Montreal based artist Vernier is the brainchild of songstress Gen Vernier Blouin (also a member of folk duo Domestic Crisis Group). Her first single, P.S (I Forgot The Words) is released today ahead of the forthcoming album “Things We Do For Love,” due February 10th. Vernier’s vulnerable yet punchy torch songs will seize your dark heart just in-time for Valentine’s Day.
We caught up with Gen to find out more….
MR: What inspired you to create something on your own rather than with Domestic Crisis Group?
Gen: I actually did this before DCG with another bandmate (that stopped playing music) but shelved it when I met Dane.
MR: How did the music you grew up listening to as a kid influence the sounds of the music you’re creating now?
Gen: Plenty! I grew up loving bands with great pop hooks like The Police, Depeche Mode, the Bangles and INXS. While the music repertoire I’d listen to grew to include darker, noisier stuff, when it comes down to composing I tend to revert back to catchy melodies.
MR: You call your sound “melancholy grunge pop”. What other artists would you put in that category, if any?
Gen: A friend and I came up with that category based on what my vocals are often described as (melancholic), the era it recalls most (Grunge) and Pop because of most of the choruses that have a pop quality to them. I’m sort of a loner so I’m not sure who to include in that category!
MR: What song are you most proud of on the album?
Gen: They’re not the obvious ones…I think Heaven and Trouble are my favorite but Birthdays and Brickwalls are the two that have resonated most with people I shared the album with so far.
MR: How do you feel Montreal has influenced you?
Gen: When you travel away from MTL you realize how much of a blend of influences compose you that are uniquely “Montreal”. I think it’s the same with music; Montreal is a melting pot and I think that comes through. Living in a place where the cost of living is low buys an artist access to other influences, instruments/tools and time to process that.
MR: What are your favourite places in the city and why?
Gen: I have called NDG home for the last 6 years. My usual haunts are in Griffintown, St-Henri and Westmount village because it’s close and I love the architecture in those areas, as well as the energy one feels from all the new spots that have opened up.
MR: Are there any local bands you’re excited by at the moment?
Gen: I’ve been hibernating so I say the following based on what I’ve heard on blogs etc and not live shows: Black Atlass, Tommy Kruise, Foxtrott and Mori.
MR: Any plans to play live?
Gen: This project is self-financed so my ability to get a band together will likely be based on interest from something “organized” like a festival or good line-up where I can get a hand paying my players. Saying this might make me sound less passionate in the expected “I MUST PLAY OR I’LL DIE” way but it’s the reality of being a solo artist wanting to play live with talented musicians that are experienced. These people aren’t 16 years old and often have families to feed. HELP ME FEED THE FAMILIES PEOPLE!!! LOL. In all seriousness, we live in an era when everyone expects everything for free, especially in Montreal and that needs to change.
MR: What does the next 12 months hold for Vernier?
Gen: I’d love for a tune to get picked-up for a film, TV or other, get college radio plays or maybe even something national or international…I’m just happy to finally put this project out there really.
