Vancouver Buzz: Black/Pink Mountaineer Stephen McBean Starts Bands With Everyone

I recently caught up with elusive Black Mountain/Pink Mountaintops frontman Stephen McBean, who filled in the blanks about the myriad projects and weird jibberish that's been keeping him busy lately.

"Hey, ummm, I'm trying to quit smoking and my mind is slow," says McBean. "The Acid Chairs will form in 2009 at the same time that Pimbod and The Total Boners drop their debut and only release. The Acid Chairs will only be influenced by Fang and have a yet unknown lineup."

McBean then went on to explain that Pimbod A.T.T.B will also feature Dan Bejar and be influenced solely by The Church Police.

"There's a Pink Mountaintops seven-inch called 'Single Life' that comes out February 20 on Jagjaguwar. Also, the band will tour the west coast in December. The new lineup features fancy-looking people from Jackie O Motherfucker, Destroyer, Daddy's Hands, Streets and The Organ."

But wait, there's more.

"Black Mountain might make another record in January, or decide to print up some stickers instead."

As for fellow bandmates Amber Webber and Josh Wells, they have a new side-project on the go, too.

"Amber and Josh don't have a band name yet, or maybe they do but they haven't text messaged me it, but are finishing their record," says McBean.

Black Mountain keyboardist Jeremy Schmidt also has a project of his own coming out.

"Sinoia Caves' full-length is being re-released in November on something on Oneida's Brah Records."

And just when you think he's done...

"Oh yeah, Pink Caves will happen sometime in the future."

In other news, longtime Black Halos axeman Jay Millette has left the band. I presumed it was to free up more time for his late night Railway Club back room drinking, but he explains the situation as follows:

"I just needed to step back from the whole music industry thing for a bit and take a breather. I needed a change and am taking a bit of a break from it all. I'll probably end up playing again with somebody sometime, but for now nothing is going on. Who's to say what I'm going to get up to next? But me and the guys are all cool with each other, and I wish 'em well as they do with me. It's not a big deal, really."

Vancouver act Hot Loins have been getting themselves well-organized lately and just released a new seven-inch. I recently spoke with Cameron Reed, who had plenty to say about what the band have been up to and the state of the local scene.

Tell me about your new seven-inch. Where did you record it, with whom, what's it like, et cetera?
Cameron Reed: We recorded our new seven-inch at The Hive with Pietro Sammarco of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? He was amazing to work with. It was somewhat of a learning process for all of us. It was my first experience recording, and it seemed incredibly unnatural to be standing behind glass with people watching you. It was like an aquarium. It was fun, though, The Hive has a great vibe. We're proud of the record. It seems to capture our energy pretty well. Peter of Broadway To Boundary Records [which released the seven-inch] jokes that the songs are more prog than they are punk. That's a fair statement, but, for the record, I fucking hate Rush.

What's new with the band besides the album?
On November 22 we have a show with Fun 100 at The Other Space, a new all-ages venue in the city above The Media Club. We're doing another AA show with Dandi Wind and The Doers on December 9. That should be off the hook. Last time we played with Dandi, there were loads of kids dressed in neon who danced all night long.

What do you think about the Vancouver scene lately? What local acts are you into?
Vancouver is becoming a hub for some amazing music. Bands like Shearing Pinx, Mutators, Winning, Ladies Night, The Pink Noise, et cetera. I could go on forever. A new scene seems to be happening. It's a really exciting time. There is a lot of support and feeling of community here right now. There is energy in Vancouver that needs to be discovered. Fuck anyone that says there is nothing to do here. It's in parking lots and shitty clubs. It's loud and has so much heart it shames anyone making music for money, fame or ego.

The Manvils, Mongoose, The Smears and Hot Little Rocket are at the Lamplighter on October 27.

Young & Sexy, The Weather and Great Aunt Ida are at the Railway Club on November 4.Also at the Rail, round one of Shindig is winding down, with just two weeks left. Be sure to make a Tuesday appearance and be ready to party.Stay tuned next time for a Mint Records retrospective featuring a variety of musicians and their thoughts on the label. See ya in two weeks.