Contrary to what their name might imply, The Yoko Casionos are not a group of tiny Japanese women who play tiny keyboards, but a high-energy, guitar-driven, Vancouver-based rock quartet. Siblings Chad and Misty Reid, Kieron Rhys Drake, and 'œJuice'? have been living the nomadic touring life these past few months, but two members managed to find some time between the last encore and the next soundcheck to share their stories with Mika Posen.

The word 'œpop'? often comes up in descriptions of your music '“ how would you characterize your sound?

Juice: Our sound is a little schizophrenic. A lot of people point out a ska influence, but that's only in one or two songs which have a bit of a Police feel. Our influences are pretty varied. We do some harder rocking numbers but I think the amount of melody and harmonies we do, it always brings it back to a pop music conscience.

Does having siblings (twins, at that) in the group affect the band dynamic at all?

Misty Reid: Yes, at times, but mostly in a good way. On the other side, we obviously have family rooted control dramas, but having two other members also lends some personal dynamics as well. We all have had our moments. For the most part Chad and I get along really well and always have.

How long have you two (Chad and Misty) been playing music together, and how did this band come to be?

MR: We have been playing music together all our lives, whether it be singing or bashing my dad's drums and guitars growing up. We always had stages built in our basements. This band (our first band together) has been together about 5 years. The band formed after my band Misty changed band members. Our bass player got busy with producing albums and our guitar player was getting married and moving. So we invited Chad to come out to Toronto and join in and he had all these songs to contribute so we changed the name to The Yoko Casionos to make it a proper band name.

I hear you've just finished an extensive cross-Canada tour with Sloan. What was the best thing about touring with them?

J: We've known them for a while, so just getting to hang with them and their crew. They're all great people. Jamming together at the Sloan/Stones after-party in Halifax was a highlight. And playing for a lot of people who know what rock and roll is all about!

MR: Performing the encores with them every night was the best. They would get me and Juice up for "I Can Feel It" and "The Rest Of My Life" which was truly fun.

Do you have any pre or post-show band (or individual) rituals?

J: Not really. We're all pretty hungry by the end of the night.

MR: I try to brush my teeth every night before going on stage.

Anything in particular you want to see/do/eat/hear/avoid while you're here in Toronto?

J: I want to see my family who all live there, and all of our friends. I'm from Toronto and that's where the band started, so we have many close friends and family there. Some of Mom's cooking would be nice as well.

MR: I want to hunt down my favorite perfume, see my favorite vintage store Rozanehs, and hear the sound of the streetcars. Avoid eating sushi.

Reviewers rave about your energetic performances - what can we expect at your Wavelength show?

J: Drums, bass, guitars, and lots of vocals!

MR: Expect to see me wearing something from Rozanehs and my favourite perfume!

By Mika Posen