PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world.

Shane Smith – bass, vocals (SS): Our newest album is called the Aberdeen EP. It’s a four song album recorded in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada over the course of two months. Really proud of this one.

The Recording Process:  There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago.  Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way.  Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?

SS: This album came about during our third European tour. We had come up with a number of ideas when we were in Germany and Belgium and agreed that when we returned to Canada we would start working stuff out. The three of us got together in one room and just started building what would be the Aberdeen EP.

Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?

SS: We have a song on the album called Mania which is about mental illness and the struggles that can sometimes accompany the illness.

As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?

SS: Well, when we first started the band I can remember photocopying and addressing letters to our mailing list. As you could imagine a very time consuming process. Now it takes ten minutes to mail out a newsletter. Personally I like the changes we have seen. I never would have imagined we would be successful in Europe. All due to the Internet.

Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years?  How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music?  Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?

SS: Well, there’s so much content out there now. It’s hard to find what to listen to. I have my favorites and its difficult to wait two years or whatever it is for a new album. For me, I find it difficult to find new bands that I like and that I want to listen to. Thanks goodness for Pop Geek Heaven.

We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them?  Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?

SS: We are actually working on our seventh record right now. Were actually recording this one all by ourselves. Not sure if were doing a full length or another EP. We usually release a digital version and a physical version.

Okay – time for some light humor!  Spinal Tap Moment: dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!  

SS: Played a biker rally one time in Canada. It was about 4pm in the afternoon, everyone was intoxicated. As you could imagine the bikers were getting pretty rowdy. We took a break and the bikers started get upset because they wanted more music. A fight broke out, equipment was broken. We immeditaly got back onstage, the fight stopped, tempers were stabilizing and everyone started dancing. The two guys that were fighting were now hugging like they were best of buddies. Pretty weird if you ask me.

Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?

SS: No question, Jeff Lynne. Love his style, long the producing. Class act.

Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions.   What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”?  (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)

SS: Definatley the Beatles, ELO, Beach Boys, Weezer

TOP Five Albums 1. Beatles-Revolver  2. Beach Boys – Pet Sounds  3. ELO – Eldorado  4. Guns and Roses – Appetite  5. Jayhawks – Smile

We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?

SS: The Fratellis have a new one out Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied, Really love the new Grouplove album Spreading Rumors, and of Course the New ELO album due out in November. Can’t wait.

Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’

SS: I am a psychiatric nurse full time

Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?

SS: www.theperms.com www.facebook.com/theperms