Pedal to the metal

>> Choke get a stranglehold on indie stardom

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

MTV’s phasing out videos in favour of reality-themed programming seems like a real sign of the times. The bands that will be reaping the rock ’n’ roll rewards are the bands that are catching white line fever on highways all across the continent. Edmonton punks Choke have been hip to this fact since they started in the video-saturated year 1994. The payoff has been an intensely loyal audience and tours with Bad Religion, AFI and Strung Out, just to name a few.

“We are lucky enough now that we are playing seven nights a week to really good crowds,” says bass player Clay Shea. “When we started touring though, we were trying to survive off $5 a day and coming home in debt. Now, because of touring for six years, we’re able to fill the same rooms that bands on MuchMusic play and have everything pay for itself, and we’re pretty proud about that.”

As much of a struggle as being an original band can be, Choke found out just how easy it is when you are a cover band. As a laugh, they recently tried their hand at playing heavy metal covers under the incredible moniker Wicked Fantasy while donning wigs, spandex and handkerchiefs strategically tied around their thighs. “That was a bit frustrating, to see just how easy that was to get people to those shows. We had to stop it though, because I would have to drink a mickey just to get into character as a heavy metal lead singer—and my liver couldn’t take it.”

Eight years of riding around in an Econoline should have taken its toll on the band members, but Shea insists nothing could be farther from the truth. “It’s almost stupid how well we all get along. We hang out at home all the time and have been the same four guys since day one. If anything, our relationship has just gotten stronger and better.” :

With Small Brown Bike and Suck la Marde at Rainbow on Saturday, May 4, 8pm, $8