What do you get when you throw three drummers and a bass player together? You get Malcolm & the Moonlight – a lovely throwback to swingy ’60s melodies with a touch of mischief. Oh, and this band only has one drummer. Malcolm Holt and bandmates, Ryan Betts and Daniel Knowlton, share some sass with Sad Mag dishing on the band and Vancouver music. Be sure to check out their show and EP Release on Friday, March 4th at the Astoria.
Sad Mag: Who is in the band?
Malcolm Holt: Myself, Malcolm Holt. I strum the guitar, attempt to sing, but mostly just play the fool.
Then there’s the lovely Daniel Knowlton on bass. He’s pretty to look at, but as empty as an Oklahoma grain silo after a long summers drought. Just Kidding, He’s a swell fellow with a heart of gold but a temper that puts my drunk daddy to shame. Nah, Just kiddin’ again there, my Daddy’s a swell fella too, in fact he puts ol’ Dan Knowlton to shame.
The cymbals and skins are beaten like a ten dollar gigolo on Davie by the sharpest tool in our shed of rusty hoes. That’s Mr. Ryan Betts I speak of. He’s a real shiny diamond in a sea of clams.
Adam Veenendaal picks up six on the lead guitar. He’s the most neurotic axe slinger since my gran Pappy Schlomo. But that’s really saying something cause ol’ Schlomo Bernstein was one hell of a Jew. Adam’s probably one political argument away from giving up on society as a whole, retreating into a cave, and becoming a true guru of sound and silence.
SM: How did you all meet?
MH: At a Handy man’s retreat at Cultus Lake. Adam, Daniel, and I brought our tools. Ryan on the other hand, mislead by the retreat’s name, showed up with his “tool” in hand, looking to get serviced.
SM: What’s your favourite part of working together?
Ryan Betts: Malcolm has been one of my favourite drummers in Vancouver for the last few years. He pretty much sealed the deal at the Rickshaw last year during the Quadruple Dare release party when he knocked a beer can someone threw at him clean out of the air with a thrown drumstick … and didn’t miss a beat. So, it’s great to be backing him.
MH: Thanks Ry Ry.
SM: What sorts of things inspire your music?
MH: I’m really inspired by all walks of the musical life. I grew up on the Beatles, Everly Brothers, Michael Jackson, and all the Motown greats. I cant help but have that influence me when I sit down to write. Then there’s teenage Holt that peaks his wide eyes through. If you listen close enough you might hear a dose of Hot Water Music, The Specials, and Alkaline Trio.
SM: How do you find the music scene in Vancouver?
MH: Just step out your front door and follow your nose to the smelliest part of town.
Daniel Knowlton: OKCupid.com
SM: What’s with the name?
MH: Well, it seems like lead singers don’t ever really get enough credit or attention, putting my name in the title would surely change this unjust tradition.
SM: This is quite a departure from your former band Fake Shark Real Zombie, Malcolm. What gives?
MH: After a life time of banging hollow shells wrapped in skin at the back of a dark stage it made me want to grab a guitar and take centre stage. Playing drums did the same thing, too! Hey Oh.
Damaged Goods presents: Malcolm & the Moonlight Album Release Party
The Astoria
Friday, March 4th, 10:00 pm
RSVP on Facebook
Photographs: Tina Krueger Kulic