andPOP » Degrassi: The Next Generation

Interview: Degrassi’s SoundSpeed, In A Category Of Its Own

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:47:37 +0000

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Before a camera begins recording on a film set, there’s an iconic chant that is heard time and time again.

“Lock it up. Rolling sound. Sound speed!”

If you’re an actor, then you know it’s a verbal-cue that tells everyone on-set to shut-up and listen because a scene is being recorded. And it’s also an acting reference that a few actors from Degrassi: The Next Generation have taken to heart in their new venture into the music scene as one of Toronto’s up-and-coming alternative bands, dubbed SoundSpeed.

But with such a unique sound, combination, and debut EP, it can be said that the six-man band has the same message in mind as that of the chant back on the film set. Before you judge, question, or make an opinion, first…just shut-up, and listen.

“I think we represent something different,” drummer Shane Kippel, 23, tells andPOP. “We have such a refreshing sound, yet you can’t really figure it out. It’s just a blend of all of our input and musical interests.”

On first impression, SoundSpeed spikes viewers’ attention because of the band members’ side career as actors on Degrassi. Yet it’s actually the group’s details that make the unsigned band so distinguishing and interesting.

For example, they have instruments ranging from the guitar to the key-tar, and a sound so hard to pint-point that it takes all six guys thinking on a couch until one of them finally blurts out something that gets nods of approval- though not even close to your typical genre.

“We’re sort of like the grim reaper, wearing high-top nikes, while walking on a rainbow,” says 20-year-old guitarist Jamie Johnston. It’s no surprise really, it’s a testament to the group’s blend of musical interests and personalities from pop/punk all the way to classic rock.

“We pride ourselves in not being only one type of genre, or having to stick to one type of sound.”

Each member comes from a musical background- with the band featuring Raymond Ablack (Degrassi: “Sav”) on vocals, Dalmar Abuzeid (Degrassi: “Danny”) on bass, Johnston (Degrassi: “Peter”) on guitar, Scott Paterson (Degrassi: “Johnny”) on trumpet/key-tar, Kippel (Degrassi: Spinner) on drums, and Sean Farquharson -a non-Degrassi member- on the other guitar.

But this isn’t the first time Degrassi’s seen its actors turn to the music scene. The franchise has churned out a respectable array of up-and-coming talent with Aubrey Graham making a prominent career as hip-hop rapper Drake, Cassie Steele fresh off of a sophomore pop-album, and Mike Lobel on the rise with his rock band “Boys Who Say No.”

Despite this, Farquharson admits that this idea was something just waiting to happen. They can credit it to perfect timing- when Ablack and himself both left their bands, causing Ablack to decide to try and bring everyone together to take a shot at music in reality.

“We wanted to see if there was any chemistry,” says Farquharson, “so we tried it out, jammed at Kippel’s house for a few hours. We realized that everything was clicking.”

Adds Kippel too, “Yeah, our chemistry was great.”

But working tirelessly over the last year -specifically the summer- to record their three-song EP Soundspeed Hello! hasn’t just been for the sake of picking up another hobby while they’re not filming on-set.

According to Abuzeid, it’s hopefully another career all-together.

“We’ve always been musicians,” says the 19-year-old. “But the opportunity to be a band with some notoriety right from the get-go was like an opportunity that fell right into our laps. We want to pursue this seriously.”

Leading their demo-tape is the go-getter song Magnets for Lips, which boasts nice hooks and a catchy chorus. With Ablack as the main songwriter of the group, the 20-year-old says that finding recording time was the biggest challenge in the band’s building stages.

“Trying to find time to practice on everyone’s filming schedule was pretty hard,” says Ablack. “Then came fall, and then some of us had school, so we had to fit it all into the summer- which we did.”

The band released their EP during their first showcase on January 29 at Six Degrees nightclub. Besides a packed raving audience -who got an autograph signing session at the end- the event also had close friends in attendance, such as fellow Degrassi stars Charlotte Arnold, Lauren Collins and Adamo Ruggiero, Life with Derek star Michael Seater, and MuchMusic VJ Jesse Giddings- to name a few.

