Photos by Alex Cairncross
FUCK THE FACTS
Interview With Melanie Mongeon (Vocals)
By Kimberly Brown
Photos by Alex Cairncross
When you hear the words, female and heavy music, you probably think of mainstream acts such as EVANESCENCE and LACUNA COIL. Canada’s FUCK THE FACTS is here to bring female vocalists to the next level of metal. Fast-forward 12 years and multiple line up changes, including 2 male vocalists, FUCK THE FACTS have finally found the balanced mix they always strived for without ever compromising their dream for the band. Their latest EP, Die Miserable, is an uncompromised wrath of fury with the essential speed and forcefulness that is proving to us once again that Relapse Records never disappoints.
What is your personal favorite accomplishment since FUCK THE FACTS started out?
I would pick our first European tour. We wanted to go tour Europe for years but it seemed so tricky to prepare. Here, we can just book shows, put our gear in the van, and drive to where we need to play. Europe involves way more logistics then playing in North America. It was also really fun from a tourist point of view.
Was all the line up changes at the beginning of the band discouraging? What made you want to keep trying?
At some point, many years ago, I remember it feeling heavy on our shoulders. I remember Topon and I sat down together to attack the issue. We then both felt strongly about the direction of the band. We wanted to play a lot of shows and write and record a lot of music, basically doing what we loved. We knew this would result on some members leaving the band, but we knew it was the right way to go. Now that I look back on it, I am glad we stayed strong in our goals. We now have the chance to have a line up and it has been the same for over 3 years, with people that share that enthusiasm. It’s fucking great.
What are some of the changes you see in yourself as a musician over the past decade since FUCK THE FACTS formed?
I can’t drink as much on the road? No seriously, I think I gained more control of my voice over the past 10 years, which is kind of normal I guess.
How does the metal scene in Canada differ from the US?
There are fewer bands touring Canada then the US, so I think the scene at home is a little less jaded.
What is the biggest surprise about the music industry you learned after getting signed?
I believe that you have to still be DIY even if you are signed on a label. They won’t do everything for you, unless you bring them a lot of cash!
What is the best advice another band gave you? Or the best advice you’ve ever received music related?
The singer from MALEFACTION, in 2003, suggested I should try tea or herbal tea before shows. I still do it up to this day. In the same era, a young girl at a show taught me that drinking dairy before a set is not great for vocals. I then learnt from actors I had to deal with for work related purpose, that they often stop dairies 2 weeks before the premiere. It’s great advice and I can tell the difference in my voice if I follow it.
Who are some of your favorite Canadian bands and/or friends bands from your hometown that you’d like readers to check out?
ALASKEN and BIIPIIGWAN are two great bands from our hometown.
What is FUCK THE FACTS favorite tour they’ve been apart of? Favorite bands to tour with?
We got lucky and we had shit loads of awesome tour mates. So I’ll stick to 2011 to make it easier. We just finished a tour with KEN MODE last spring, great fucking dudes and musicians. We now on the road, playing 4 shows with MEEK IS MURDER, they are rad as well. I wished we had more shows with them! And in a month, we will be on a tour with MISERY INDEX. We toured with them in 2006; they were fucking great and so down to earth.
What song by FUCK THE FACTS holds the most meaning to the band?
For me, I guess I would pick “Dead in The Ruins of Your Own City”, on Stigmata High-Five. The lyrics deal with an issue I had a hard time with, the tragic death of a good friend, and putting it into words helped the healing process.
What does the band do to unwind when they aren’t on tour?
We unwind on tour and stress out at home! Haha. I am serious. At home, we love to BBQ! FTF barbecues are the best. We use to do fire pits as well with these barbecues, until a fireman came over after a neighbor called and told us it was illegal. Bouhou.
What is the one thing you miss the most when you’re out on tour?
I don’t miss touring when I am home and I don’t miss home really when I am on tour, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be food. I like cooking, and I cook all my meals, healthy vegetarian meals. We eat so much garbage on the road.
