Catching Up With Dinosaur Bones

So I had the good fortune of interviewing Toronto-based alt-rock band Dinosaur Bones. You might have heard their song "N.Y.E" on the radio, or seen them live at Edgefest or SXSW. Let me just say that this band has got talent. If you haven't heard them, their style is kinda like Foster the People mixed with Blind Pilot. Their songs are mellow, they're great in concert, and they were nice enough to let me interview them! Here's what I found out in my email interview with Ben Fox.

Tell us a bit about the band- origins, inspirations, interesting facts?

We're from Toronto, Ontario. We're inspired by the success of Canadian artists. And fun fact: D-Bones keyboard player Dave Wickland is an accomplished flutist.

Where did the name "Dinosaur Bones" originate?

I saw it in a dream in bright shining lights. Sort of like that scene in Boogie Nights.

You recently performed at Edgefest, along with the Arkells and Tokyo Police Club. What kind of experience was that for you?

That was an incredibly fun day. The Arkells and TPC are two bands we've gotten to tour with and become friends, as well as The Reason and Hollerado. So it was really great for all of us to be playing the same festival. It was like a family reunion. And with all of us crashing eachother's sets throughout the day, shaking tambourines and singing along, I have a feeling it was pretty obvious we were all having the best time. And to top it off, I'm pretty sure that was the biggest crowd we've played for thus far. Pretty bonkers.

What's been your all-time favorite venue to play?

Well, the Horseshoe Tavern has become sort of our home base, so I definitely have to show them some love. But I think the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver may take the cake. Such an incredible venue, we're really lucky to have gotten the chance to play there. The Phoenix in Toronto is really fun to play as well. It's always exciting when you get to play some of the bigger venues in your home town.

Do people recognize you on the streets?

Haha, occasionally when we're out at other shows, but its not like we have people running up and asking for autographs. We're not exactly the Jonas Brothers (remember them??).

I've been hearing your song "N.Y.E" on the radio all summer. Can you tell me a bit about the song (the writing process, inspiration, etc).

I wrote that song shortly after moving back to Toronto from Montreal where I was going to school. It centers around the cause-and-effect of making that move and choosing to leave important things behind. It's kind of funny having our radio single turn out to to be the song that's closest to my heart.

Who would your dream collaborator be, living or dead?

John Lennon.

The artist/band you dream of being compared to is:

John Lennon. I realize that makes no sense considering our music, but I'd probably put him down as the greatest songwriter of all time.

What's the best part of being in a band? The worst?

Best: Quitting your day job. Worst: Realizing that was dumb and getting a new day job.

Any parting wisdom?
Eat your veggies. And support the bands you love!