By Will McGuirk
Doubt is the source of Oshawa-based band Dizzy’s new single ‘Roman Candles’. Even after successful tours and a Juno win, doubt about music as a career choice can creep in. Katie Munshaw of the band, (which also includes the Spencer Brothers; Charlie, Alex and Mack) says she has even considered several times leaving the band and choosing a different path.
“The first time I told Charlie our drummer that I was thinking about leaving the band I think it scared him. He was dropping me off at home one night and I said it before I got out of the car and then we never spoke about it again. I think I’ve said it sporadically a dozen times since then and he always just listens and then let’s me decide if I want to bring it up again, and I never do. I think deep down I know I’m doing the right thing for me and I am happy with where I’m at, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare the shit out of me daily.”
That fear is explored in the new single just released and also in the accompanying video shot, Katie says, in a friend’s backyard in Alliston, ON. The song will be on the band’s forthcoming album, ‘The Sun & her Scorch.’
In the accompanying press release Katie says, “Roman Candles’ is about how insecure I feel being someone who’s pursued music as a job. I’ve often felt jealous of friends who’ve taken more traditional paths in life. Some have gone to university and have 9-to-5 jobs already and have to buy funny things like lawnmowers and cutlery. I know that sounds silly, but I have a real fear I’ll never own a home or be able to support a family because of the decision I’ve made, so of course that’s scary.”
Slowcity.ca wanted to know more so we dug in deeper. Lawnmowers and cutlery are signs of success yes, we agreed but asked Katie; What are your measures of success and who are your role models for success. Are there local successful musicians you can look to for a path?
“Haha those things sound a bit trivial when you say them back to me, don’t they?” she replied, “I really like this question because I’ve just recently started to think of success as something that looks different for individual people. I was talking to my friends about this the other day I was like “holy shit I feel like I’m falling behind, I’m barreling through my life with no sense of direction!” And they were like “why are you so concerned with buying a home? We don’t wanna buy homes yet?! Why are you thinking about settling down already? You’re in your twenties!” I think in the past I’ve made the mistake of marrying money and success as things that cannot exist without each other, which just isn’t true. I mean it’s something, of course, but under the umbrella of success financial success is just one category. My markers of success right now are being able to keep making music as my job and to keep writing songs with my band that I’m proud of. Would I like to buy a home that I can slink around in a nightgown with a martini in my hand, while hosting a neighbourhood Tupperware party, sure! Is it the end of the world if that doesn’t happen? Yes! Just kidding. No.
For all those who grow up in town where arts matter little it is normal for artists pursuing their passion to ask such questions. And maybe for Dizzy there have been few role models from Oshawa to point to and see how the dream of working at your passion is possible. Its something Oshawa as a city may need to explore but now at least younger bands can see a path forward lit by the “Roman Candles” set off by Dizzy.