"... by myself it is kind of like having a phone conversation where I do all of the talking."

Tatum George's acquaintance with Steve Hesselink a.k.a. One Heart Many Hands is a touching, yet inspiring story; prime material for a Lifetime film. That is, if Lifetime wanted to capture the true story of a girl who made friends with the drummer from We Are Marching On (W.A.M.O). She managed to do this by promising him matching lime green velvet tracksuits as a token of their camaraderie. He was so moved by the gesture that they’ve even taken their friendship to the next level with Facebook. W.A.M.O. may have sadly disbanded, but Steve marches on with his solo project. A self-described "one man miracle music maker," the multi-instrumentalist plays drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and does vocal duty for One Heart. His pared-down melodies and pensive lyrics will resonate with listeners.

Why did you decide to pull a Michael Jackson and leave the other four Jacksons behind? In other words, why did you decide to embark on a solo project while still a member of We Are Marching On?

I think the idea of a solo project first came up for me because in bands you always have certain roles. Things that you are naturally good at, those are the things you do. In all my projects I was a creative force but not in control of so many things, especially aesthetic [parts]. I was really striving for my own thing.

You collaborated with Jamie Bunton and Jonas Bonnetta on your Oh the Puffin EP. Do you intend to collaborate with these or any other musicians on your full length?

I actually just recorded my EP with those guys. Both of them are great friends of mine and they helped me out immensely, but I think on my full length I am going to have many more of my friends help out.

Speaking of the talented and magnificently bearded Mr. Bonnetta, a.k.a. Evening Hymns, I caught you providing back up at one of his shows. Who are some of the artists that you occasionally help out?

Jonas and I went on tour together and really hit it off. He and I grew up a lot in the same fashion and I would love to play more with him but alas he lives too far away. I have in the past helped out The D’Urbervilles, A Northern Chorus, and Forest City Lovers.

How old were you when you played in your first band and what's the first cover you ever did? (Don't feel embarrassed to share any details; the interviewer can only afford to pay two friends to read her interviews.)

The first band I ever played in I was 12 and the first cover we did was "Today" by the Smashing Pumpkins. I actually have rarely ever done covers. Not for any reason [other] than they just haven't happened.

Musicians are usually asked about their influences growing up. However, let's skip all the people who already have a Hollywood biopic. Who are some of the contemporary musicians you consider influential?

People I think that are influential.... I'll just say people I enjoy. My three favourite drummers, well I should say right now my three favorite local drummers are Leon Tahaney from Germans Paul Banwatt from The Rural Alberta Advantage [and Woodhands], and the most influential person in my entire life is my older brother Bill from People for Audio.

As a full time solo artist and with the end of W.A.M.O, you no longer have to share a tour van with bandmates. Please elaborate on some of the disturbing personal habits and/or incidents you won't particularly miss.

We're Marching on has broken up, it's true, but we are still all friends. Some things I will/won't miss while touring on my own will be the bickering between band-mates and urination in water bottles.

The music of We Are Marching On is raw and energetic whereas One Heart Many Hands by contrast is considerably mellow and intimate. I call the difference the pre- and post-Ritalin effect. How do you approach the two different kinds of live performances?

For me, one thing I am is passionate. I don't say that pretentiously but every time I play live I want a part of me to be remembered. When I play with my friends W.A.M.O. it is exciting and crazy and kind of like having a really weird but interesting conversation with four other people, but by myself it is kind of like having a phone conversation where I do all of the talking. It is always going to be much more intimate and will make a different impact.
We knew each other before through Myspace. How do you think the internet (and its social networking systems, etc.) has transformed the relationship between musicians and fans?

I think for people like me who sometimes shy away from personal conversation it is a great tool. You can accomplish so much without having to really talk about anything. I am a horrible self promoter so it's easy to just say "listen to my songs and think what you think."

Finally, I'm still working on the matching lime green velvet tracksuits. I intend to add rhinestones to give it a hint of sophistication. Be honest Steve, are you going to wear my creation anywhere else besides perhaps a dark basement filled with visually impaired people?

I will definitely wear the velvet. Just make it already!

By Tatum George