Calgary’s Music Scene is a series which will be exploring a variety of local bands’ perspectives on Calgary’s music industry. It will also look at areas of improvement, and how we as appreciators of music can help support emerging local artists.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Suburban Moms band members Maya and Sophia Roddick. The band is self-described as a female punk band, who does not shy away from their feminist undertones.
Maya (right center) and Sophia (center), along with other members of the Girl’s Rock Camp Calgary 2015 source
Suburban Moms first came into existence during the summer of 2015 after the two sisters, Maya and Sophia joined the Calgary Girl’s Rock Camp. The two band members got to record alongside Josh Gwilliam who helped develop their hit Suburban Mom. At the ages of only 15 (Maya) and 13 (Sophia), the two have already had many amazing accomplishments such as having their song played on Calgary’s local radio station CJSW and performing in 2015’s Femme Wave, a feminist art festival.
What inspired you to first create a band?
Maya: Well we were in a camp thing. Nicola and Micha from Micha and the Spanks were really helpful to us and kind of showed us how to become a band.
Sophia: Basically we felt the music in our soul and it just kind of rapidly through the rhythm. (Laughs)
Have you always had a passion for music?
Sophie: The music is the passion. (Laughs)
Maya: Sophie really likes music. She liked singing since she was little and I play guitar and was always interested in the drums.
How have you found the Calgary music scene so far?
Maya: The Calgary music scene is good because everyone supports each other, and even though there aren’t that many all-ages venues, all the venues that are all-ages are super hyped to be a part of helping us become a better band.
Which specific places have helped emerging bands like yours?
Maya: Emmedia and Tubby Dog (of course).
Sophia: CJSW.
Maya: Yeah CJSW too, even though it’s not a venue. The Ship and Anchor, the Palomino.
Why do you think its is important to help out local bands?
Maya: Because you have to start out somewhere you know? It’s really important because people who want to be a part of music can realize that music isn’t this massive thing that you can’t get a hold of or ever touch. If you just see music as massive pop stars, then you are never gonna be a part of it. It kind of brings people into liking music more.
What can people do to help out the Calgary music scene/ local bands?
Maya: They should go out and see some shows. Maybe start your own band and talk to your friends about their bands. Go to Tubby Dog! Buy some hot dogs. (Laughs)
What do you have planned next for the Suburban Moms?
Maya: The Suburban Moms has kind of taken a backseat right now because Lauren Yardley and I have started a band which Sophie might also be a part of and also Landon Stephens. We’re setting up some stuff right now that’s feminist, punk stuff. Purity Ring said we could record an album with them.
Sophia: Yeah, Purity Ring said we could record an album with them.
That’s awesome! How have bigger bands like Purity Ring helped your band so far?
Maya: Big bands like little bands because they know that they were there too. Purity Ring has helped us and so has The High Kicks. The drummer helped teach me how to drum and we were going to open for them but the gig didn’t end up working out because Sophie is too angsty. (laughs) Grade 8 is tough, you know?
My interview with Suburban Moms left me hopeful in knowing that many larger bands were open to helping out emerging artists. It is easy to forget that all great musicians start somewhere, and by going to concerts and actively listening to emerging local artists, we as citizens can help smaller bands reach their full potential.
