Young Galaxy: CMW '09 Special

Young Galaxy's eponymous debut album swooned its way into the hearts and minds of Canadian music fans in 2007, and the band are bracing for a hopeful encore.

Invisible Republic is the working title of Young Galaxy's sophomore disc and it promises to expand on the band's trademark dream pop sounds with added textures, depth and experimentation. A firm release date has yet to be established, but, for the impatient, Young Galaxy will play a number of gigs this spring, including the CHARTattack showcase at Canadian Music Week.

Band co-founder and guitarist Stephen Ramsay recently spoke with CHARTattack about his band's understated approach to festival life, their plans for '09 and his personal preference for pilfered undergarments.

Hometown:
Montreal (via Vancouver)

Members:
Stephen Ramsay (guitar, vocals)
Catherine McCandless (keyboards, vocals)
Stephen Kamp (bass)
Max Henry (keyboards)
James Lynn (drums)

Official Website: www.myspace.com/younggalaxy

CHARTattack: So, you're about to play the big industry event that is Canadian Music Week. What's the most shameless thing you've ever done to promote your band?
Stephen Ramsay: Album promotion in general is shameless, so everything and nothing, I suppose.

I remember when we played MTV a few years ago. It was around Canada Day and one of the other segments on the show that day was a hot dog eating contest. While we didn't actively participate, our drummer did end up eating a hot dog off my shirt. Not sure if that's shameless or shameful — maybe both.

What's the hardest part about being an up-and-coming band?
The hardest part without a doubt is gaining any level of notoriety and continuing to maintain, and hopefully grow, awareness in your music. Even the smallest steps take a great effort, so beliefs have to be reset on a daily basis.

How important is it for your band members to circulate and flirt with the audience before or after the show?
It's really important to interact with your audiences face-to-face, pre- or post-show, and it's one of the best ways to galvanize that relationship.

That being said, we never find extra pressure to schmooze or whatever at showcase events like Canadian Music Week or South By Southwest, which we're playing in a few weeks. It's important, but not something you can force, if that makes sense.

Have you ever stolen from someone else's rider? If so, who was it and what did you take?
Maybe the odd drink here or there, but, in general, being a "rider spider" is something I would never condone unless fresh underwear are up for grabs. In which case, I'd definitely help myself.

Have you ever been graded before according to CHARTattack.com's Rock 'N' Roll Report Cards?
Not that I'm aware of [Young Galaxy were graded at CMW 2007].

I thought I was done with report cards once I left university. I always figured how to put in just enough work to achieve a steady A- grade. We might have to re-apply some of those same principles to our stage show.

Have you done anything new or interesting this week?
Young Galaxy just played New York City this week, which is always both new and interesting. It's definitely one of those cities that we never tire of because it's so busy and so vibrant.

Young Galaxy play the Horseshoe Tavern on Saturday at 10:10 p.m. as part of the annual CHARTattack/Horseshoe/Canadian Music Week showcase.

Check out CHARTattack's official CMW microsite here.