Photo by Brendan Ko

Who is the Dark Horse? How does or did it have a connection to The Besnard Lakes?

We liked the classical connotation of the Dark Horse being the underdog. When that record came out we felt very much like the underdogs. We had already released one record independently which, although we're really proud of it, it didn't really go anywhere. Plus we didn't really know what we were doing, and that spirit also went into making the Dark Horse album.

How do you reflect on this album you put out 10 years ago? What has it been like to re-experience it and how do you expect the show at the Ukrainian Federation to feel?

Well, it garnered enough attention for us to still be doing what we do, so we are very grateful for it! It feels great to play those songs and know that it connected with people, and I think that feeling will come through when we play at The Ukrainian Federation. Playing POP Montreal for it as well will feel like a nice milestone, since we've played it back in the day.

For POP Montreal's Sweet 16, we're wondering, what characteristic hasn't changed about you since you were 16?

Oh gosh, 16! Well, in essence I'm still the same brat, I've just lived a little more.

What was the most rebellious thing you did when you were 16?

I shoplifted a couple times with a bunch of my gal pals. We got caught and were sent to do community service. My job was cutting the bindings off telephone books using this giant lathe. The lady who instructed me how to use it showed me her two chopped-off fingers from a mishap with the machine. Needless to say, I've never shoplifted since.

Tickets for the September 16th show on sale now.

The Besnard Lakes - Devastation