What are your names?
There’s five of us! My name’s Ben Schillaci, I play guitar and sing. Then there’s Damon Guyett, he plays the keys and sings. Next we have David Appleyard who plays guitar and also sings. Our rhythm section is rounded off by Ryan Fisher on the bass and Zach Vernon on Drums and occasional song naming.
What is the bands name?
Dizzy Spells
How did you come up with the bands name?
Damon actually came up with the band name when we were just a three piece band.
I’m not sure how the term came to him but it was while we were hanging out together
just spit-balling ideas out there and seeing what would stick.
What is your genre of music?
Quirk Rock
Give us a little bio about you.
Myself, I’ve been writing songs and playing guitar since I was 13 years old. Being in a band was really new to me when Dizzy Spells began. Playing electric guitar in of itself was a learning experience for me as I mostly played acoustic guitar prior to the band forming. We formed in 2013 as a three piece, within that year beefed up to a five piece and we’ve practiced in Dave’s garage almost exclusively ever since!
What made you go in to music?
That it was another fun way to be creative and express myself. I always thought I was going to be more of a cartoonist than a musician.
Are you signed?
We are unsigned but hey, if someone plays their cards right…
Your latest release is out ‘Retrograde’, tell us more about it.
Retrograde is the second track on our self-titled record. It’s a psych-garage-stoner rock jam is the best I can say.
What was the writing process like?
This is one of the few songs that was almost entirely my brain child. Everyone in the band writes their own parts but in this one the flow of the song is dictated by my guitar in a major way. Lyrically I think I wrote four alternate versions before the one you hear now came to fit. For me that’s a lot of revisions but I think it paid off.
What was the recording process like?
We recorded everything live off the floor as the framework. Everything else you hear has been overdubbed after the fact. It was a really cold and desolate February day when we recorded it I believe? Not sure if that’s audible. I got to play a very unique custom built acoustic guitar built by Jay Jillard so that was a big highlight. He so graciously lent his space for us to record in.
What is the message you want listeners to take from the single?
I wish for people to take the message that enables them to be the most honest with themselves-whatever that message is for each listener.
Describe the single track in two words
Fist Pump
Will we see an EP or Album this year? if so what can we expect?
Yep! ‘Retrograde’ is on our self-titled record which is out now!
Do you have any shows or a tour in planning?
We’ve got some Southern Ontario shows planned for November and December.
If so where will you be heading?
We’re playing a house show in London on November 16th, then Hamilton on November 24th at The Mule Spinner with Aestrid from Holland who are rad. After that in December we’re playing on the 8th at Cameron House in Toronto.
What else can we expect from you this year?
This year will probably be wrapped up by us working on new music, applying to festivals for next year, maybe some more potluck get together’s?
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Nope none of those planned.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I’d be up for collaborations for sure! They can always contact me or all of us at our facebook page or on instagram. Especially if you’re a vocalist, would love to get a choir on a track.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar, I play ukulele, I play keys, I play a little bit of bass. I really want to learn how to play drums…
Who are your influences?
Everything I’ve ever experienced really, I can’t begin to even start that list.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I sit down and play guitar at least once every day and that really ups the odds of writing a worthwhile song.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Playing in the KEXP studios at some point I hope haha!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I skateboard as much as I can, I draw, I hangout with my partner and eat nachos, film video game videos with my brother
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Hmm…that’s really tricky to put a finger on. ‘Lull’ by Andrew Bird is such a simple but captivating song.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Stop putting yourself down.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
You don’t play, the music plays you and if you let it and remain open to where it wants to take you you’ll always be happily surprised.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Infinite love is the only truth. Everything else is illusion.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Into The Abyss Records on Locke St North.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
My couch.
2/ Who do you see first?
My partner Lindsey.
3/What do you eat first?
Nachos.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Don’t forget anything! Uh picks, song lyrics, pedal case, hugs, guitar…yeah!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yep!
Facebook
Instagram
