Backstage at the Royal Canoe show was a bit of a madhouse as all six members prepared for the show. Those 12 hands become a well-oiled machine onstage to execute this Winnipeg genre-smashing band's weird and wonderful songs, but in the green room six band members plus beer quickly becomes a party.

Lead vocalist Matt Peters and I left the busy backstage area at Fortune Sound Lounge and went for a bit of a walk on a nice summer evening. We ended up at Vancouver landmark Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which was a perfect place for a chat.

While Matt and I enjoyed the tranquility of the first Chinese or "scholars" garden built outside of China, we did the interview. Here's a few of the things we chatted about. What it's like to describe your musical genre to border guards (and why this can cause trouble). How songwriting is like group therapy. Getting your gear stolen while on tour and finding it in your heart to forgive thieves. Approaching songwriting like hip hop producers. What my favorite Royal Canoe song "Bathtubs" is about--one of the best song origin stories ever! What piece of equipment is The band's secret weapon. Listen!

Tracks played on the show...

1) Royal Canoe, Today We're Believers (2013) "Bathtubs"

2) Royal Canoe, Today We're Believers (2013) "Button Fumbla"

3) Royal Canoe, Today We're Believers (2013) "Today We're Believers"

4) Royal Canoe, Today We're Believers (2013) "Birthday"

ALL songs CANCON