Sad Mag loves Top Less. Getting to know the seven-piece Vancouver-based band for our “Glamour” issue (#11), for which they graced the cover in sparkle-tie dye glory, it’s been a joy watching them grow and evolve ever since. Herewith, a little insight and a little excitement from Mike Shindler, Top Less’s vocalist and guitarist. NEW ABLUM! NEW SHOWS!
Sad Mag: Who are you?
Mike Shindler: Mike from Top Less
SM: How did you get involved in the music scene in Vancouver?
MS: I started making hot beats with my friend Donne (Top Less). Also hanging out with some of the Vancouver music crowd through our friends Hey Ocean. They intro’d us to Shad and Dan and some other sweet folks.
SM: What was the first musical performance that you felt proud of?
MS: When we opened for Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head at Media Club. It was such a sweaty little party but it was incredibly fun. We ended up becoming really good friends with that NPSH after this gig and remain really close. They’re amazing people.
SM: What do you think the music scene in Vancouver is lacking?
MS: Venues!!! We had one perfect venue, Richards, and then it was torn down for condos. We need more venues. More small venues for small acts to play in, more of a focus on indie music, art music, and less liquor laws. Everything will be alright Vancouver if we relax some of these anti party laws.
SM: Favourite Vancouver musicians?
MS: Shad, Hannah Epperson, Dave Vertesi, We are the City, Hey Ocean, Humans
SM: Favourite musical genre?
MS: Dancey Pop right now.
SM: Best Vancouver venue/night for seeing said genre?
MS: I guess Biltmore always has pretty good music but it’s slim pickings out there for venues in this city. Celebrities is great.
SM: Where are you as you answer these questions?
MS: In my office—fully clothed.
SM: Last album you listened to?
MS: I’m super behind the times but the last album I listened to on my phone was Penguin Prison… the last album I listened to on vinyl was Black Star.
SM: What are you most excited about right now?
MS: Really excited about our upcoming shows in Victoria Sept 4, Vancouver at VENUE Sept 5, Calgary at Hifi Sept 8.