by Beth Fhaner

Pat Vaz has heard it all. As the vocalist/guitarist and founding member of Daydream Nation, he’s used to hearing shit about his band’s name, whose moniker is taken from the revered Sonic Youth album. But Vaz just thought the name was cool, and since he didn’t sound anything like the aforementioned, he decided to keep it. The singer/songwriter also admits it turned out to be a blessing as critics initially had an obvious target to take aim at rather than detracting from the music itself.

Now those same critics are focusing intently on the indie band’s kick-ass arena shoegazing sound.

After releasing a self-titled debut that was recorded in his hometown of Ottawa, Canada, Vaz hooked up with L.A.-based drummer Hunter Crowley, formerly of Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Warlocks, among other bands. In L.A. the duo, along with a few other notable musicians (Brent Rademaker, John Hennessey, Dave Koenig et al.), recorded Daydream Nation’s second full-length album, “Bella Vendetta” which has garnered critical acclaim and comparisons to early Swervedriver, Oasis, The Jesus & Mary Chain, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

With another release due out in early 2006, the frequent-flyer miles continue to add up for DN’s frontman. Modern Fix recently chatted with Vaz from his home in Canada about British influences, L.A. versus Ottawa, and the future of Daydream Nation.

How do you make the band work with you living in Ottawa and Hunter in L.A.?
Pat Vaz: I think the distance between Hunter and myself is actually a positive thing. Most bands spend way too much time around each other creatively and end up like we do anyhow, hookin’ up with each other when its time to get down to work. It keeps everything fresh and it keeps friendships intact.

What was your overall vision for “Bella?”
I didn’t really have any idea as to what it was going to be. I just wanted to see what would happen if I lost myself in a giant studio with the songs. And I relied solely on the moment to craft the songs on tape. It was incredibly exciting. My whole idea was to just let it flow naturally and to let the moment pull me along. I just let everybody play their hearts out and let them connect to the music in their own way. Then I would jump in and cross my ideas with theirs, and get the job done. It was fucking brilliant, pure creativity without any restraint or preconceived ideas. I just wanted it to be a huge rock record with a lot of soul and conviction.

Tell us about the exclusive track you have coming out on the London label AC30 Records.
Robin, the label boss, got in touch with me last year. He had heard about us through various circles in London. AC30 puts out a lot of great music and I have a lot of respect for what they’re doing over there, so I’m glad we’re finally doing something together. I really want to focus on the U.K this year. A lot of great music is going on over there and it’s time we try to make some headway. Besides, every band I love is from that island! We’re also putting, “A Passing Notion” on Northern Star Records’ next compilation this year. They’re out of the U.K as well, so it’ll be cool to share some plastic with a host of killer bands.

Your third album is going to be somewhat different than the first two. How has Daydream Nation’s sound evolved?
The new stuff sounds a lot grittier than the first two. I didn’t really know where to go after, “Bella.” That record is the record I had wanted to make for the last five years. I really had to hit the drawing board again and figure out where I was going to take the band. I’ve always had a love for early Stones “Beggars Banquet” era stuff. I love the sheer destructive force of that music, so I decided I wanted to strip away the multiple overdubs and set about writing songs that were carried by more swaggering grooves and meaner-sounding, more calculated riffs.

Do you think there might come a time in your career when you’ll need to relocate to Los Angeles?
I think about that a lot. L.A. would be fun, but there are a whole host of problems, including work visas, etc. I think if I get to the point where I could afford to do it, I would spend a lot more time down there. But you know, I love Canada. It’s a cool country, it’s home obviously, and I like the fact that I live in a town that isn’t consumed with the cool factor. Ottawa isn’t full of haircuts and attitude, it’s just another sleepy Canadian town. But who knows, the warm weather is
certainly a nice perk, especially when I’m freezing my balls off in the winter! I don’t think we’re a major label type band, and people go to L.A for the big time. I really couldn’t give a shit about trying to fit into that whole “trying to make it” bullshit that comes with Los Angeles. I make records. I’m too busy to go around kissing A&R ass.

Is there anything else you want to add?
Dig around for your music, there are loads of great bands out there. Watching MTV and reading Spin for a great new band is like waiting for the Titanic to arrive. It’s never gonna happen!

daydreamnation.ca

2004 “Bella Vendetta” (Elephant Stone Records)
2003 “Daydream Nation” (Elephant Stone Records)