In The Know...11 Questions w/ Hot Panda

Like a lot of ambitious Canadian bands, Edmonton foursome Hot Panda are no stranger to touring and promoting their music in the flesh. The quartet are currently out and about in support of their sophomore release, How Come I'm Dead?, an unabashedly whimsical record that makes their genre-evading styling even harder to classify. There's a disparate art-rock track; a blast of psychedelic post-rock; a playful hip-hop track; and even some bouncy and melodic indie-pop numbers. And what makes How Come I'm Dead? work is that the members of Hot Panda are, well, talented enough to pull off all these sounds and styles and clearly have a lot of fun doing so.

I recently caught up with vocalist/guitarist Chris Connolly and asked him 11 questions. Discussed: the most underrated band in the nation; why he brings his own microphone everywhere; and who would win a fight between Stewart and Colbert.

Catch Hot Panda this Sunday at the Lo Pub.

1. Where are you right now?

Sitting in my living room on a sunny winter day in Vancouver.

2.What are some albums that completely changed your life?

Pulp - Different Class
The Strokes - Is This it?
The Beatles - White Album
Velvet Underground - White Light/White Heat
Mercury Rev - Desserter Songs
Belle and Sebastian - Tigermilk

3. Of the records you own, which has the best cover art?

Some Girls by The Rolling Stones.








4. Who is the most underrated Canadian band at the moment?

Nickelback? But seriously The Wet Secretes! What a party!

5. What’s one piece of equipment absolutely essential to your live show?

Gotta be the microphone. My own microphone, I get grossed out at sharing microphones with other people.

6.What is your favourite music video?



I love that UNKLE video for Rabbit in Your Headlights. Or may Setting Sun by the Chemical Brothers.

7. What tv shows are you currently following?

Mad Men, The Office, Deadwood, Breaking Bad, Big Love, 30 Rock, Daily Show...

8. What book(s) are you currently reading?

I Drink for a Reason by David Cross.

9. Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert?

In a fight? Stephen Colbert, he's got a way longer reach.

10. What’s your current ring tone?

It just vibrates. I'm all business.

11. And finally, would you rather have the ability to fly or turn invisible?

Easy. Fly. Next question. Wait. It's over. Easy.