller scale and a slightly more artist-friendly attitude. We're taking pretty big steps towards total accessibility of information because of the internet and I think that it's pretty wonderful. I mean, music will most definitely survive the internet but the tired, old corporate business model probably won't without some major adjustment. Ideally, I'll be able to make a living playing and writing music, but not at the expense of my personal definition of artistic success. This might not always include adhering to tried-and-true business tactics like driving across the country in a shitty van so more people have the opportunity to buy my product. All that said, I just want to continue having a good time doing something I enjoy. I'll do what I feel is necessary to achieve my personal goals, and others should do the same.

How do you feel about condos?

I think they're a convenient way for closeted suburbanites to enjoy a downtown life. I'm kidding. The truth is that I don't really care about them one way or another. I personally wouldn't want to live in one unless it was with you.

Where do you want to take The Incidentals? What path are you on? What do you want out of this whole experience?

I want The Incidentals to continue to be an outlet for whatever musical adventures come my way. The core of the group will hopefully remain pretty constant, but I'd like to continue to challenge myself to try something slightly different each time I work on a record or perform live. That means continuing to do solo shows and including different random musicians with the core lineup of the band when it suits our needs.

You post on Stillepost a lot. What's your take on the role of SP in the music scene?

The internet is a useful tool, even if sometimes the only use I get out of it is going onto a message board and completely making an ass out of myself. I cherish that and I always will. It's a funny place because there are obviously people who make everything a joke 100% of the time, but I also find that sometimes, some people are much more honest than they would be in real life. It's interesting... most importantly, I just plain enjoy it.

By Ryan McLaren