Purveyors of : kalimba-lovers united

If the future belongs to the next generation then they will likely inherit the music scene along with global warming and anything else we're throwing in as part of the deal. Some of the younger musicians among us are already getting a headstart on helping to shape the future of music. However, it seems that one is hard pressed these days to find teenage musicians who are not part of the Disney Pop Tart Collective. Thank goodness for Wee Golden. Hallie and Kai may both be fifteen years old but thankfully they have no affiliation with Disney. They are simply talented musicians who share a reverence for CocoRosie. In fact, the matter of their age becomes entirely irrelevant when you listen to their sparse, tender songs, composed of imaginative lyrics strummed out on guitar and kalimba. If the future of music is in their capable hands, then we have reason to be less afraid.

So the story may not involve childhood separation and a family reunion in Paris like CocoRosie, but how did Wee Golden come to be?

It started in September ’06, after we walked into our grade nine homeroom without having previously known each other. The class was vocals, our musical similarities were obvious and sirens went off. It was convenient that we got along, as well.

CocoRosie is one of Wee Golden's biggest influences. In fact, your song 'The Bars Are Closing In' samples the guitars used on one of their songs and actually discusses a canceled CocoRosie gig. What is it that appeals to you most about their music?

CocoRosie’s music combines ethereal, grounding and subterranean levels of genius. They jump into the uncharted waters of songwriting without hesitation.
Though we bathe in the river, and they bathe in the sea, we still call them to come and drink some tea.
 
If the stars aligned (or immigration laws changed) and they returned to Canada, and you two were commissioned to act as their official tour guides, where would you take them and why?
 
Well, if we had to stay in Toronto, we would bike up town, down town, east side, and west. We would ride our bicycles to the Danforth for gyros, out treat; then onwards to some rundown rooftop with a inspiring view (you can see the details of the city best from the top). Next, a ‘good people’ party for some late night dancing, and then hit the ferry for a sunrise jam session on Ward’s Island.

There are similarities with CocoRosie, such as the romantic storytelling lyrics, however, Wee Golden has its own unique sound. This is due in part to the use of the percussion instrument, the kalimba. Why the kalimba?

Fortunately, there happened to be a kalimba around the house. A friend made it and we love the sound. Soothing, warm, familiar and far away.

Smoosh and Tiny Masters of Today are both bands whose members are all under 16 years old and they've gained recognition on the music scene partly because of this fact. How would you feel about garnering attention because of your age?

It would be a bit patronizing to have people like us, but always qualify it with “…and they’re only 15!” And it’s particularly unfavorable when most of the bands we want to see perform, play 19+ shows! (Keep it on the DL.)

Do you think that you have to work harder to prove yourselves as musicians, overall, because of your youth?

At this point, it’s hard to say. Wavelength is our first official gig.

So far you have only recorded fantastic demos. What would a full-length album potentially sound like? Do you have plans to record one?

Recording a full-length album is a really exciting prospect! What would it sound like? Well… we would love to get more instruments on the album, like cello and harp and maybe flute or some other wind instrument. But we are always coming up with new ideas, so I guess you will just need to wait and see

Would you consider touring a possibility, if and when you recorded a full-length album?

Certainly! But for now, we are both still in high school and that (for the most part) comes first. But, it would be great to do the folk festival circuit in the summer!

Is the Wavelength show your first official gig and what can fans anticipate for your live show?

Setting up expectations is never a great thing. We really want people to come out and risk not knowing what to expect. We’ll sing our hearts out, and they’ll go down in our history books as being at our first real live gig!

Finally, because I enjoy random questions and therefore assume everyone else does, here's one. If you had to chose a fictional character (from t.v, the movies or a book) who would most likely be a devoted Wee Golden fan, who would you chose and why?

This is a tricky question. We think Lucy Pevensie, from The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, but when she gets a wee bit older. She found a whole new world through the wardrobe, and we want to explore a whole new world through our music.

By Tatum George