Purveyors of: Spazz garage punk dripping with some dank R&B
File next to: METZ, The Mummies, Hooded Fang, Rihanna
Playing: Night two of Wavelength Music Festival FOURTEEN, Friday February 14 @ Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide St. W.) 

Weaves blend seamlessly into your hair, yet take over your whole head with the catchiest of melodies. Sometimes they are upbeat and frantic, while other moments find them chugging along like an old tractor in first gear. No matter the pace, you will likely find yourself motivated to dance, nod, or gyrate along to their sludgy bass groves and anxiously soulful vocals. Wavelength contributor Michael Ball chatted with Weaves' lead singer Jasmyn Burke to talk about shows that inspire pizza/sex cravings… and oh
yeah, songwriting! Catch Weaves as part of WL14 on Friday February 14th at Adelaide Hall.

Can you tell us a little bit about how and when Weaves came together?

This project differs from any other bands we’ve been in prior, in that this one is a fresh oven of new friendships. It was important for me to have a post-Rattail [Jasmyn’s previous Toronto-based group] name because I like the literal idea of hair! You chop it, you let it grow, sometimes you hate it, and sometimes you dye it so that you can cover up a certain side of yourself. We didn’t really know each other before this project essentially began and we started releasing singles, so we’re kind of an ever-evolving hair instalment. 

What is the creative process like between you and your bandmate and writing partner Morgan Waters? 

It’s a process that we’ve begun narrowing down. I work, then Morgan works. Music is like a transient temple for me and a meticulously-melting ozone for Morgan. We can’t give away too much but we DO eat chocolate cake three times a week now, it’s kind of a ritual. And then we get into the song together, like hands in a jean jacket.

Regarding your sound, was there a particular style you were aiming for, or did the songs inform what kind of band you became?

This shit just comes out. I’m not quite sure. I love words so much. More than anyone will ever know. And I love melodies so much. More than anyone will ever know. Basically I probably spend too much time at the reference library and using toxins to alter my baby brain.

As Weaves writes more songs, would you say that you stuff is evolving or changing, or are you refining your sound to get closer to realizing what you’ve been getting at from the outset?

I think it’s important to always evolve. This project is not about keeping it safe and being boring. But there is a focus, and we’re excited about making music, and I think that’s the most important element. And I also eat bananas a lot because the potassium really helps bring that energy up, so these songs get more and more inclined and refined.

All your stuff sounds so focused, in terms of songwriting and production. Your songs are to the point and recorded without any unnecessary components. Everything feels essential. Is there a deliberate effort to keep everything streamlined?

Thanks! We work hard. And we fight sometimes. But it’s all for the betterment of what we’re trying to make, which we’re not actually always sure is happening until we’re done. 

What do you set out to achieve when playing for an audience?

I really love when people are so pumped that they either eat a lot of pizza or have a lot of sex right after. I think those are both very viable options and pertinent ideas.

Do you have any idea what is in store for Weaves for 2014?

Well we really love Jason Harvey and he’s creating our video, which we shot last week so people will see that come out in February. Who knows what else, I can’t predict the future! But I guarantee I will tie my shoes every day and perhaps run somewhere if good things start happening. Word.

Weaves play night two of Wavelength FOURTEEN, Friday February 14 @ Adelaide Hall (250 Adelaide St. W.)