A song is a key for locked memory boxes. A song can transport you back through time, giving you a chance to relive moments and ideas that occurred back when you first heard that song. A song is not just a song; it is also a story.

Before Graham (Jones) and I played in bands together, I used to go watch his bands play despite not really being into them. It was mostly because I just wanted to hang out with him and get out of my house. He always seemed so detached from the Kelowna metal scene he was involved in, so when I’d go to these shows I felt like I had a friend I could at least relate to. After he would play, we would hang out in his car or van and listen to all of the new music that we’ve heard and were desperately eager to share.

One night, when his band had finished, Graham and I were having beers outside of his car listening to My Morning Jacket – a band we were really into at the time. When the song “Anytime” came on, we immediately took the speakers out of his car, put them on the roof and cranked it and sang along. Eventually, a crowd of people gathered around and started dancing – which ignited a parking lot party to the song.

I’ll never forget the contrast: Inside was this dark, sweaty metal show where hundreds of people were screaming songs of pain and agony, and outside was Graham and I, and our newfound band of misfits screaming this wonderful song of joy – except we didn’t know the words! The irony is a particular lyric in the song: “All that I wanted to say – words only got in the way.” For that night at least, words didn’t matter.

- Jeff Innes (guitarist/vocals) of Yukon Blonde
Photos by Nicole Kibert

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