One of the acts I was most excited about seeing live once I learned of their existence is Toronto, Canada’s The Beaches, which was made possible thanks to their Sunday afternoon spot on the Riot Fest 2019 schedule.
Not only did I get a chance over the weekend to see with my own two eyes just why The Beaches are buzzing so much within the various music circles, but I was also fortunate enough to connect with Kylie Miller, guitarist and vocalist for the band. In our chat we discuss a number of topics including the impact on the band from having noteworthy fans, their latest EP, and playing Riot Fest this year.
Check it out below.
Oscar Oliva (OO): In the last few years, you’ve earned a Juno Award for “Breakthrough Group of the Year” & learned that artists like Elton John love your band, with Elton publicly calling your debut album Late Show one of his favorites of 2017. How do you set that apart, or conversely harness those good vibes, as you work on new material?
Kylie Miller (KM): We have had such an incredible past few years! We’re so grateful to have received our Juno Award and to be recognized by such influential rockstars like Elton. I think we just use that praise to continue to push forward and focus heavily on songwriting.
OO: You mentioned in that call on Elton John’s show that you’d be working on your second album and ultimately came out with the 2019 EP, The Professional. What made you decide on releasing an EP at this point rather than a full LP?
KM: When we finished recording the first five songs that turned up on The Professional we were so excited about the new direction and sound that we just wanted to release them as soon as possible. At the same time, we were on the road touring and we were playing some of these songs live so we figured let’s put them out.
OO: The Professional’s songs boast a diverse mix of sound elements including disco and dance, back-to-basics rock, and your signature 70s-tinged productions. Is this a peak into what your next album will be like or were you more so trying to explore creative ideas?
KM: Absolutely! We got to collaborate with our dream producer Jacknife Lee for the EP and the upcoming album, and he helped us push our boundaries and ideas about what our band could sound like. Taking elements from all those different genres like disco and dance helps us stand out from other rock bands, and helps define who we are.
OO: I’m loving “Desdemona.” Is there a song from the new EP that has especially resonated with fans on your current tour?
KM: We love that song too! It definitely has an incredible dancey vibe so whenever we perform it live it helps get the crowd moving which is awesome to see.
OO: You’re playing in Chicago this weekend at the iconic Riot Fest, which is best known for its celebration of Punk music and culture. What would your Done with Dolls past selves think about playing a set like this?
KM: Playing Riotfest is an absolute dream come true for us, we still can’t believe it. We were thrilled to be playing alongside such iconic rock artists.
OO: I’m particularly a fan of your live rendition of “Be My Baby.” Do you have any special covers planned for your Riot Fest performance?
KM: I think since our set is shorter than usual we are going to play all our own material. We are working on a spicy new ABBA cover though… stay tuned.
OO: Are there any artists at Riot Fest that you’re excited about checking out?
KM: Patti Smith!! She Is Legend.
OO: What’s next for The Beaches?
KM: We’re about to hit the road with Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes for a few weeks which we are so stoked about! Plus new music is on the way very soon.
