In preparation for the big Wavelength roadshow, participating bands took part in Doc Pickles' fact-finding mission to learn the secrets of trans-Ontario travel. Doc has never played a show north of Bloor Street or east of University Avenue, so was understandably curious to learn about the world out there, out on the open road, wind whipping through the freedom in your hair. Representing Wavelength’s fellow travelers are Brandon Gibson-DeGroote (Most People), Bradley Davis (Fresh Snow), and Adam “Handle Bars” Hindle (Del Bel).

Doc Pickles: Who picks the music, and what should be playing when you leave the 416?

Most People (MP - Brandon Gibson-DeGroote): We will be rocking 98.7 G full blast until it slowly fades into static, and then we will cry. Our tears will be the soundtrack of our trip.

Fresh Snow (FS - Bradley Davis): In the van we exclusively listen to songs about car crashes or music made by artists who died in transit. Ricky Nelson, Cliff era Metallica, Buddy Holly… Perhaps this is where the Aaliyah and Jim Croce influences on our music come from. We do this not to be morbid, but as an insurance policy against us being involved in a fatal collision. The odds of us all dying so ironically are very slim. Jesus take the wheel.

Del Bel (DB - Adam “Handle Bars” Hindle): I do cause I have the most albums on my phone. Most of which are old beach boys records. As for what you should listen to on the drive out I'd say beach boys. Preferably old material. 

What’s the secret to sleeping for the whole trip?

FS: I don’t drive so I can actually sleep for the whole trip. 

MP: Bringing your own tent and sleeping bag. 

Ugliest / most pointless roadside attraction? 

DB: Cows. Just who the hell do they think they are. 

FS: Tim Horton’s. Canadians need to stop celebrating garbage. 

MP: THE ENTIRE ROUTE IS A ENDLESS STRAIGHT FLAT POINTLESS ROADSIDE ATTRACTION.

How does Tetris prepare bands for touring?

DB: Teaches you to think with your thumbs? 

FS: It helps to improve hand-eye coordination; making it easier to text and drive. 

MP: We drive a VW golf. We both play Tetris for 2 hours every night before we go to bed, in order to train.

Suppose are on tour with one of those bands from the old days who could afford a tour bus. Whose tour bus would you ride on?

DB: Motley Crüe cause I bet the bunks on that bus have really nice bedsheets. 

FS: If we are going to dream large, I will go for Led Zeppelin's plane. 

MP: Spice Girls. 

Who farted?

MP: Posh Spice 

DB: You? 

FS: We aren't that kind of a band.

Crossing the border is such a headache when you just want to play a show. Why bother?

MP: Ya, I hate the border, its for sell-outsssss. 

DB: Ten successful border crossings and you get a free pizza. 

FS: We have never done this as a band but we would love! 

What are the benefits of taking highway 7 vs the 401?

MP: One is right and one is wrong. I won’t tell you which. 

FS: I don't drive. Can you re-phrase the question in a way that doesn't include roads or the need for a basic understanding of direction? 

Seriously, who farted?

MP: I know eh, it smells like cashew butter. 

DB: Me? 

FS: Jesus take the wheel. 

Are there any radio-silence places between Toronto & Montreal where all you can hear is country and Christian rock?

FS: Jesus take the wheel. 

MP: We'll tell you when we get back! 

Have you ever written a song while driving? Or has a song ever found its way into your head while being driven?

FS (aka Bradley, who doesn’t drive): No. 

DB: I have, but they usually end up being re writes of Roy Orbison songs with new lyrics about how much beef jerky I'm gonna buy at the next rest stop.

The smell of gasoline, coffee, upholstery, gum, and a/c: the smells of travel Individually they are unpleasant but taken together… ?

MP: …their fumes contain all the essential nutrients required to sustain la healthy life. 

DB: …are unpleasant. 

Without the motivation of having to be in such-and-such a place to play a show by such-and-such a time, what’s stopping you from just driving driving driving and never coming home?

MP: Our addiction to Mother India Roti and Pho. 

FS: Two amazing cats and the love of a good woman. It is like the old saying goes, "Home is where your house is". 

Oh man, who farted? Seriously, we will never go to McDonald’s ever again. Can’t we just open a window? Why can’t we just open the window?!

MP: We can't open the window because it is scientifically more fuel efficient to run the AC than open a window while on the highway. That’s why, just shove a COMBO in your nose and shuuuuuuut up.

Links to bands:

Del Bel: http://delbelmusic.com/
 

Fresh Snow: http://freshsnowmusic.com/
 

Most People: http://mostpeopleband.bandcamp.com/
 

Wavelength: http://www.wavelengthtoronto.com/
 

Doc Pickles: http://soundcloud.com/docpickles