In your own words; write a brief description of your band
Supermoon is a four-piece moody-pop buddy-rock band from Vancouver, BC Canada.
Name: Selina
Age: 31
Hometown: Dauphin, Manitoba (via The Pas, Manitoba)
Current band: Supermoon
Favourite place for takeout: Curry Zone in Hastings Sunrise
Tom Tom: When/ how did your interest in drumming first begin?
Selina: I started playing drums in 2010 or 2011 when my friend and I decided to start a band. He wanted to play guitar so I got stuck with drums (happy accident!).
Have you ever taken lessons?
Not really in a formal sense. But every now and again I call on my jazz-drummer friend to help show me a few things.
What was the first song you learned to play on drums?
I started writing original songs with my first band, Narwhal. But back in the fall I played in two cover bands for a Halloween show, so I got to learn a few Pixies and Swell Maps songs which was a really fun.
Describe your gear
I still use the first kit I ever bought: a Yamaha Rydeen. I bought it for real cheap from an 8-year-old kid in suburbs of Vancouver. I recently splurged and bought myself a Zildjian K 22 light ride and I always use 7a Vic Firth sticks.
Can you write music?
Yes, I can hum a tune if that’s what you’re asking. 🙂
Do you play other instruments?
I think I still remember how to play the clarinet.
What is in your own musical collection?
I have a rather odd and driftless record collection that’s quite small to begin with. It consists mostly of local indie/punk/art rock bands and a few Krautrock and Sparks records. I’m a sucker for weird or novel album art and often buy random used records that usually end up sounding terrible. The best things I’ve purchased lately are the Native North America box set, and a used 7” from one of my favourite (now defunct) Vancouver bands, Korean Gut.
Do you have musical idols?
Um, not really idols per say, but there are a lot of musicians that I admire. When I first started playing drums, I looked to Janice Weiss of Sleater Kinney and Amy Farina of The Evens for inspiration. Lately I’ve been obsessed with Cate le Bon and Meat Puppets (ha-ha)
Who are the bands that inspire your band’s sound?
When we first started Supermoon a couple of years ago, I was listening to a lot of 80s indie pop and twee stuff (i.e.: The Feelies, The Pastels, Beat Happening, The Clean etc.), so that definitely inspired, and continues to inspire, my part of the band’s sound. As a group we have a diverging favourites but I think it’s safe to say that Gang of Four, The Breeders and La Luz are some of our go-tos.
Tell us about the first show you played in front of an audience as a drummer
The first show I ever played was a local battle of the bands night called Shindig! My band at the time (Narwhal) won the first round, which was pretty surprising; considering my bandmate and I were entirely self-taught and really didn’t have any clue what we were doing.
What have you taken away from playing live?
Well, one would think that playing live would get easier as time goes on, but I still get as nervous as I did when I first started performing (probably more so, actually).
What does pre show preparation involve?
Usually a quick practice, some food and maybe a beer or something.
Are you exhausted after a show?
I’m the opposite actually. I’m generally way more energized after a show. It probably has to do with the adrenaline of performing.
What’s the most unusual/funny thing to ever happen to you at a gig?
Well, it wasn’t my gig – but I did get to go up on stage and play drums with Shotgun Jimmie at Sled Island Festival in Calgary last year. I love his song writing (and used to have a mega-crush on him), so that was pretty exciting. (Ha-ha)
What are the best/most practical clothes for drumming?
For me skirts or dresses are the most practical. For whatever reason, I find playing drums in pants or jeans restricting and uncomfortable.
What appeals to you about a magazine like Tom Tom?
Umm a feminist magazine focused on women-identified and non-binary drummers… what’s not to love? Seriously, it’s amazing to have a resource that celebrates musicians who reject the sexist bullshit that permeates so much of the music industry.
What are your goals as a musician?
My goals are fairly modest. I basically want to make sure that don’t get bored, and continue to playing music that I genuinely enjoy. I’d like to try writing more songs, and continue making records and touring. And of course, I want get better at the instrument itself.
What’s in the future for you musically?
Supermoon is heading to SXSW in March where we’ll be playing a few shows. In April we’re playing a fundraiser show for Girls Rock Camp Vancouver, which I’m really excited for! Alie (the guitar/bass player in Supermoon) and I, actually met as rock camp volunteers a few years ago, so it’ll be fun to finally play a show in support of them. Our album, Playland, was just released in Japan, so we’re hoping to get over there for a week or so this summer. We’re also planning to play a couple of Canadian festivals this summer. In addition to Supermoon, I just started a new project with two really great guitar players, who used to play in a band called Peace. It’s pretty casual, but I imagine we’ll be recording something in the near future.
What has been the biggest change in your life since lifting up the sticks?
Friendship! Most of my close friends are people I met either by playing local shows or going to shows.
What should people know about Selina?
Hmm, in addition to playing drums, I watch a heck of a lot of documentaries. I love skipping jump rope and I’m planning to take tap dancing lessons as a means of exploring other percussive opportunities. (Ha-ha) I’ve been drawn as a cartoon. There’s now cartoon caricatures of Supermoon on beverage coasters (thanks to our super rad label, Mint Records).
Do you have advice for young women starting out in music?
Start a band with friends! Act silly, don’t take yourself too seriously and try not to compare yourself to others. On a technical note: try to get into the habit of practicing rudiments on a practice pad with a metronome. Seriously! It sounds boring, and it kind of is at first, but its super-duper helpful!
Feature/Photography- John Carlow ( Finding Charlotte Photography )