“I think in reality, besides putting on the show, with screaming fans and label heads and what not, we were just looking forward to a nice cold brew afterward,” jokes Paterson.

“But we’re obviously so lucky and thankful to have our Degrassi fans following us like this for our attempt at music.”

Additionaly, the group also played at Copps Coliseum for Hamilton’s “We Day” on February 8 -alongside Stereos and Louise Kent- in support of one of the band’s favorite charities Free The Children.

No doubt, SoundSpeed seems to be riding the right sound-wave to success, as they hold high aspirations for their potential. But right now, the guys all know that they’ve got to take a more day-by-day approach.

“We just have to get the word out,” says Abuzeid, “and play more shows. We can do it, it’s just a matter of paying our dues.”

For more information about the band or show dates, check out their MySpace at www.myspace.com/soundspeedband.

TIFF ’09: Suck’s Mike Lobel Talks With andPOP

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:43:55 +0000

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Glazing the city of Toronto in celebrity magic for one week in September, the Toronto International Film Festival has always boasted the ability to create a buzz and shed the spotlight on industry newbies.

Such is the case for Toronto native Mike Lobel -widely formally known as Jay Hogart from Degrassi: The Next Generation- who is experiencing his first induction into TIFF this year with the rock n’ roll comedy vampire-flick Suck.

“I’m really psyched for tonight,” says Lobel, who’s premiere played at the Bloor Varsity Cinema in Toronto on Friday night. In the midst of running around the city for those last minute “day-of” errands, the 25-year-old reeks of optimism for his first festival outing.

“I’m just running all over the place,” he says. “I’m loving it so far though. Got to get a jacket, Much On Demand later on for some promotional stuff, and then picking up my date.”

Adds the actor, “I’m just anticipating a wicked time with the guys later on.”

Directed and written by Rob Stefaniuk, Suck tells the story about a struggling rock band ironically called the Winners. Led by lead singer Joey Winner (Stefaniuk), the band tries to make it big on their tour across Canada and the US- despite their lack of popularity. After their bassist Jennifer (Jessica Paré) is turned into a vampire by the Vampire Queen (Dimitri Coats), the band experiences a surprising turn of events. Injecting a heavy dose of rock n’ roll vibes into the film are rock legends Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop who don minor roles as a vampire bartender and the latter as a studio owner.

“They’re all such committed actors,” says Lobel who plays the band’s drummer Sam. “They work hard for what they do, they came to set and were right on.”

Lobel seemed most fond of co-star Malcolm McDowell who plays Eddie Van Helsing- a vampire hunter trying to chase the clan down.

“Working with the guy was amazing. I was a big fan of A Clockwork Orange. He’s just so creative and passionate about what he does.”

Acquired by Alliance Films, shooting occurred in Toronto last November for 20 days with a low budget of $3.5 million (CAN). Most of the clubs throughout the film are underground clubs and bars in the city.

Lobel admits that once he had a chance to eye the script, he was -without a question- hooked. He fought so hard to get the role, that he even sent in an audition tape of himself jamming out on the drums.

“I knew that Stefaniuk’s work was fun and comedic, so I thought this was a really cool opportunity to portray the vampire genre in a different light.”

As his six-year role on Degrassi gained him some street cred, Lobel feels that it’s now time to switch things up and take a stab at feature films. And TIFF’s reputation to give concentrated career boosts can only mean great things for a guy who hopes to continue his new-found path in the film industry.

“I would like my work to speak for itself,” he says, “and I’m just gonna keep on working hard at my craft. It would be great to have the chance to parlay into another feature film, and I’d definitely be open to the opportunity.”

Degrassi: The Next Generation, Makes The Trek From Toronto To Tinseltown

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:55:09 +0000

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Eight seasons running. A cult in Canadian pop culture. Winners of the Gemini, Teen Choice and Directors Guild of Canada Awards.

And now Degrassi: The Next Generation finally boasts its first red-carpet TV movie.

But known as a “show of the people”, the season 8 finale Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood premiere last Wednesday night at Toronto’s Bloor Cinema, allowed tons of lucky special-bracelet-wearing fans bask in Degrassi glory. A free-for-all for snagging autographs and pictures from their favorite cast members, and what’s more- the opportunity to enjoy the movie side-by-side with them too.

