Canadian band Choke have been together for 10 years and have never changed their line up. I got the chance to ask drummer Stefan some questions. Read on to find out about tours, their CDs, their label and Michael Moore.

First of all, how are you and what have you been up to recently?

We’re really busy these days. First of all, we’ve been putting a lot of time into writing for our next record and on top of that, we’re preparing for a cross Canada tour. We haven’t played in about eight months so there’s a lot of work to be done. Some of the songs we’re re-learning haven’t been played in years.

What was your first gig like? How does it compare with the kind of shows you play now?

Our first show was at a now defunct club in the middle of nowhere in Edmonton, The Down Easy. It was with Drexyl’s Eye and Punched Unconcious, a couple local bands that have since broken up. It would have been may long weekend of 1994, and we had to drive my VW van back from where we were camping and then drive back that same night. I remember hallucinating while driving back because I was so tired. I don’t remember exactly how many people were at that show, but at the time it seemed like a lot. Looking back now though, the club was probably mostly empty. These days we do really well across Canada and we’ve played some really good shows in parts of the US. We’ve managed to build ourselves a strong fan base by just touring for ten years.

You've played with a lot of different bands. Is there any show or tour that particularly stands out in your memory?

The most memorable and inspiring bunch of shows we’ve ever played was definitely the cross Canada Smallman Records tour with our close friends Moneen and Layaway Plan. It was more than just a bunch of shows; there was a definite family type bond between everyone there and I think that carried over to the crowds. The biggest show couldn’t compare with the fun we had on that trip.

How do you deal with being on the road for so long when you're touring? Is there anything you can't do without?

There’s nothing we really can’t go without. We can get coffee from any gas station if we have to - although it might not be the greatest, it’ll do the trick.

Is it right that you haven't had a line-up change in all your years of being in the band? That's pretty rare to find these days, why do you think you've lasted so long together?

We’ve been the same four guys since ’94. We’ve managed to develop our friendship through the last ten years to the point where we all accept each other’s quirks. It’s really just a matter of being laid back. There seems to be a point right around the two year mark where bands tend to snap. The stronger personalities that clash seem to rip the members apart. I think we just happened to work through that period and grow to love each other like family. We simply learned to live and work together.

How did you become associated with Smallman records?

We got wind of each other through Layaway Plan who were already on the small Winnipeg label. Rob and Jason, from the label, came to see us play and we hung out for a bit. There was a similar sense of what music was all about between us and that’s what attracted us to the label. It was more than just a business to them. We became friends helping each other out. They have done so much for us that we can’t even begin to describe. If we hadn’t met those guys, I’m not even sure we would still be a band.

What advice would you give to bands just starting out who are looking to get signed?

All I can say is that good people helping each other out is worth more than a big label with tons of money... That is, depending on what you’re looking for out of the deal. But if you just like to play and want to do your own thing, keep plugging away at it and look for friends.

Out of all your albums, which would you say you like most? Are there any tracks that you would single out as being your favourites?

The answer to that will always be whichever the newest album is. I think that’s the way it works for pretty much everybody. Our favorite songs off our last record, There’s a Story to this Moral, are probably Far From True, Concrete Timeline, Fallout Leader, and Framed in Poor Light. That being said, our favorite songs right now would have to bet the new demo we just recorded.

Do you have any heroes or people you really look up to?

Musically, I personally look up to Fugazi who has always done whatever it is they wanted to while staying true to their ideals. Every album of theirs is also a progression. Non musically, I really like Michael Moore. I have to admire a regular guy who finds the courage to fight the unbeatable and speak out against the U.S. government.

What music are you listening to at the moment? Are there any up-and-coming bands you think deserve recognition?

The couple albums that are changing my life right now are the Mars Volta, De-loused in the Comatorium, and the Constantines, Shine a Light. On a smaller level, there’s Despistado and our friends Ghosts of Modern Man, both from Regina, Saskatchewan, and from Edmonton, Our Mercury is really good.

What has the band got planned next?

Our plan at the moment is just to finish writing our next record for release in the fall, to follow it up with some North American touring. We also really want to make it over to Europe in the next short while.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to add or promote?

Uh, not really. Rock on.

Thanks a lot to Stefan for the interview! To find out more about Choke, check out their site, www.chokeonline.com.