Stay hungry

>> Stage whores Starvin’ Hungry take a bite out of Montreal

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

For a while, it seemed that the trio of rock ’n’ roll cretins called Starvin’ Hungry was playing every single weekend in any beer-stained hovel that would have them. With umpteen local shows under their belts, it was inevitable that they would attract a local following, as well as some pretty kick-ass word of mouth P.R. “We just can’t control ourselves,” says head honcho John Milchem. “We are kind of aware that we play too much and we keep saying that we are going to take a break. But we’re just ho’s that can’t say no.”
Milchem started the band in his hometown of Toronto with drummer and twin brother Glen, better known as the skin man behind Blue Rodeo. Having gone through a parade of temporary musicians, including John Card (DOA, Personality Crisis, SNFU), Milchem has finally hit his zenith line-up with ex-Tricky Woo bassist Eric Larock and ex-Line 3 drummer Spencer Warren. “My brother came down to Montreal and watched us jam and said that this was easily the best line-up the band has ever had—and he doesn’t dole out compliments easily.”
Having left Toronto over a year and a half ago, it seems that Milchem’s move away from Canada’s musical Mecca was the best thing he could do. “The thing I love about Montreal is that people are just genuinely more enthusiastic about music than they are in Toronto. There is a little bit more room to breathe here and Toronto can be a bit stifling and claustrophobic. In Toronto, a lot of people form bands with the intention of making it, and take it a little too seriously.” With a full-length under their arms and currently being shopped, 2002 could prove to be a big year for Starvin’ Hungry. Go see ’em at a hovel near you. :