And the word got out not only to lucky fans. Among a packed-to-the-brim theatre audience was Camp Rock 2 stars Jordan Francis and Matthew “Mdot” Finley, So You Think You Can Dance Canada winner Nico Archambault, MuchMusic VJ Devon Soltendieck and MTV Live‘s Nicole Holness.

Fresh off of an SUV limo, former Degrassi mean-girl star Lauren Collins (Paige), 23, seemed ecstatic by the outcome.

“I’m so used to just walking around in the area, and just grabbing a pita or something,” a smiling Toronto native Collins tells andPOP. “But all of a sudden you’re just showing up in a limo with cameras and fans, it’s bizarre- not really used to it.”

“But I’m so happy everyone came out.”

Collins represents the previous generation of Degrassi members who have left the show to move on in their respected acting careers: Jake Epstein (Craig) is currently the lead in the touring Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening, Nina Dobrev (Mia) is set to star in the hyped fall CTV series The Vampire Diaries, Aubrey Graham (Jimmy) is gearing up for his Hip/Hop debut as Drake- signing with Lil’ Wayne’s record label, and Shenae Grimes (Darcy) is shooting her second season of 90210 in Los Angeles.

This time around in Paradise City, old meets the new, as the Degrassi alumnus share the screen with the show’s newest characters. The bunch make the cross-continent trek from Toronto to Tinseltown where they try their fare share at making it big in the industry.

Jason Mewes plays himself as a director, who’s holding auditions for his new movie “Mewesical High”- which causes a stir among the students at school. Paige, who’s been living in Hollywood to become a fashion designer, hasn’t had the best of luck- finding herself rather working as an assistant to a reality star. But when her sudden audition catches the eye of Robbie (Dan Levy), a studio producer, she lands the lead role and invites old friends Marco (Adamo Ruggiero) and Ellie (Stacey Farber) down to come along for the ride.

This also causes Manny (Cassie Steele) to carve out her own journey to L.A. -along with Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel) and Degrassi rock band Stüdz- to claim that lead role which she believes is rightfully hers.

“It was amazing,” says Steele, 19, “you know, hanging with Mike Lobel and all the crew, good times laughing.”

But now what would Degrassi be without a little bit of Drama, eh? Well from Paige letting the celebrity life get to her head, to Ellie running into Craig, a former flame who’s been living out west in Los Angeles, clean from his season six coke addiction- the four-part season 8 finale has a healthy balance of everything on the checklist.

Directed by the series’ very own alumni Stefan Brogren (Snake), the movie was shot both in Toronto and Los Angeles. And it’s obvious that “going Hollywood” requires a few celebrity cameos -which the film delivered, sprinkled throughout the story- including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Mewes and Kevin Smith (Jay and Silent Bob), Vivica A. Fox, and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

“Obviously having Kevin and Jason was so exciting,” recalls Collins. “And also Dan levy and then the L.A. people, I can’t pick one, it was just such a fun experience.”

Known to be avid fans of the show, Smith and Mewes made appearances on seasons 4 and 5, and an on-the-carpet Mewes was in high-spirits about the latest experience.

“It was great,” says Mewes, 35, known for playing the drug dealer Jay, in Jay and Silent Bob. “Those guys were great to have called me, and shooting with all of the cast was awesome.”

Degrassi’s latest Queen-Bee Charlotte Arnold (Holly J.), who was featured only in a brief scene, had nothing but praise toward her fellow cast-mates.

“For me this was exciting,” says the 20-year-old former Naturally, Sadie star, “because I had never seen the movie before, and truthfully, I hadn’t even read the script. So this was brand new, and what they did was incredible, so proud of everyone.”

And for Arnold and the rest of the cast, the fall season is just around the corner, which means back to school at Degrassi Community School for the next two months for season 9 filming. A 22-year-old franchise known to just keep on teaching the lessons of life, but the latest advice now: to catch Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood, on CTV on Sunday, August 30 at 8 pm ET.