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Courtesy of Mobile
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2006 is the year of Mobile. While releasing a chart-climbing debut album Tomorrow Starts Today and gaining international recognition during a tour in the UK, the first Quebec rock/indie band to sign a recording contract with Interscope-Universal has also managed to receive a MuchMusic VA nomination for their "Out of My Head" video. We recently caught up with drummer Pierre-Marc Hamelin.
Montréal Magazine: Congratulations on your MuchMusic Video Association nomination for "Out of My Head." What has been the greatest obstacle so far on your road to success?
Mobile: We've had a lot of obstacles in our way, but the task of securing a record deal was probably the hardest one. One of the biggest problems is that you can't really count on getting any help from anyone but yourself. We got some support from our parents, but it's not like in sports where you can develop your skills through an organized league, have coaches and sometimes get financial support. Also, record labels don't sign as many bands as they used to, so it's even harder.
MM: What has been the band's greatest accomplishment?
Mobile: Probably, having a number one video at MuchMusic with "Out of My Head"?especially when you consider that the album has only been out for three months.
MM: When and why did you realize that you needed to leave Montreal and move to Toronto?
Mobile: PWe made the decision in May 2003. We told ourselves that the band was going to break up if it didn't do something soon. We first wanted to go to New York but it was too expensive, so we chose Toronto because all the music industry in Canada is based there. We went out to a club called The Horseshoe Tavern, where new bands get a chance to play and where record label guys hang out. Once we had their attention, the only thing we could hope for is that they'd like our music.
Our greatest achievement so far is probably having a number one video at MuchMusic ...
especially when you consider that the album has only been out for three months.
MM: Would you recommend this move to other Montreal bands trying to make it?
Mobile: We would recommend it, but only if everything has been taken care of. Toronto is a pretty expensive city so there's a lot you have to consider. The five of us are really good friends so living in a two-bedroom apartment wasn't a problem. You have to learn to be patient because it takes a long time to reach your goal of signing a record deal. In the meantime, finding a job to pay the bills can also be a problem, because you don't want the job to take too much of your time if you want to concentrate on the music.
MM: How are you received when you come back and play in your hometown?
Mobile:The reaction is and has been simply amazing! Our last show at the Club Soda last April was the best one of our career! Whether it's because we're from here or they've known the band for a long time, we always feel a special bond with the crowd when we play in Montreal.
MM: After years of hard work and dedication finally paying off, what are some future goals and dreams for Mobile?
Mobile: First, we all wish that this album is going to do well around the world and, second, that we can look forward to a long and successful musical career which is pretty hard to do these days.
MM: In July, you toured the UK, arguably the home of some of the world's greatest bands of all time. How does one know they're ready for such a huge step in their musical careers?
Mobile: We play in Laval with Simple Plan on September 1st.
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