In a little over two short years, Weaves have gone from a collection of voice memos on Jasmyn Burke’s iPhone to establishing themselves as one of the most stridently individual acts to emerge from Toronto’s DIY scene.
Led by the collaborative efforts of Jasmyn Burke and Morgan Waters, the group began in a series of sessions in the bedroom of Water’s Chinatown apartment, where Waters and Burke would record increasingly elaborate demos built from Burke’s phone full of songs.
They transitioned to a full band line up in late 2013, adding bassist Zach Bines and drummer Spencer Cole, and quickly set to work recording their debut EP which was released in the summer of 2014. In the last two years the band have been working on their debut album and are now in the UK to support its release playing Cardiff Globe on September 20. Andy Howells recently put questions to Jasmyn Burke.
How did you first start out in music?
I think just listening to bands play and wanting to be on stage. My first band was with all of my best friends and we were called Hot Monogamy. I guess that’s when my song writing process began, plus no one else wanted to sing so I thought I’d give it a try.
Who or what has inspired you most on your musical journey?
Probably the musicians around me. I’ve always played with people that are super passionate and been in a community that has always encouraged me to play live so I think those two elements really helped me aspire to write better and inspired me every time I went to shows growing up.
Can you give us some background about your latest release?
This is our first record which is self-titled Weaves. We’re really excited about its release as we had been working on it over the last two years. It’s something we’re really proud of and yeah we just hope it takes people to another world ya know. Have some fun.
You’re touring shortly are you looking forward to that?
We are actually on the road right now! We had three days off in Toronto but have pretty much been touring since March. It’s a bit of a whirlwind but it’s nice to have people excited about our music and wanting to see us live.
What can people expect from your forthcoming Cardiff gig?
Lots of noise. But good noise not just clatter. Intriguing noise and Cathy melodies.
What are you enjoying listening to at the moment?
I’ve heard two songs off of the new Angel Olsen record, Shut Up Kiss Me and Sister and they are amazing. Also the new Frank Ocean record, Blond is amazing. And I also really like Schoolboy Q’s new record Blank Face. And I’m excited about the new Cass McCombs record! I dunno there is so much down time in the van I feel this new love for music. Keeps me feeling real while driving 14 hours a day.
What else have you got planned for the rest of the year?
We just announced that we’re going on tour opening to Mitski this November. But besides that I’m just excited to start writing new music. We’ve been on the road for about 6 months now so it’ll also just be nice to go home and use my slow cooker, do some knitting and snuggling over the Winter season.