In preparation for this weekend's transmitChina shows, I had to opportunity to chat (via email) w/ Manotick rock quartet Hollerado's singer Menno Versteeg, guitarist Nixon Boyd and bassist Dean Baxter. Enjoy . . .

City Weekend: So, how did this whole TransmitChina thing come together for you? When did you find out you were coming here? What was your initial reaction?

Dean Baxter: Well our initial reaction was "holy crap I can't believe we're going to China!" then it was "Oh that makes sense, we're not going to China." then it went a little some like "OH Man, we're back on! I can't believe it again!" then there was the familiar, "Oh we're not going, I really had my heart set on it that time" But as of 30 minutes ago, I can't believe it, we just bought our tickets so like it or not, we're heading over.

Nixon Boyd: yup

CW: What are your preconceived notions about China? What anything you're expecting to see?

Dean: All I know about China unfortunately comes from movies, so, I guess I expect to see a lot of film crews, maybe Owen Wilson. Other than I have no expectations other than having a good time and soaking up as much culture as I can while we're there.

Nixon: I have an idea of what to expect because I lived in Hong Kong for a bit, but I don't assume it'll be the same everywhere else in the country. I'm hoping to see some cool sights - there's a lot of anticipation for me, maybe because Beijing was in the spotlight for the Olympics.

Menno Versteeg: I want to eat scorpion? can you really do that?

CW: Sure can . . . CW: Do you or what Chinese bands have you heard of? Are there any Chinese artists you're excited to see and hear?

Dean: Not that I expect to see them, but I do like the band Lonely China Day. That's the only Chinese band I know, but they definitely rock, and if I had the chance I would love to go see them.

Menno: I really dig a band called brain failure. I was on the warped tour a few years ago at the same time as them and they we're a fantastic band. hilarious stage banter too.

CW: This TransmitChina deal sort of uses rock bands as diplomatic and cultural ambassadors, but what are your personal goals with this Chinese tour? How do you see these shows helping your band's growth in China and also what possible affects do you see stemming as a result of this influx of Canadian bands in China?

Dean: As a personal goal, I just want to make a good first impression so we can come back again. From what I can gather China has a great music with some of the most amazing fans in the world. I would love to be a part of that scene someday. And I hope China as a whole will be a sought after music venue for all Canadian acts, because we'd love to have that Chinese Indie over here, so lets just blow it wide open, and make some sweet puppy love!

Menno: I would love to make a name for ourselves in China. I know that won't happen on our first trip, but hopefully we can make enough of an impact to give us an excuse to come back. We have actually booked our own tour for after the transmitChina tour ends. We are playing some house party and random gigs in smaller cities, just to do some exploring and hopefully make some new friends.

CW: Actually, speaking of Canadian bands, there seems to be a crazy wave of them coming to China, most recently Fucked Up and D.O.A. . . . why do you think so many Canadian artists are coming to China?

Dean: It's a huge market, and like I said before, China has a great music scene with incredible support from the fans. It's not a surprise that bands go where they're appreciated.

Menno: Its funny how both bands that you mentioned are punk bands.....hhmmmmmm. its one of the last places on earth that has yet to be overun with crappy American mediocre radio rock drivel.

CW: Well, Nickelback are Canadian bro.

Nixon: I also think that the cultural differences attract Canadians. We're a curious folk.

CW: You guys are quite well known in Canada, but chances are, in China, most of the audience has yet to hear your music. How do you view the challenge of playing to a massive audience that isn't familiar with your work?

Menno: We are only just starting to become known in Canada, so up until recently we faced the challenge you just described as basically every show that was not in our hometown of Manotick, or in Montreal.

Dean: Yeah, we'll do what we usually do; pack on the smiles, have a great time, and try to make that huge stage feel as intimate as possible. We want them to feel like they are helping make all this fun, get them to just like the people on stage even before liking the music. If we can do that then the music thing is a piece of cake.

CW: You guys have one of the most fan friendly/ accessible websites I've ever seen (even including your band logo for bootleg distribution), which allows people to download your entire album from your site. The internet is also the number 1 medium for young Chinese music fans to access new information. What was your reason for making the whole thing free for download? Will you make a Chinese version of the website to make your music more widely accessible in China? How do you see the internet's role in the music industry bringing countries closer to one another?

Nixon: I wish we could get a Chinese version of our website. If someone could translate it they're welcome to. I guess the internet is the best platform the world has to build a musical network. It's neutral ground and artists can be almost wholly represented by their music alone. And the physical distance and cultural differences experienced between two people pretty much vanish, no matter what they're trying to accomplish.

Menno: It’s amazing that someone on the other side of the world can get to know us a little through wires and cables. If you are reading this...please go download our album www.hollerado.com It is totally FREE! no strings attached.

CW: For people that aren't familiar with your band, how would you describe your music? And what would you say to potential concert-goers to get them to come to your show?

Menno: We are a live band. our record sounds the same every time you listen to it. we hope you like it, but it is nothing like our live show. If you come to a show, it is our only job to guarantee that you have fun.

Nixon: Our music is for dancing and it's just rock music with a twist.

Dean: and loud guitars and lots of sing a longs.

Hollerado play at Anar on May 3rd along w/ Montreal's Final Flash